Fall’s Favorite Pumpkin Cookies Recipe: Soft & Spiced Delight

Sweet autumn afternoons always feel magical when pumpkin cookies emerge from the oven, filling kitchens with warm, spicy aromas.

Crisp leaves dance outside while these delectable treats promise comfort and nostalgia.

Soft and chewy textures blend perfectly with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Memories of childhood bakeries and grandma’s kitchen whisper through each delightful bite.

Seasonal baking becomes an art form when you craft these irresistible morsels.

Warm, inviting, and incredibly simple to prepare, these cookies will become your new favorite fall indulgence.

Gather your ingredients and let the baking adventure begin – deliciousness awaits you!

How To Store Pumpkin Cookies Properly

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, maintaining soft texture and delicious flavor.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their taste and quality perfectly.
• Remove cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Enjoy them as if freshly baked, with soft texture and delightful pumpkin taste.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes. Restore their original warmth and soft consistency for a delectable treat.

Common Questions About Pumpkin Cookies Answered

• Are pumpkin cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies are soft and cake-like with a tender crumb, thanks to the pumpkin puree which adds moisture and creates a delicate texture.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

While canned pumpkin puree is recommended for consistent results, you can use homemade pumpkin puree if you strain it well to remove excess moisture.

• How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your butter isn’t too soft. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

• What spices give these cookies their signature fall flavor?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create the classic warm, autumn-inspired taste that makes these pumpkin cookies so delicious and comforting.

Why Pumpkin Cookies Are A Seasonal Favorite

• Bake with Seasonal Comfort: Capture the warmth of autumn with these soft, spiced pumpkin cookies that bring cozy kitchen vibes and delightful fall flavors.
• Stress-Free Baking Adventure: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced cookie lovers.
• Create Family Memories: Engage kids and adults in a fun baking activity that transforms ordinary ingredients into delicious treats everyone will enjoy together.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal preparation and short baking time mean you can have fresh, aromatic cookies ready in under an hour, making them ideal for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.

Ingredients For Pumpkin Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a chewy cookie.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings signature pumpkin flavor and moisture to the cookies.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the cookies.
• Flour: Forms the base and structure of the cookie dough.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Adds warm, classic fall spice flavors that complement the pumpkin.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, sweet background flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Creates a sweet, smooth glaze to drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Step-By-Step Pumpkin Cookies Baking Guide

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Cover baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a perfect non-stick surface for your cookies.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The goal is to create a smooth, airy foundation for your delicious cookies.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

• Pumpkin puree
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Stir until everything is beautifully combined and looks consistent.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger

Ensure all spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes until cookie edges turn a light golden brown. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 8: Drizzle with Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Create a smooth glaze and drizzle over completely cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch.

Pro Tips For Moist And Flavorful Pumpkin Cookies

• Substitute canned pumpkin with homemade puree for a fresher, more authentic flavor that elevates the cookie's taste.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, softer cookies with better texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even incorporation of butter and eggs.
• Experiment with spice levels by adjusting cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to match your personal taste preferences.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.

Tasty Variations To Spice Up Pumpkin Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, indulgent flavor. Mix the chips in before dropping the dough onto the baking sheets.
• Nutty Pumpkin Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and extra depth. Sprinkle additional nuts on top before baking for visual appeal.
• Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Cookies: Create a cream cheese filling by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar. Place a small dollop in the center of each cookie before baking for a creamy surprise.

Ideal Pairings For Pumpkin Cookies

• Pair Spiced Chai Tea: The warm, aromatic spices in chai perfectly complement the pumpkin and seasonal spices in these cookies, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Elevate with Caramel Latte: The rich, buttery caramel notes enhance the sweet pumpkin flavor, while the coffee provides a delightful contrast to the cookie's soft texture.
• Match with Maple Bourbon: A smooth bourbon with maple undertones beautifully echoes the autumnal warmth of the pumpkin cookies, adding depth and sophistication to each bite.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The cool, creamy vanilla provides a luxurious counterpoint to the spiced cookies, creating a delectable dessert combination that balances warmth and sweetness.

Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 27-29 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Spiced pumpkin cookies bring autumn’s warmth to your kitchen, blending rich seasonal flavors with comforting sweetness. Crisp edges and tender centers make these treats irresistible companions for your evening tea or coffee break.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) canned pumpkin puree
• 2 1/2 cups (313 grams) all-purpose flour

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and arrange parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking.
2. Blend butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
3. Incorporate pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until the ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
4. In a separate container, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger through gentle whisking.
5. Merge dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to maintain a consistent texture without overmixing.
6. Gently deposit rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 2 inches of separation between each cookie.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes until cookie edges develop a delicate golden-brown hue.
8. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, facilitating initial cooling and preventing potential crumbling.
9. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting complete temperature reduction.
10. Create a smooth glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky consistency.
11. Delicately drizzle the prepared glaze over fully cooled cookies, enhancing their visual appeal and flavor profile.

Notes

• Precision matters when measuring pumpkin puree, so use canned puree or drain homemade puree to prevent excess moisture that could make cookies soggy.
• Softened butter is crucial for achieving light, fluffy cookies with perfect texture, so let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
• Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and creates a more consistent, rounded cookie shape.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cookie’s soft, tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg