In the world of social media, some foods are just made for the camera, and as soon as the first leaf falls, the pumpkin chocolate chip cookie takes over our feeds. But these are not just any cookies.
They are the ones that make you stop scrolling, the ones with epic cheese pulls of chocolate, thick gooey centers, and picture perfect textures. They are rustic, decadent, and perfectly capture the cozy aesthetic of autumn.
This collection of 45 recipes is inspired by the trends you are seeing and loving, giving you the secrets to create stunning, drool worthy cookies that are as ready for their close up as they are to be devoured.
The Gooey & Melty Masters
These cookies are all about that viral, slow motion pull apart shot, revealing a molten, gooey center that is pure indulgence.
1. The Giant Chocolate Pool Cookie
This cookie is less about chips and more about massive, molten pools of high quality chocolate on a soft pumpkin landscape.
DIY Tips:
- Use large chocolate callets, wafers, or roughly chopped chocolate bars instead of standard chips for the best melting and pooling.
- Press a few extra chocolate wafers on top of the dough balls right before baking for that picture perfect finish.
- Slightly underbake the cookies. The edges should be set, but the center should be very soft for the ultimate gooey texture.
2. The Salted Caramel Stuffed Cookie
A soft pumpkin cookie wraps around a gooey, molten salted caramel center for a truly decadent surprise reveal.
DIY Tips:
- Use soft, individually wrapped caramels. Freeze them for 15 minutes before wrapping the cookie dough around them to prevent them from melting out.
- Sprinkle the top of each cookie with coarse sea salt before baking to balance the sweetness and hint at the filling.
- These are best photographed and eaten warm to showcase the gooey caramel pull.
3. The Brown Butter & Toffee Cookie
Browning the butter adds a nutty depth that is incredible, while bits of toffee melt into the dough, creating pockets of rich, caramelized flavor.
DIY Tips:
- Cook the butter until you see browned bits at the bottom of the pan; these are flavor gold. Let it cool slightly before using.
- Use a mix of toffee bits and dark chocolate chunks for a complex flavor and texture.
- Press a few extra toffee bits onto the tops of the cookies before baking for a beautiful, textured look.
4. The Cream Cheese Swirl Cookie
A simple pumpkin cookie base gets a stunning upgrade with a swirl of sweetened cream cheese mixture added to the top before baking.
DIY Tips:
- Drop small dollops of the cream cheese mixture onto each cookie and use a toothpick to gently swirl it into the dough.
- A hint of orange zest in the cream cheese swirl provides a beautiful, bright contrast.
- These cookies need to be stored in the refrigerator, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
5. The “Heavy Cream Pour” Gooey Rolls
While not a cookie, these are a viral sensation. Classic pumpkin cinnamon rolls have heavy cream poured over them before baking, creating an unbelievably soft, gooey, and rich bottom layer.
DIY Tips:
- After the rolls have had their final rise, pour about a half cup of warm heavy cream over them right before they go into the oven.
- A maple cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping for these ultra decadent rolls.
- Serve them warm, directly from the pan, with a fork.
The Over the Top & Extra
These cookies believe that more is more. They are loaded with texture, flavor, and all the delicious things that make a cookie truly unforgettable.
6. The “Kitchen Sink” Harvest Cookie
This cookie is packed with everything but the kitchen sink: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, oats, and, of course, chocolate chips.
DIY Tips:
- Toast the seeds and coconut before adding them to the dough to bring out their nutty flavor.
- A mix of dark chocolate chunks and butterscotch chips works well with the nutty seeds.
- Because they are so hearty, these make a great breakfast cookie.
7. The Pumpkin S’mores Cookie
This cookie captures the magic of a campfire, featuring a graham cracker infused dough, chocolate chunks, and a perfectly toasted marshmallow on top.
DIY Tips:
- Mix finely crushed graham cracker crumbs directly into your dry ingredients.
