Calling all pumpkin spice lovers! We've got a treat for you. These melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are the easiest thing you'll make all week. And oh my GOURD, they're chippin' good!

tray of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, from Shelf Cooking

Give us all the pumpkin. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin french toast, pumpkin milkshakes! We've never met a pumpkin-filled recipe we don't love. And while we usually hate to pick favorites, this muffin recipe just might take the cake.

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Grab some canned pumpkin, or make your own pumpkin puree, and let's get to work! Although, to be honest, there really isn't much work involved in bringing these delicious 3-ingredient pumpkin chocolate chip muffins to life. The hard part will be eating just one!



PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS ADD-INS

glass bowl of vanilla extract, from Shelf Cooking

If you decide to make these muffins exactly as the recipe describes, we promise you will not be disappointed! BUT, if you like experimenting in the kitchen, then try spicing things up with one of these add-ins:

  • Apple Sauce – Instead of using two cans of pumpkin, try one can and add a cup of apple sauce. The flavors blend so nicely, and you won't believe how moist those muffins turn out!
  • Caramel – Imagine how incredible these muffins would taste with some warm, homemade caramel drizzled on top. Excuse us while we go wipe up our drool!
  • Dried Cranberries – If you're baking for the holidays, why not toss in some leftover dried cranberries. They pair nicely with pumpkin!
  • Frosting – Major sweet tooth? Add some vanilla or cream cheese frosting to the top of these muffins.
  • Nuts – Crushed walnuts or pecans are awesome in pumpkin muffins!
  • Vanilla Extract – Just a teaspoon or two of vanilla goes a long way! Try our incredible vanilla extract recipe.

We bet these muffins would also taste divine with cinnamon streusel topping. Why not go all out? In the spirit of spicing things up, let's talk recipe swaps and substitutions, too!


EASY PUMPKIN MUFFIN RECIPE SWAPS

full measuring cup of pumpkin puree, from Shelf Cooking

Because this recipe contains so few ingredients, you probably have what you need in the pantry already, but we like to help you prepare for all those “what the heck?” situations! So, if you find yourself in desperate need of a pumpkin fix but you're missing a key ingredient for these muffins, try one of these shelf cooking swaps:

  • Canned Pumpkin Substitutes – If you find yourself out of canned pumpkin or want to take this recipe to the next level, try whipping up homemade pumpkin puree! It's a lot easier than you think, and you'll earn major bragging rights.
  • Cake Mix Substitutes – No boxed spice cake mix lying around? You could make a cake from scratch, but since we advertised this recipe as EASY, let's keep it simple. We use a carrot cake mix for these muffins all the time. It's just as yummy! Yellow or white cake mix will also do; just add in some cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Chocolate Chip Substitutes – White or dark chocolate chips work just as well, so choose your fave. You can also toss in some M&M's if you're out of chips!

Now you have no excuses NOT to try this recipe! Let's get to the good stuff.


FREEZING LEFTOVER MUFFINS

If you want to save some of these muffins for later, we don't blame you, but you better pop them in the freezer unless you have serious willpower. You've been warned — these are addictive!

Here's how to freeze your pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight bag for up to six weeks. When you're ready to serve, thaw at room temperature for around an hour. You can also defrost the muffins individually in the microwave for about 90 seconds.


FUN WAYS TO USE YOUR MUFFIN LEFTOVERS

If you opt not to freeze your chocolate chip pumpkin muffins and are blessed enough to have leftovers, what can you do with them? Here are a few fun ideas:

  • Gift Them – Who doesn't love homemade baked goods? These make the perfect “thank you” gift. Just add them to a cute little bag and tie them up with ribbon.
  • Make a Bread Pudding – Mmmmm…mmmmm…mmmm! There's just something about a fresh batch of bread pudding. Cut your leftover muffins into small chunks. Whisk together four eggs, a cup of milk, a cup of heavy cream, a cup of sugar, and then add the muffins to the mix. Cook in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, and enjoy!
  • Serve with Ice Cream – We just don't believe there's EVER a bad time for ice cream. Warm-up one of these muffins in the microwave, then serve it a big bowl of this homemade ice cream. YUM!

If you do decide to serve these muffins with ice cream, we suggest a caramel drizzle on top! Trust us, it just tastes like fall. You won't regret it. No matter how you decide to eat your pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, we hope you enjoy them just as much as we do!


THE WORLD'S EASIEST PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS

Is your mouth already watering? Wait until you take the first bite of these muffins! This recipe is seriously foolproof. Here's everything you need to know.

tray of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, from Shelf Cooking

3-Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

We love eating these muffins any time of year, but they give off major fall vibes. You're just a few minutes away from a tasty treat!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box spiced cake mix
  • 2 cans pumpkin puree
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree and cake mix. Stir until blended well, then mix in the chocolate chips.
  • Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin, then bake for around 15 minutes.
  • Cool on a wire rack, then enjoy!

Notes

When baking, it's important to remember that cooking times vary by oven and elevation. We usually check on these muffins after about 12 minutes. Keep in mind, muffins continue to cook even after you remove them from the oven. You want them to be cracked on top and spring back when you touch them. 

Pro Tip: If you don't have muffin tins, you can use this recipe to make cookies instead! Mix as instructed, then use a spoon or ice cream scoop to portion out your cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, and enjoy! (P.S. If you love this tip, we think you'll love these cake mix cookies.)


What's your favorite type of muffin? We'd love to hear from you, so please leave us a comment below!

Image with text that reads "3-ingredient pumpkin chocolate chip muffins" from Shelf Cooking

If you're looking for other sweet treats to try, we think you'll like one of these!

See ya on the chip side!