Name: Soft Banana Bread Cookies with Warm Spices and Chocolate Chips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour (Consider a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free alternative.); 1 teaspoon Baking soda (Acts as a leavening agent.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor.); 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (Adds warmth.); 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Ensure it's softened for easy creaming.); 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (Sweetens the cookies.); 1/2 cup Brown sugar (Adds depth of flavor.); 1 large Egg (Binds the ingredients.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Enhances the overall taste.); 2 small Mashed ripe bananas (Two small ripe bananas work best!); 1/2 cup Chopped walnuts (Optional; feel free to swap with pecans or omit.); 8 ounces Cream cheese (Ensure it's softened for easy blending.); 1 cup Powdered sugar (Sweetens the glaze.); 1-2 tablespoons Milk (Adjust for desired consistency.)

As the leaves begin to swirl and the crisp air of autumn settles in, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies wafting through the kitchen. These delightful treats capture the essence of fall with their soft, chewy texture, enriched by warm spices and sweet chocolate chips. What sets them apart, even more, is the velvety cream cheese glaze that adds a touch of decadence without overwhelming the senses. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these cookies are not only quick to whip up but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready to elevate your baking game with these rich and comforting Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies? Let’s dive in!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Soft, Chewy Texture: Each bite of these cookies is a warm hug, blending the softness of banana bread with the delightful chewiness of a cookie.
Unique Flavor Fusion: The combination of pumpkin, autumn spices, and chocolate chips creates a taste that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time—perfect for busy days!
Perfect for Sharing: These treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for gatherings or cozy afternoons with a warm drink. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’ll find a match made in heaven!
Endless Variations: Feel free to mix it up by adding your favorite nuts or spices to customize these cookies. If you love banana flavors, don’t miss out on trying these Banana Baked Oatmeal options too.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• All-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the cookie; consider a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free alternative.
• Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise beautifully.
• Salt – Enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and a spice depth that’s perfect for fall baking.
• Unsalted butter – Provides moisture and richness; ensure it’s softened for easy creaming.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to a delightful crispy edge.
• Brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor and additional moisture to the cookies.
• Large egg – Binds the ingredients together and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
• Vanilla extract – Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Mashed ripe bananas – Adds natural sweetness and moisture; two small ripe bananas work best!
• Chopped walnuts (optional) – Adds a lovely crunch and texture; feel free to swap with pecans or omit entirely.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze
• Cream cheese – Provides a tangy richness; make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the glaze and ensures a smooth, velvety finish.
• Milk – Thin out the glaze to your desired smooth consistency; keep it just right!

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to delight every palate; they perfectly blend the warmth of fall spices with a hint of bananas. Happy baking!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect environment for baking your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. This temperature ensures the cookies bake evenly, resulting in that delightful soft texture we all love. While the oven heats, it’s a great time to prepare your baking sheets.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This step not only blends the ingredients but also aerates the flour, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully. Set the bowl aside as we move on to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a rich, airy base for your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. The sweetness from both sugars will enhance the cookie’s overall flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Flavors
Beat in one large egg and the vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated. This should take about a minute, and you’ll notice the mixture become smooth and glossy. The egg binds everything together while adding moisture to these delicious cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. You’re looking for a soft dough that will still hold its shape when you add the next ingredients.

Step 6: Add Bananas and Walnuts
Gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas and optional chopped walnuts until they are just incorporated. The bananas add a delightful sweetness and moistness to these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, while walnuts bring a lovely crunch.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Step 8: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling process helps the flavors meld while maintaining that desirable soft, chewy texture.

Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy. This glaze adds a luscious finish to your cookies. Adjust the milk quantity as needed to achieve your desired consistency, making it drizzle-ready for the cookies.

Step 10: Drizzle Over Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the prepared cream cheese glaze over each cookie using a spoon or piping bag. The velvety glaze enhances the soft, cake-like texture of the cookies, taking your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies to a whole new level of indulgence.

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay soft and chewy, perfect for quick snacking!

Fridge: If you prefer your cookies chilled, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

Reheating: To warm, place cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that fresh-baked softness, making every bite of your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies just as delightful as the day they were made!