- Top each cookie with a large marshmallow or several mini marshmallows during the last two minutes of baking.
- For the authentic “toasted” look, use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows after the cookies come out of the oven.
8. The Pretzel & Potato Chip Cookie
For the ultimate sweet and salty fan, this cookie features crushed pretzels and salty potato chips for an unbelievably crunchy and addictive treat.
DIY Tips:
- Use a sturdy, wavy potato chip that will not turn to mush in the dough.
- This cookie is fantastic with both semi sweet chocolate chips and toffee bits.
- A final drizzle of melted chocolate highlights the sweet and salty theme.
9. The White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pumpkin Cookie
A classic cookie combination gets an autumn twist. The sweetness of white chocolate and the buttery crunch of macadamia nuts pair beautifully with pumpkin spice.
DIY Tips:
- Toast the macadamia nuts lightly before chopping and adding them to the dough to enhance their flavor.
- A pinch of cardamom in the dough complements the white chocolate wonderfully.
- Do not overbake; these cookies are best when the edges are just golden and the centers are soft.
10. The Oreo & Cream Cookie
A fun, modern twist where crushed Oreo cookies are mixed into the dough, creating a dark, dramatic looking cookie with a familiar, beloved flavor.
DIY Tips:
- Use a food processor to crush the Oreos into a coarse crumb for the best texture.
- A cream cheese frosting on top mimics the classic Oreo filling.
- For an even more dramatic look, use white chocolate chips for a high contrast cookie.
The Aesthetically Pleasing
These cookies are all about the visual appeal, from beautiful glazes and frostings to unique shapes and colors that are destined for your social media feed.
11. The Spiced Glaze Cookie
A simple, soft pumpkin cookie is taken to the next level with a thin, crackly glaze infused with cinnamon and nutmeg.
DIY Tips:
- Dip the tops of the cooled cookies directly into the glaze for a smooth, even coating.
- For a slightly translucent glaze, use milk as your liquid. For an opaque one, use heavy cream.
- Let the glaze set completely before stacking the cookies.
12. The Frosted “Lofthouse” Style Cookie
This cookie is a soft, cakey, pale orange disc, slathered in a thick layer of frosting and topped with festive sprinkles.
DIY Tips:
- The dough for these cookies is very soft. Chilling it is essential for it to be scoopable.
- Use a cream cheese frosting for a perfect flavor pairing.
- A mix of orange, black, and white sprinkles is perfect for Halloween.
13. The “Pumpkin Pie” Thumbprint Cookie
A soft, chewy pumpkin cookie is indented in the center and filled with a dollop of spiced pumpkin butter or a mini dollop of cheesecake filling.
DIY Tips:
- Roll the dough into balls and use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make an indentation before baking.
- A swirl of cream cheese frosting in the center after baking is another delicious option.
- Garnish with a single, tiny chocolate chip in the center.
14. The “Stained Glass” Cut Out Cookie
Use a pumpkin shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies, then cut a smaller shape out of the center. Fill the center with crushed hard candies before baking to create a beautiful, translucent effect.
DIY Tips:
- This works best with a firmer, less cakey cookie dough that will hold its shape.
- Crush hard candies like Jolly Ranchers by placing them in a bag and hitting them with a rolling pin.
- Do not overfill the center cutout, as the candy will spread as it melts.
15. The Chai Spiced Cookie with a Drizzle
A fragrant blend of cardamom, ginger, and other chai spices gives these cookies a sophisticated flavor, and a delicate white icing drizzle makes them look incredibly elegant.
DIY Tips:
- Create your own chai spice blend for the freshest flavor.
- Put your glaze in a small plastic bag and snip a tiny corner for a perfect, fine drizzle.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a final flourish.
The Wholesome & Healthy Glow Up
These cookies cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or that cozy autumn vibe. They are perfect for the wellness focused foodie.
16. The Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookie
Using almond flour as the base creates a naturally gluten free cookie that is wonderfully tender, nutty, and moist.
