Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins with Wholesome Ingredients

Healthy pumpkin chocolate chip muffins made with whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and sweetened with honey. A perfect fall breakfast to enjoy during pumpkin season.

pumpkin muffins with chopped pecans on top and chocolate chips

I don’t go overboard for pumpkin-spice products, but I do stock up on canned pumpkin when it’s on sale because it makes reliably moist, flavorful baked goods. These pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are one of our family’s favorite breakfasts in the cooler months—tender, spiced, and studded with chocolate.

They’re great warm with coffee, and I often make a double batch to freeze so we can grab a quick breakfast on busy mornings.

Why you’ll love these Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins:

Super Moist

Honey, pumpkin, and coconut oil keep the muffins moist and tender rather than dry or crumbly.

Full of Warm Flavor

The spice mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice gives these muffins a cozy, autumnal profile.

Healthier Ingredients

This version uses whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and honey as swaps for more processed ingredients while still tasting indulgent.

They’re higher in fiber and rich in vitamins from pumpkin, making them a satisfying snack or breakfast option.

Freeze Well

These muffins freeze well in an airtight container for up to six months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

pumpkin muffins with chopped pecans on top and chocolate chips

What you need to make healthy pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

Ingredients

Pumpkin puree – Use canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for consistent texture. Homemade puree also works if you prefer.

Coconut oil – Use a neutral-tasting coconut oil that melts when warmed. It adds moisture and healthy fats.

Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla enhances the flavor; use your favorite extract.

Honey – Raw or regular honey both work to sweeten naturally.

Egg – One large egg helps bind the batter and provide structure.

Salt – A pinch of salt balances and enhances the sweetness.

Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth.

Pumpkin pie spice – A blend of ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice provides classic autumn flavor.

Baking soda – Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.

All-purpose flour – Used alongside whole wheat flour for a tender crumb.

Whole wheat flour – Adds density, fiber, and a heartier texture.

Chocolate chips – Dark or semi-sweet chips work well; mini chips distribute more evenly.

Pecans – Chopped pecans add crunch and toasty flavor on top; walnuts are an easy substitution.

Supplies

Mixing bowls, whisk, and spoon – For combining wet and dry ingredients.

12-cup muffin tin – Standard muffin pan works best.

Paper liners (optional) – Nonstick liners or a light spray of oil will prevent sticking.

Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

Prep – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners or lightly spray the pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil and honey until combined. Whisk in the egg, then add the pumpkin and vanilla and beat until smooth.

a mixture of pumpkin, coconut oil, honey and eggs in a bowl with a whisk in it

Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.

a mixture of dry and wet ingredients in a bowl of pumpkin muffin batter

Combine – Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined; avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and half of the chopped pecans. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to hydrate the flours.

pumpkin muffin batter

Fill the Muffin Cups – Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them to the top. Sprinkle the remaining pecans over each muffin.

pumpkin muffins with chopped pecans in a muffin tin, ready to bake

Bake – Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

pumpkin muffins with chopped pecans in a muffin tin

Let Cool – Let the muffins sit in the pan for 10 minutes before removing them to cool completely on a rack.

Tips for success

Substitutions – Swap walnuts for pecans or omit the nuts if desired.

Avoid overbaking – Start checking at 20 minutes. If the tops spring back lightly, they are done; if they sink when pressed, bake a few more minutes.

Storage – Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.

pumpkin muffins with chopped pecans on top and chocolate chips

More pumpkin recipes on the blog:

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like these other seasonal favorites.

  • Healthy Pumpkin Overnight Oats
  • Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal
  • Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

I hope you love these easy pumpkin muffins. If you try them, please come back and leave a comment and rating to share how they turned out.

Pin these steps to try later. Tag @athomeontheprairie on Instagram to share what you’ve made!

pumpkin muffins with chopped pecans on top and chocolate chips

Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Yield:
12 muffins
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Additional Time:
2 minutes
Total Time:
42 minutes

Healthy and delicious pumpkin chocolate chip muffins made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with honey. A perfect breakfast for crisp fall mornings.

Ingredients

  • 1 can pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with 12 liners or lightly spray the pan. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil and honey until combined. Whisk in the egg, then add the pumpkin and vanilla and beat until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and half the chopped pecans. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
  6. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top. Sprinkle remaining pecans on top.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Substitutions – Use walnuts in place of pecans or omit nuts if preferred.

Don’t overbake – Start checking at 20 minutes; the tops should spring back when done.

Storage – Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1 muffin

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 287Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 203mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 4gSugar: 23gProtein: 4g

© Elizabeth Kaiser


Cuisine:

American

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Category: breakfast

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