If you’re craving a sweet, seasonal treat that feels both indulgent and nourishing, you absolutely have to try this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites Recipe. These little bites pack all the cozy autumn flavors you love—warm pumpkin, fragrant spices, and melty chocolate chips—into a delightful no-bake, bite-sized snack. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon pick-me-up, a healthy dessert option, or a fun treat to share with friends, this recipe delivers on taste and ease with every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward making these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites truly shine. Each component plays a key role—from the creamy pumpkin puree that brings moisture and earthy sweetness, to the rich chocolate chips that add that perfect hint of decadence.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: Use canned for convenience; it adds natural moisture and that signature fall flavor.
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar: A great natural sweetener with a subtle caramel note that softens the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- 1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce: Helps bind the dough while keeping it moist without extra fat.
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm flavors and adds depth.
- 1 1/4 cup whole-grain, gluten-free oat flour: Provides a wholesome, slightly nutty base with a great texture.
- 3/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice: Infuses each bite with a cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon: Amplifies the warm spice profile and makes the flavor pop.
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the pumpkin and chocolate flavors.
- 1/2 cup vegan, refined sugar-free chocolate chips: Choose brands like Enjoy Life or Davis Chocolate for allergy-friendly, guilt-free indulgence.
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple setup will make it easy to place and freeze your cookie dough balls without them sticking—trust me, it’s a game-changer for clean-up and presentation.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, unsweetened applesauce, and pure vanilla extract. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and nicely combined, creating the flavorful, moist base that will make your cookie dough bites so irresistibly tender.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Next, add the whole-grain oat flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and kosher salt into the wet mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly—this ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of spices and a tender but sturdy texture that holds up to scooping.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now for the best part—fold in the chocolate chips. They give these bites a little surprise of melty, rich sweetness in every nibble and create a lovely contrast to the spiced pumpkin dough.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape Dough Balls
Using a small cookie scoop (I recommend a #60 disher), scoop out the dough and roll it into small balls with your hands. If your dough feels sticky or difficult to handle, pop the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm it up. Arrange the formed dough bites onto the parchment-lined baking sheet—you should get about 14 to 15 balls depending on your scoop size.
Step 6: Chill to Set
Place the baking sheet with your cookie dough balls in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This quick chill helps the bites set perfectly so they hold their shape and have that satisfying texture when you’re ready to enjoy them.
How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle your cookie dough bites with a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce before serving. You can also roll them lightly in finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut to add texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These bites pair wonderfully with a warm cup of herbal tea, chai latte, or your favorite coffee. They can even complement a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a cozy dessert spread that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bites on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh autumn fruit slices like apples or pears. Or pack them into personalized jars with a ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. Their small size makes them perfect for snack boxes, party platters, or simply nibbling on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and perfectly chewy for up to one week, making them an excellent ready-to-grab snack whenever a sweet craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats handy for longer, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy a burst of pumpkin-chocolate goodness any time you like.
Reheating
To enjoy the bites at room temperature, simply remove from the fridge or freezer and let them sit out for a few minutes. If you prefer them a little softer, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will do the trick without melting the chocolate chips too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Fresh pumpkin can be used, but it’s best to roast and puree it well in advance to remove excess moisture. Canned pumpkin puree offers consistent moisture levels and flavor, making it the easier choice for this recipe.
Are these bites vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! The Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites Recipe uses oat flour that’s gluten-free (make sure your oats are certified gluten-free) and relies on vegan ingredients like coconut sugar and vegan chocolate chips, making it suitable for many dietary needs.
Can I substitute the oat flour with another type of flour?
You can try almond or coconut flour as alternatives, but oat flour gives the best balance of texture and mild flavor here. Be mindful that different flours may alter the moisture content, so adjust wet ingredients accordingly.
Are these cookie dough bites safe to eat raw?
Yes! This recipe is designed to be eaten raw without baking. It does not contain raw eggs or wheat flour, which are typically concerns with raw doughs, so it’s safe and delicious as is.
Can I make these bites sweeter or less sweet?
Of course! The amount of coconut sugar can be adjusted to your taste. You might add a touch more for extra sweetness or reduce it slightly for a less sugary snack. Just keep the balance with pumpkin puree to maintain the right texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites Recipe enough if you want a fun, fuss-free way to taste the essence of fall in a guilt-free, snackable form. They’re naturally delicious, quick to make, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Give them a try and watch how fast these bite-sized treats disappear!
Print
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookie dough bites
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites are a healthy, no-bake treat combining seasonal pumpkin puree with whole-grain oat flour and vegan chocolate chips. Sweetened naturally with coconut sugar and applesauce, these bites are perfect for enjoying the flavors of fall without the fuss of baking. They are gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan-friendly, making them a nutritious indulgence for any time of day.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned)
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup whole-grain, gluten-free oat flour
- 3/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup vegan, refined sugar-free chocolate chips (such as Enjoy Life or Davis Chocolate)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prevent the dough balls from sticking during freezing.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, unsweetened applesauce, and pure vanilla extract thoroughly using a spoon until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the whole-grain gluten-free oat flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt into the wet mixture, blending until you achieve a uniform dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the vegan chocolate chips into the dough to distribute evenly without breaking them.
- Scoop and Form Dough Balls: Use a small cookie scoop or a #60 disher to portion the dough, then roll each portion into balls using your hands. If the dough feels too stiff or hard to work with, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before scooping. Place each dough ball onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Expect about 14-15 dough balls depending on scoop size.
- Freeze the Dough Bites: Place the baking sheet with the formed cookie dough balls into the freezer for 10 minutes to set. Once firm, the bites are ready to enjoy or store for later.
Notes
- For best results, use gluten-free certified oat flour if needed to maintain gluten-free status.
- If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can add a little more coconut sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener of choice.
- Store the dough bites in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Allow the cookie dough bites to thaw a few minutes at room temperature before eating for a soft texture.
- These bites are safe to eat raw as no eggs or dairy are included.