DIY Tips:
- Use super fine, blanched almond flour for the best texture.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet, as almond flour cookies are more delicate when warm.
- A touch of almond extract enhances the nutty flavor of the flour.
17. The Vegan Coconut Oil Cookie
These cookies are made completely plant based by using coconut oil in place of butter and a “flax egg” as the binder.
DIY Tips:
- Use refined coconut oil if you do not want a coconut flavor. Use unrefined if you do.
- To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it gel for 5 minutes.
- Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy free.
18. The Low Sugar Maple Sweetened Cookie
This cookie ditches refined sugar in favor of the complex, autumnal sweetness of pure maple syrup.
DIY Tips:
- Since maple syrup adds liquid, you may need to slightly decrease the pumpkin puree or increase the flour.
- Use a dark, robust grade of maple syrup for the most intense flavor.
- These are fantastic with the addition of chopped walnuts or pecans.
19. The Paleo Pumpkin Cookie
Free of grains, dairy, and refined sugar, this cookie uses a blend of almond and coconut flours and is naturally sweetened.
DIY Tips:
- This dough will be different from traditional dough, often stickier and less elastic.
- Use dairy free chocolate chips and coconut oil to keep it paleo compliant.
- These are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
20. The Keto Friendly Cookie
Using almond flour, keto friendly sweeteners like erythritol, and sugar free chocolate chips, this cookie is ultra low carb but still delicious.
DIY Tips:
- Use a powdered keto sweetener for the smoothest texture.
- These cookies will not spread much, so press them down to your desired thickness before baking.
- Adding a little cream cheese to the dough can make them exceptionally soft and tender.
The Bakery Sized Beauties
Go big or go home. These giant, shareable cookies are designed to be a centerpiece dessert and are incredibly popular on social media.
21. The Giant Pizookie
A “pizza cookie” baked in a cast iron skillet, this giant pumpkin chocolate chip cookie is served warm, straight from the pan, and topped with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream.
DIY Tips:
- Press the cookie dough directly into a greased small cast iron skillet.
- This is meant to be eaten with a spoon, so underbaking it slightly is a must for a gooey center.
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce over the ice cream is the final touch.
22. The Levain Style Thick & Chunky Cookie
Inspired by the famous New York City bakery, this is a massive, thick, and chunky cookie with a gooey center and a rustic, craggy top.
DIY Tips:
- The secret to the height is a very cold, tall ball of dough and a high baking temperature.
- Use a mix of cake flour and all purpose flour for a more tender crumb.
- These are best when they are large, at least 6 ounces of dough per cookie.
23. The Giant Pumpkin Whoopie Pie
Two massive, soft, cake like pumpkin cookies are sandwiched together with a thick layer of fluffy, tangy cream cheese filling.
DIY Tips:
- Use a large ice cream scoop to make uniform halves for your giant sandwiches.
- Let the cookie “pies” cool completely before filling them.
- This is a two handed dessert that is perfect for sharing.
24. The Cookie Bar
For an easy, no scoop option that feeds a crowd, press the entire batch of cookie dough into a greased baking pan and bake as bars.
DIY Tips:
- Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the bars out for cutting.
- This is a great option for a chewier, denser cookie.
- A layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the cooled bars is a delicious addition.
25. The Stuffed Cookie Cake
A giant cookie that has a surprise layer of cheesecake or Nutella baked into the middle.
DIY Tips:
- Press half the cookie dough into a cake pan, spread the filling, and then top with the remaining dough.
- Chilling the filling layer before assembling can make it easier to work with.
- This is a true showstopper for a holiday party.
The Unexpected & Viral Twists
These recipes use surprising ingredients and bold flavors to create a cookie that is totally unique and destined to be a conversation starter.
