How To Make The Best Fall Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
When the weather turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, thereโs nothing better than baking with pumpkin. These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are soft, moist, and filled with warm fall flavors. The addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips makes them a perfect balance of spiced pumpkin and sweet chocolate, making them a favorite for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
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Why Youโll Love These Muffins
These muffins are quick and easy to prepare, taking only fifteen minutes to mix and less than twenty minutes to bake. They are packed with pumpkin puree for moisture and flavor, lightly spiced with pumpkin pie spice, and made extra delicious with chocolate chips in every bite. Unlike more complicated baked goods, these muffins are simple enough for weeknight baking, but tasty enough to serve for fall gatherings, bake sales, or holiday brunches.
Ingredients To Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ยพ cup granulated sugar
- ยผ cup brown sugar
- ยพ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- ยฝ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ยฝ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ยผ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ยผ teaspoon salt
- 1 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ยฝ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions To Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs and whisk until combined.
Next, add the baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Slowly fold in the all-purpose flour, mixing until the ingredients are just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake the muffins for 17 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
To keep the muffins moist, avoid overmixing the batter once the flour has been added. For a bakery-style look, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of each muffin before baking. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, add a pinch of extra cinnamon or nutmeg along with the pumpkin pie spice. These muffins also freeze well, so you can bake a batch, cool them completely, and store them in the freezer for quick snacks later on.
Fall Read-Aloud Book Pairings
One of the best ways to make this recipe even more meaningful for children is to connect it with a fall-themed story. After baking and enjoying these muffins, sit down together with a cozy book. A few wonderful choices include:
- Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper โ A beautifully illustrated story about three friends who learn about teamwork while making pumpkin soup together.
- The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger โ A gentle story about change and courage that ties perfectly with the fall season.
- The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry โ A moving tale about kindness, set in an autumn field.
- Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell โ A simple, classic story that celebrates traditional fall activities.
- Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano โ A wonderful story about acceptance and being unique, which also ties into pumpkin-themed snacks and activities.
Pairing a warm muffin with a cozy fall story creates a memorable classroom or family tradition.
Serving Ideas
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy fall breakfast. They make an excellent addition to lunchboxes or after-school snacks. For holiday gatherings, arrange them on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
A Fall Baking Favorite
Pumpkin and chocolate are a classic combination, and these muffins are proof that simple recipes often taste the best. With just a few pantry staples and a can of pumpkin puree, you can bake a batch of warm, spiced muffins that everyone will love. Whether you are baking for your family, your students, or a holiday get-together, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
