Description
Baking at elevation can feel frustrating, especially when muffins rise too fast, collapse in the center, or turn dry within hours. That is exactly why High-Altitude Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins deserve special attention. This recipe is carefully adjusted for elevations between 5,000 and 8,000 feet, where lower air pressure changes how ingredients behave. The result is a batch of muffins that rise evenly, stay moist, and deliver deep pumpkin flavor balanced with rich chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp cinnamon
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
¼ cup milk or buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup chocolate chips
Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
High-Altitude Adjustments (Built In)
Slightly more flour for structure
Reduced leavening to prevent over-rise
Extra liquid for moisture
Higher baking temperature
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin.
Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, whisk sugars and oil.
Beat in eggs, pumpkin, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Fold dry ingredients into wet just until combined.
Gently fold in chocolate chips (and nuts if using).
Fill muffin cups ¾ full.
Bake 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
These High-Altitude Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins stay wonderfully moist thanks to the pumpkin, making them perfect for enjoying over a couple of days. For best results at higher elevations, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before baking, and feel free to swap in dark chocolate chips or add a pinch of pumpkin spice on top for extra fall flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: ~260 kcal
Keywords: high altitude pumpkin muffins, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins high altitude, pumpkin muffins for high elevation baking, high elevation pumpkin chocolate muffins