26. The Tahini & Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookie
Using tahini (sesame paste) as the primary fat gives the cookie a sophisticated, nutty, and slightly savory edge that balances the sweetness beautifully.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high quality, runny tahini for the best texture and flavor.
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and flaky sea salt on top before baking is a must.
- This pairs exceptionally well with large chunks of high quality dark chocolate.
27. The Miso & White Chocolate Cookie
A small amount of white miso paste adds a magical “umami” depth and a salty, caramel like note that enhances the sweetness of the white chocolate.
DIY Tips:
- Use white (shiro) miso, as it is milder and sweeter than red miso.
- Whisk the miso paste into the melted butter or wet ingredients to ensure it dissolves completely.
- This is a sophisticated, foodie approved cookie.
28. The Espresso Infused Cookie
A teaspoon of instant espresso powder dissolved in the wet ingredients will not make the cookies taste like coffee, but it will dramatically deepen and enhance the flavor of the chocolate.
DIY Tips:
- This trick works in any pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe, from classic to keto.
- For a true mocha flavor, increase the espresso powder to a full tablespoon.
- Use finely ground espresso beans for a more intense flavor and a slightly speckled look.
29. The Olive Oil & Rosemary Cookie
A savory leaning sweet cookie, using olive oil for fat and adding a small amount of finely chopped fresh rosemary creates a piney, herbaceous note that is unexpectedly delicious with pumpkin.
DIY Tips:
- Use a good quality, fruity extra virgin olive oil.
- This is best in a cookie that is not very sweet to begin with.
- Pair with dark chocolate and a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
30. The “Everything Bagel” Spice Cookie
It sounds wild, but a sprinkle of “everything” spice on a not too sweet, seed filled pumpkin cookie creates an addictive savory sweet crunch that is a viral sensation.
DIY Tips:
- This is best suited for a cookie made with tahini or nut butter as its base.
- Use just a light sprinkle on top before baking; a little goes a long way.
- This is the ultimate cookie for someone who loves a salty and sweet combination.
31. The Sweet Potato Cookie
For a different take, roasted and mashed sweet potato can be used instead of pumpkin puree, offering a slightly different flavor and a naturally sweeter profile.
DIY Tips:
- Roast the sweet potato to concentrate its natural sweetness.
- The flavor of sweet potato pairs wonderfully with pecans and a hint of bourbon extract.
- This is a great way to use up leftover baked sweet potatoes from a holiday meal.
32. The Zucchini Cookie
A clever way to use up summer zucchini and add incredible moisture. Finely shredded zucchini is added to the dough.
DIY Tips:
- Squeeze the shredded zucchini very well in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much water as possible.
- You will not taste the zucchini in the final product; it just makes the cookies unbelievably soft.
- This is a great recipe for a slightly healthier, very moist cookie.
33. The Black Sesame Cookie
Using black sesame paste or ground black sesame seeds gives the cookies a stunning greyish hue and a deep, nutty, toasty flavor profile that is incredibly unique and photogenic.
DIY Tips:
- Black sesame paste can be found at Asian markets or online.
- The flavor is bold, so a little goes a long way.
- This pairs well with less sweet dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips.
34. The Ube Pumpkin Cookie
Ube, a purple yam from the Philippines, gives these cookies a stunning natural purple color and a unique, sweet, and nutty flavor that complements pumpkin spice.
DIY Tips:
- Use ube extract or ube halaya (jam) in the dough.
- The vibrant purple color looks incredible on social media feeds.
- This is a fantastic fusion cookie that is sure to stand out.
35. The Dalgona Coffee Frosted Cookie
A soft pumpkin cookie is topped with a fluffy, whipped Dalgona coffee frosting for a trendy and delicious treat.
DIY Tips:
- Whip equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it forms stiff peaks.
- Fold the whipped coffee into a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting base.
- This is a perfect cookie for a coffee lover.
36. The Hot Honey Drizzled Cookie
A soft, not too sweet pumpkin cookie is drizzled with spicy hot honey right after it comes out of the oven.
