Freshly baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins with chocolate chips

Why Make This Recipe

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are a delightful treat, especially during the fall. They combine the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices with sweet, rich chocolate. These muffins are simple to make and are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate makes them moist and delicious. Plus, you can easily share them with friends and family!

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Making these muffins is straightforward and doesn’t take much time. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (see notes)
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
⅓ cup oil (vegetable or canola)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this bowl aside for now.
In a large bowl, beat together the pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs until everything is well combined.
Gradually add the dry mixture from the medium bowl into the wet ingredients. Mix until all the flour is blended in smoothly.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix.
Use a cookie dough scoop or a large spoon to fill the muffin liners. Fill each one about 2/3 of the way full.
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

These muffins are delicious on their own. However, you can serve them warm with a pat of butter for extra richness. They also pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can even sprinkle a little extra chocolate on top for a fun touch.

How to Store Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag, and they will stay good for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Tips to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix better into the batter.
If you want a stronger pumpkin flavor, you can increase the amount of pumpkin puree slightly.
For an extra flavor twist, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar, depending on your taste.

Variations

If you want to try something different, you can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate or even dried cranberries. Both options add new flavors and textures to the muffins.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure it is cooked and pureed smoothly before adding it to the batter.

2. How do I know when the muffins are done?
Check the center of a muffin with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the muffins are finished baking.

3. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are a tasty and easy recipe that anyone can make. With the right ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy these delicious treats at home. Whether for breakfast or a snack, they are sure to please everyone. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful muffins!