PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS: A Bakery‑Style, Moist Pumpkin Muffin Recipe
I still remember the time my mom handed me a can of pumpkin purée—my hands trembled more from pumpkin‑dessert excitement than anything else. The scent of canned pumpkin purée swirling with spice and melting semi‑sweet chocolate chips? Absolute kitchen magic. That’s the feeling I’m giving you here. These aren’t just pumpkin spice muffins—they’re the chocolate chip muffins of your cozy dreams: fluffy, bakery‑style, and so soft you’ll half‑believe you’re biting into a cloud.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes with Baker’s Insight for Moist Pumpkin Muffins
Canned pumpkin purée—not pie filling
This healthy pumpkin muffins secret keeps things moist without overloading on sugar or spice. Trust the canned purée (plain) for the perfect creamy foundation.
Flour—All‑purpose with optional whole wheat for fiber
Think muffin crumb texture: all‑purpose gives you that delicate crumb, while a bit of whole wheat adds fiber and rustic flavor.
Sugars—White sugar for structure, brown sugar for flavor
White sugar lifts, brown sugar deepens, and together they make your muffins both structured and richly flavored.
Oil Options—Vegetable vs. coconut oil
Vegetable oil keeps everything light. Coconut oil gives a subtle sweetness and a tender, almost decadent crumb—like a bakery‑style muffins upgrade.
Spices—Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove (ginger optional)
That classic pumpkin spice muffins vibe lives here. A whisper of ginger can add a surprising brightness.
Semi‑sweet chocolate chips
Essential for any chocolate baking heartbeat. They melt into pockets of indulgence—this is what defines these muffins as chocolate muffin recipe done right.

Mixing Technique That Makes a Difference for Fluffy Muffins
This is key: fold, don’t beat. Overmixing wrecks your soft muffin texture. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl. Whisk pumpkin purée, oil, and sugars in another. Merge them with a gentle fold—stop when a few flour ribbons still peek through. Then gently stir in your semi‑sweet chocolate chips.
Fill muffin cups about ¾ full. Add a few more chips on top—hello, bakery display appeal.
Baking and Cooling for Best Moist Muffins
Preheat to 350 °F. Bake for about 20 minutes—you’re looking for golden, domed tops that spring back with a finger press. A toothpick may come out with a few moist crumbs—that’s your sign.
Cooling matters:
- 5 minutes in the pan—gives structure a head start.
- Then move to a wire rack—no soggy bottoms allowed.
Let those flavors settle—patience pays in tenderness.
Storage Notes That Actually Work for Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Room temperature storage
Store in an airtight container—these muffins stay moist for 2 days.
Refrigerate or freeze
Need them longer? Freeze individually wrapped and labeled. When hunger strikes, thaw at room temp or microwave for about 20 seconds.
That’s your “fresh-bakery” feel on demand.

Serving Ideas and Texture Notes for Bakery‑Style Muffins
These muffins are light crumb, perfect for breakfast, coffee breaks, or guilt‑free dessert. Compared to denser pumpkin bread, these are airy and quick to bake—plus the chocolate distribution is more evenly gooey.
Pro tip: Serve with a smear of softened butter or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for breakfast flair.
Related Recipes to Try Next for Pumpkin Baking Fans
Can’t get enough of pumpkin? Same here. Once you’ve nailed these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, here are more fall-friendly recipes straight from my kitchen to yours:
- Try my pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting for a decadent dessert that balances tangy frosting with warm spice.
- Craving something savory? Whip up this savory pumpkin chili recipe for cozy fall meals—perfect for chilly evenings and football Sundays.
- Need a no-fuss dessert with crunch? Check out my warm and crunchy pumpkin crisp dessert—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
- For a sweet treat with texture, bake up the perfect pumpkin crunch cake—golden top, soft center, total winner.
- Watching allergens? My gluten-free pumpkin squares for dietary needs are just as flavorful and great for sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin purée?
Yes—just roast, purée, and drain excess moisture. Too wet batter = flat, dense muffins.
How can I make these muffins healthier?
Try replacing part of the oil with applesauce, use whole wheat flour, or dial down sugar. Expect slightly denser, less outright rich results—but still good.
Why are my muffins dense?
Overmixing is the usual suspect. Also, an expired baking powder won’t lift your muffins into fluffy territory.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi‑sweet?
Absolutely. Just note the deeper chocolate flavor will stand out more, which may compete with the pumpkin spice.
How long do muffins stay moist?
Best for 2 days at room temp. After that, refrigerate or freeze to preserve that bakery-style texture.
Final Notes — Let’s Keep Baking Together!
These moist pumpkin muffins with pockets of semi‑sweet chocolate chips are your shortcut to café-worthy treats—without the morning rush. They’re easy, comforting, and full of flavor.
If you give this pumpkin muffin recipe a whirl, don’t forget to bookmark it, share it, and tell me how they turned out. I want to know if they rose tall, melted your heart, or sparked a craving for a second batch.
Want more cozy baking ideas?
👉 Follow me on Pinterest for fresh recipes, tips, and seasonal kitchen inspiration.
Keep baking, stay cozy, and I’ll catch you in the kitchen!
PrintPUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS: A Bakery‑Style, Moist Pumpkin Muffin Recipe
Bakery-style pumpkin muffins that are moist, fluffy, and filled with pockets of melty semi-sweet chocolate chips. These cozy treats bring together spiced pumpkin flavor with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (substitute part with whole wheat if desired)
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground clove
- Optional: ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, oil, white sugar, brown sugar, and eggs.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
- Stir in chocolate chips, leaving a few for topping.
- Fill muffin cups about ¾ full and top with extra chocolate chips.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until tops are golden and spring back when pressed lightly.
- Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage, wrap and freeze. Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, bakery-style muffins, moist pumpkin muffins