What to Serve with Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

As the aroma of warm spices fills the air, it’s time to think about what complements these delightful treats perfectly.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of these potatoes contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, making for a comforting meal.
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm cup of this seasonal beverage brings out the autumnal flavors in your cookies while providing a cozy, comforting drink.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enhance your pumpkin experience with this creamy and spiced coffee—it’s a match made in fall heaven!
Cheese Platter: Consider a selection of soft and tangy cheeses that pair well with the sweetness of your cookies for a delightful contrast.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Brighten up your dessert table with colorful fresh fruits—think tart cranberries or sweet apples—to balance the richness of the cookies.
Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of warm caramel over the cookies augments their sweetness and adds an enticing texture that’s hard to resist.
Whipped Cream Topping: Fluffy whipped cream served on the side can complement the cookies while enhancing their soft, velvety feel.
Chocolate Milk: A nostalgic, childhood favorite that pairs perfectly with this indulgent treat, adding a rich and creamy element to your snack!
Nutty Coffee: Prepare a warm cup of coffee brewed with a hint of nutty flavors to elevate the overall taste experience of these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: When served alongside your cookies, the silky ice cream creates a delightful contrast, melting together in every sweet bite.

Make Ahead Options

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep aficionados looking to save time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients as instructed, then cover and refrigerate the dough. If you prefer, the formed cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking. To maintain their delightful texture, avoid overmixing before baking and let the cookies cool completely before glazing. When you’re ready to serve, bake the cookies as directed and drizzle with the cream cheese glaze for that indulgent finishing touch—your family will think you baked them fresh just for them!

Variations & Substitutions for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Feel free to unleash your creativity and make these cookies your own with a few simple twists!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delightful gluten-free treat. Your gluten-sensitive friends will be so grateful you did!
Nutty Flavor Boost: Swap walnuts for pecans or even almond slices to enhance the texture and add a unique nutty flavor. Each nut offers its own delicious twist!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dry ingredients for an aromatic kick that perfectly complements the pumpkin. The warm spice notes will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter in place of unsalted butter for a delightful dairy-free alternative. Your cookies will still be wonderfully rich and satisfying!
Chocolate Overload: Substitute half of the chocolate chips with butterscotch or caramel chips for a fun, sweet surprise in every bite. It’s a great way to keep your family guessing with each delicious cookie!
Fruit Twist: Add chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or even a handful of chocolate-covered raisins to give an unexpected burst of flavor and sweetness. A combination of fruits and chocolate is simply heavenly!
Easy Glaze Alternative: For a lighter glaze, replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt, honey, and a hint of vanilla. This will give you a tangy, yet sweet finish, perfect for the health-conscious cookie lover!
Chocolate Chip Substitution: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for a delicious change. The sweetness or intensity of chocolate can change the whole dynamic of your cookies!

If you love the banana flavors in these cookies, you’ll want to check out my recipe for Banana Baked Oatmeal for even more delicious ideas!

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soften Your Butter: Ensure that your butter is fully softened before creaming. This helps incorporate air, resulting in light, fluffy cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Avoid mixing the dough too much after adding the flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft texture you desire.
Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cookies to cool completely before drizzling the cream cheese glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting into the cookies and losing its beautiful finish.
Use Ripe Bananas: For extra sweetness and moisture, opt for two small, ripe bananas. The natural flavor enhances the cookies while aligning perfectly with the pumpkin theme.
Spacing is Key: When scooping the dough onto the baking sheet, make sure to leave enough space between the cookies. They will spread slightly, and proper spacing ensures even baking.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! Use canned pure pumpkin for convenience, or if you prefer fresh, select a small sugar pumpkin. Look for firm pumpkins with even skin, avoiding those with dark spots or blemishes.

How should I store Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This method keeps them wonderfully soft and chewy. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them for up to 2 weeks, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! To freeze your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag where they can be stored for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds for that warm, fresh-baked taste!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
Very! If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, it’s likely that the butter wasn’t soft enough or you need to add a little more flour. Gradually mix in small amounts of all-purpose flour until the consistency is manageable. Just be cautious not to overmix, which could result in tougher cookies.

Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
If you have nut allergies, you can easily omit the chopped walnuts or replace them with a suitable alternative, such as sunflower seeds or oat flakes. Always double-check ingredient labels on all items to ensure they meet dietary needs.