Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Name: Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin purée; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Artisan Dessert Bakes

I absolutely love making these Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins whenever the weather cools down. The combination of warm spices and the rich taste of pumpkin is simply irresistible. As the chocolate chips melt into the batter, they create a delightful contrast with the soft, fluffy muffins. It’s the perfect recipe to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and they’re easy to share with friends and family during the fall season. Trust me, once you try them, you'll want to make these muffins year-round!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T21:22:27.455Z

When I first tried my hand at baking pumpkin muffins, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors blended together. The moistness from the pumpkin purée paired with the sweetness of the chocolate chips is a match made in heaven. I often add a touch of cinnamon, which elevates the flavor profile significantly.

One important tip I've learned is to not overmix the batter. This helps to keep the muffins fluffy and light instead of dense. Using a scoop to portion the batter into the muffin tin ensures that they bake evenly and rise beautifully!

Why You Will Love These Muffins
Perfectly balanced sweetness with a hint of spice
Moist and fluffy texture that stays fresh for days
Chocolate chips that melt deliciously in every bite

The Role of Pumpkin Purée

Pumpkin purée is the star of this muffin recipe. It not only gives the muffins their signature flavor but also contributes to their delightful moistness. When handling pumpkin purée, you can use store-bought canned varieties, which are convenient, or make your own by roasting fresh pumpkins. If opting for fresh, ensure it's well-cooked and blended until smooth. Properly prepared pumpkin will create a rich, velvety texture in the muffins, which is essential for that perfect bite.

Additionally, if you find yourself without pumpkin purée, you can substitute it with unsweetened applesauce in a 1:1 ratio. Although this will slightly alter the flavor, it will still yield moist muffins. However, keep in mind that applesauce might result in a bit of a different texture, as pumpkin has a denser consistency that helps achieve that coveted fluffiness.

Perfecting the Baking Process

Baking the muffins at the right temperature is crucial. Preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown top. It’s a good idea to position your oven rack in the center, which promotes even heat circulation. I recommend checking the muffins with a toothpick around the 20-minute mark; if it comes out clean, they are done. If not, give them a few more minutes, but check every couple of minutes to avoid drying them out.

To enhance the muffin's texture, allow them to cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period helps them set further and reduces the risk of them falling apart. Once on the rack, let them cool completely; this waiting time intensifies the flavors as they meld together, making your first bite even more satisfying.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These muffins are excellent for meal prep! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, maintaining their moistness. If you want to keep them for longer, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible, and they can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or let them thaw naturally—a delicious treat anytime!

For an added touch, consider drizzling a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled muffins for a sweet finish. You can also mix in your favorite nuts or swap some chocolate chips for dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of flavor. These variations keep the recipe interesting and can cater to your unique taste preferences.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Muffins

1 cup pumpkin purée
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Fill Muffin Tins

Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries into the batter. If you want a bit more chocolate, sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top before baking!

Ingredient Insights

Using a combination of brown and granulated sugar not only provides a perfect balance of sweetness but also adds depth to the muffins. Brown sugar enhances the moistness due to its molasses content, making your muffins rich and tender. If you wish, you can reduce the sugars slightly or use alternatives like coconut sugar for a healthier twist, but be mindful of potential changes in texture.

Eggs serve a critical role in the structure of the muffins. They bind the ingredients together and provide lift during baking as they expand with the heat. For a vegan option, you can substitute each egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) which will mimic the binding properties of eggs quite well.

Adjusting for Seasonality

While fall is the perfect season for these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, don’t shy away from modifying the recipe for different times of the year. For a summer twist, consider adding grated zucchini or shredded carrots for added moisture and nutrients, keeping the balance of flavors intact. A sprinkle of orange zest could also bring a refreshing citrus note.

If you're preparing these muffins for a festive gathering, dress them up with seasonal spices like ginger or cardamom. A pinch can elevate the flavor profile and create a unique variation that your guests will surely appreciate. Don't hesitate to experiment with your spices to find the perfect combination that suits your palate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure to cook and purée the pumpkin for a similar texture as canned purée.

→ Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it works well for baking.

→ How should I store the muffins?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.