DIY Tips:
- The sweet and spicy combination is incredibly addictive.
- This works best on a cookie with a savory element, like one with nuts or seeds.
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top is a must.
37. The Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookie
Crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal is mixed into the dough and sprinkled on top for a fun, nostalgic, and crunchy treat.
DIY Tips:
- Do not crush the cereal into dust; you want to maintain some texture.
- A vanilla glaze on top mimics the “milk” at the bottom of the cereal bowl.
- This is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
38. The Butterbeer Cookie
Inspired by the wizarding world, these cookies have a butterscotch and caramel flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
DIY Tips:
- Use butterscotch chips in the dough and top with a butterscotch drizzle.
- A hint of rum extract can give it that authentic butterbeer flavor.
- These are a magical treat for a themed party.
39. The Nutella Stuffed Cookie
A giant pumpkin cookie with a surprise molten center of creamy Nutella.
DIY Tips:
- Freeze spoonfuls of Nutella on a parchment lined plate before wrapping the cookie dough around them.
- This ensures the center stays gooey and does not get absorbed by the cookie.
- Drizzle with more Nutella and sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts.
40. The Cookie Butter (Biscoff) Cookie
Creamy, spiced cookie butter is swirled into the dough or used as a filling for a unique and deeply comforting flavor.
DIY Tips:
- Melt the cookie butter slightly to make it easier to swirl.
- Crush some Biscoff cookies and sprinkle them on top for a crunchy finish.
- This pairs well with a simple cream cheese or vanilla glaze.
41. The Horchata Inspired Cookie
These cookies are flavored with cinnamon and a hint of almond, and are often made with rice flour for a unique texture reminiscent of the classic drink.
DIY Tips:
- A simple cinnamon sugar coating on the outside is a must.
- Using a blend of gluten free flours including white rice flour can give it an authentic texture.
- These are a wonderful, less common spiced cookie.
42. The Matcha Swirl Cookie
A vibrant green matcha swirl is added to the pumpkin cookie dough for a beautiful visual effect and a unique, earthy flavor.
DIY Tips:
- Make two separate doughs, one pumpkin and one matcha, and twist them together before scooping.
- Alternatively, swirl matcha powder into a cream cheese frosting.
- This is a stunning and sophisticated cookie for the adventurous baker.
43. The “Cereal Milk” Glazed Cookie
A soft pumpkin cookie is topped with a glaze made from milk that has been steeped with a sugary cereal, like cornflakes or Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
DIY Tips:
- Let the cereal soak in the milk for about 20 minutes, then strain it very well before making your glaze.
- This adds a subtle, nostalgic sweetness that is incredibly delicious.
- Garnish with a few pieces of the cereal you used.
44. The Earl Grey Infused Cookie
The floral, bergamot notes of Earl Grey tea are infused into the butter or milk for a sophisticated and aromatic cookie.
DIY Tips:
- Gently warm the butter with a few Earl Grey tea bags to infuse the flavor.
- A simple lemon glaze is a classic pairing with Earl Grey.
- This is a perfect cookie to serve with a cup of tea.
45. The Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookie
This cookie has it all, a coffee infused pumpkin cookie topped with a whipped cream like frosting and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
DIY Tips:
- Add instant espresso powder to the cookie dough for the “latte” flavor.
- A simple, fluffy buttercream or a stabilized whipped cream makes a great “foam” topping.
- A final drizzle of caramel sauce completes the PSL experience.
Conclusion
The humble pumpkin chocolate chip cookie has officially received its social media glow up. From gooey, molten centers and over the top toppings to sophisticated flavor pairings and stunning visuals, there is a perfect, photogenic cookie for every baker. These recipes are designed to be delicious first and foremost, but their unique and trendy qualities make them destined for the spotlight. So get baking, find your best lighting, and get ready to share your own drool worthy creations with the world. #PumpkinCookies