These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are everything you want in a fall treat — moist, rich, perfectly spiced (or not!), and overflowing with gooey chocolate chips. They rise beautifully with domed bakery-style tops, making them as stunning to look at as they are to eat.
With just one bowl and no complicated steps, this recipe is a go-to for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. You’ll love the balance of warm pumpkin and sweet chocolate, and how they melt together into a soft, tender muffin crumb. Whether you’re baking for a cozy morning, meal prep, or a weekend treat, these muffins hit all the right notes.
Full Recipe:
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1 (15oz) can pumpkin puree
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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1/2 cup (105g) light brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup (112g) vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 cup (63g) sour cream
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice (optional)
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1/4 tsp kosher salt
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2 cups (265g) all-purpose flour
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1 1/4 cup (225g) semisweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners. Lightly grease the top surface of the pan to prevent sticking.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth.
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Whisk in baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice (if using), and salt.
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Add in the flour and whisk until about halfway mixed.
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Add the chocolate chips and fold everything together using a spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick.
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Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each to the top.
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Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of each muffin.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 12 muffins
Why These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Are So Popular
Pumpkin season always brings with it a rush of cozy baking ideas, but among the many options, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins stand out as a fan favorite. These muffins are beloved for their incredibly moist texture, rich pumpkin flavor, and generous helping of gooey, melty chocolate chips. What makes them even more appealing is how simple and reliable the recipe is. With basic pantry staples and minimal prep, bakers of all levels can create muffins that taste like they came straight out of a high-end bakery.
One of the key reasons these muffins are so popular is the balance of flavors. Pumpkin has a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, but it also complements the richness of chocolate. The combination of these ingredients results in a complex yet comforting treat that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
The Secret to Moist, Tender Muffins
A standout feature of these muffins is their super moist and soft texture. This comes from a well-balanced ratio of pumpkin puree, oil, sour cream, and eggs. Pumpkin, as a naturally dense and moisture-rich ingredient, is an excellent base for baked goods. When paired with oil instead of butter, it ensures that the muffins stay soft for days without drying out.
Sour cream, often overlooked in muffin recipes, brings an added richness and a slightly tangy profile that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the crumb structure. This means that each bite feels substantial, not airy or dry. Plus, the sour cream works harmoniously with baking soda to produce a tender, fluffy rise.
One Bowl, No Fuss
One of the most attractive things about this recipe is its simplicity. It requires only one mixing bowl, which reduces cleanup and makes the process faster. All the wet ingredients are whisked together first, which helps evenly distribute the sugar and fats before introducing the leaveners and flour. This order of operations is key to creating a smooth, cohesive batter that bakes evenly.
This method also helps avoid over-mixing, which is one of the most common issues when baking muffins. Over-mixing can lead to dense, rubbery textures, but by folding in the flour gently and adding chocolate chips midway through mixing, the structure of the muffin remains light and delicate.
Perfectly Domed Muffin Tops
We all know the best part of a muffin is the top, and this recipe doesn’t disappoint. These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins bake up with tall, rounded muffin tops that look just like the ones in bakeries. The secret lies in slightly overfilling the muffin liners—yes, really. Unlike cupcakes, which need to be flat for frosting, muffins benefit from a higher fill because it encourages the batter to rise and puff upward rather than spread outward.
Additionally, a hot oven (set to 350°F) with well-prepared muffin tins ensures even baking and optimal dome formation. Lightly greasing the top of the muffin tin—not the inside wells—prevents the muffin tops from sticking as they expand beyond the liners. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Customizing the Recipe to Fit Your Taste
Another reason this recipe is so beloved is its versatility. While it’s fantastic as-is, it can easily be adjusted to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
For example, while the recipe suggests vegetable oil for its neutral flavor, you can substitute it with olive oil or avocado oil for a more nuanced taste. Both of these options pair well with the pumpkin and add a heartier mouthfeel. If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, unsweetened applesauce can be used for part of the oil, although this may slightly affect the texture.
Not a fan of chocolate? You can leave out the chocolate chips altogether and add chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries. Or swap in dark chocolate chunks for a more intense flavor. You could also use mini chocolate chips for a more evenly distributed chocolate experience.
If you prefer a spicier muffin, feel free to increase the pumpkin pie spice or add individual spices like extra cinnamon, ginger, or allspice. The recipe makes this optional because some people don’t enjoy chocolate mixed with warm spices—but if you’re someone who loves that fall flavor, adding more spice really elevates the taste.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are not just delicious fresh out of the oven—they’re also great for meal prep and snacking throughout the week. When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay moist for about two days. Beyond that, they should be refrigerated to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage due to their high moisture content.
They can also be frozen. Once completely cooled, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll last for up to two months in the freezer. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
These muffins are an excellent choice for family gatherings, bake sales, lunchboxes, or cozy breakfasts. Kids love the sweet and chocolatey flavor, while adults appreciate the balanced sweetness and soft texture. They’re a smart way to sneak some extra fiber and nutrients (thanks to the pumpkin) into a treat that feels like a dessert.
They also make a lovely seasonal gift. Wrapped in parchment and tied with twine, they’re a thoughtful homemade offering during fall and holiday months. Bake a double batch, keep half for yourself, and share the rest—it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together.
Tips for Success
To ensure the best outcome, here are a few expert tips:
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Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The cans look similar, but the latter contains added sugars and spices that can alter the texture and flavor.
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Measure flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour, leading to dry muffins.
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Do not overmix the batter once you’ve added the flour. Mix until just combined to preserve that soft texture.
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Use an ice cream scoop or large cookie scoop to portion the batter evenly. This helps achieve uniform muffin size and ensures consistent baking.
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Top with extra chocolate chips before baking for a bakery-style appearance.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins strike the perfect balance between cozy, comforting, and downright delicious. With their soft crumb, rich chocolate chips, and warmly spiced pumpkin base, these muffins have all the hallmarks of a seasonal classic. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven with a pat of butter or pack them as a midday snack, they’re guaranteed to please.
Beyond their flavor, their ease of preparation and customizable nature make them a go-to recipe for bakers of any skill level. From weekday breakfasts to festive gatherings, these muffins are sure to become a recurring favorite in your home. Try them once, and they’ll likely earn a permanent spot in your fall baking repertoire.
If you’re looking for a simple, fail-proof muffin recipe that brings warmth and joy in every bite, look no further—these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins truly deliver.
