The first crisp breeze of fall always makes me want to bake something cozy. There’s something special about the scent of pumpkin and spice filling the kitchen. These pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are perfect for chilly mornings, quick snacks, or an after-dinner treat. Soft, spiced, and dotted with melty chocolate chips, they bring pure comfort to your table.
Table of Contents
Why I Love It
I love this recipe because it’s so easy and forgiving — just one bowl, no mixer, and pantry-friendly ingredients. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate is pure magic: warm, rich, and satisfying without being too sweet. Plus, these muffins stay moist for days, making them a reliable go-to whether I’m baking for my family or packing treats for a friend. Honestly, every bite feels like a cozy hug on a cool day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy one-bowl recipe:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup milk (any type works)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
(or 1½ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp allspice, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp cloves) - 1½ cups white whole wheat flour (or regular whole wheat/AP flour)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners so muffins don’t stick.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, melt butter. Then whisk in pumpkin puree, honey or maple syrup, and milk.
Next, add eggs and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Fold in Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice into the wet mixture. Stir to combine.
Gently fold in flour until just combined. Then stir in chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Fill, Top, and Bake
Spoon batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each well nearly to the top.
Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 5: Cooling and Serving Tips
Cool muffins in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Serve warm for melty chocolate goodness or store for later.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
Canned pumpkin puree works best here — just use one cup, not a full can.
Homemade pumpkin puree may be wetter, so you might need to reduce or skip the milk.
Sprinkling extra chocolate chips before baking makes them look bakery-style.
Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and tender.
Variations and Substitutions
Try these simple changes to suit your needs:
- Dairy-free: Use coconut oil, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs, and use maple syrup plus dairy-free substitutes.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add-ins: Pecans, raisins, or a nut butter swap (like peanut butter instead of butter) work well too.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooled muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave gently to warm.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 12 muffins
Description
Moist and warmly spiced pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, perfect for fall mornings, snacks, or dessert — easy one-bowl recipe anyone can make.
Ingredients
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
½ cup honey or pure maple syrup
¼ cup milk (any type)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1½ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp allspice, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp cloves)
1½ cups white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
½ cup mini chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or line a muffin tin.
2. Melt butter in large bowl then whisk in pumpkin puree, honey/maple syrup, and milk.
3. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until smooth.
4. Whisk in baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices until combined.
5. Gently fold in flour until almost mixed; stir in chocolate chips.
6. Spoon batter into muffin wells; sprinkle extra chips on top if desired.
7. Bake 15–18 minutes until tester comes out clean.
8. Cool 10 minutes in pan; transfer to rack and serve warm or at room temp.
Notes
Use 1 cup pumpkin puree — not a full can.
If using homemade puree, reduce or omit milk to adjust moisture.
Store airtight at room temp up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Great substitutions: coconut oil, flax eggs, 1:1 gluten-free flour, raisins or nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 211
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 219mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
More Such Recipes
Craving more pumpkin goodness? Check out this Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins recipe.
You may also enjoy Classic Pumpkin Bread for fall baking, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins with a swirl, and Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread.
FAQ
Do chocolate and pumpkin mix?
Yes! Pumpkin’s earthy sweetness and warm spices taste wonderful with chocolate.
What is the secret to moist muffins?
Pumpkin puree adds lots of moisture. Also, mix gently so the batter stays tender.
How many calories are in a pumpkin chocolate chip muffin?
Each muffin has about 211 calories, 29g carbs, 3g protein, and 17g sugar.
Can I add pumpkin to a muffin mix?
Absolutely. Just reduce other liquids slightly and stir in the pumpkin for added flavor and moisture.

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