Sweet & Spiced Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe for Fall Baking Joy

Autumn’s golden whispers dance through these delightful pumpkin sugar cookies that blend warmth and sweetness into every delectable bite.

Cozy kitchen moments emerge when soft dough meets fragrant spices.

Crisp edges and tender centers promise pure comfort in each morsel.

Seasonal baking becomes magical with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.

Subtle pumpkin undertones mingle with classic sugar cookie charm, creating an irresistible treat.

Baking enthusiasts and novice cooks alike can master this simple yet spectacular recipe.

You’ll savor these cookies with pure delight, sharing joy through every sugary crumb.

Why Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Are A Sweet Treat You’ll Love

• Celebrate Seasonal Flavors: Capture the essence of autumn with these warm, spiced pumpkin sugar cookies that bring cozy kitchen vibes right to your plate.
• Master Simple Baking Skills: Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers, this recipe requires basic mixing techniques and standard kitchen tools, making it accessible to everyone.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: These cookies are guaranteed to delight both kids and adults, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or sweet afternoon snacking with family and friends.
• Customize with Creativity: Enjoy decorating options with homemade icing, allowing personal touches like food coloring or creative piping designs to make each cookie unique and fun.

Ingredients Needed For Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that give the cookies a classic pumpkin pie flavor profile.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Gives the cookies a distinct pumpkin flavor and moist texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Butter, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Create a smooth, sweet icing to top the cookies.
• Food Coloring: Optional ingredient for decorative purposes.

How To Bake Soft And Chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger

Set this magical mixture aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large bowl, blend softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Crack in an egg and beat until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract for that signature autumn flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything just comes together – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop out dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie. Use your fingers to gently flatten each dough ball.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges look set and centers remain slightly soft. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 7: Dress Up with Icing

• Powdered sugar
• Softened butter
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Beat until silky smooth. Add food coloring if you want a pop of color. Spread or pipe the icing over completely cooled cookies.

Pro Tips To Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Every Time

• Swap pumpkin puree with mashed sweet potato for a different seasonal twist that adds unique flavor and nutrients.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, more structured cookies.
• Use gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Add cream cheese to the icing for extra richness and a tangy complement to the warm pumpkin spices.
• Sprinkle crushed pecans or pepitas on top of iced cookies for added crunch and nutty depth.

Flavorful Variations For Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Chai Spice Pumpkin Cookies: Add extra chai spices like cardamom and cloves to enhance the warm flavor profile.
• Maple Glazed Pumpkin Cookies: Replace vanilla icing with a rich maple syrup glaze for a deeper autumn taste.
• Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Cookies: Create a soft cream cheese center inside each cookie for extra richness.
• Pecan Crunch Pumpkin Cookies: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the cookies before baking for added texture and nutty flavor.

Best Pairings To Enjoy With Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Savor Warm Spiced Chai: Pair these pumpkin sugar cookies with a steaming mug of spiced chai tea, matching the warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes from the cookies for a cozy autumn experience.
• Complement with Creamy Vanilla Latte: Create a delightful contrast by serving these cookies alongside a smooth vanilla latte, where the rich espresso balances the sweet cookie's delicate pumpkin flavor.
• Enhance with Caramel Apple Cider: Elevate the seasonal taste by pouring a warm caramel apple cider that echoes the cookie's spice profile and brings out the pumpkin's natural sweetness.
• Match with Maple Cream Cheese Spread: Offer a luxurious dipping option by preparing a maple cream cheese spread that adds extra richness and complements the cookie's warm, comforting texture.

Storage Recommendations For Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without icing. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Remove cookies from freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Once thawed, add fresh icing if desired for best taste and appearance.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 8-10 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore soft texture and enhance flavors.

FAQs For Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Are pumpkin sugar cookies healthy?

While delicious, these cookies are a treat with sugar, butter, and flour. They offer some nutritional benefits from pumpkin, which contains vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, but should be enjoyed in moderation.

• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

• How do I get soft pumpkin sugar cookies?

Don’t overmix the dough, use room temperature ingredients, and avoid overbaking. Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers are slightly soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet to continue gentle cooking.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet autumn magic unfolds with these pumpkin sugar cookies, blending warm spices and classic comfort. Crisp edges, tender centers, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar invite you to savor seasonal bliss in each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancer:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal non-stick baking.
2. Combine all dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger – in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
4. Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, then gently fold in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, blending until the ingredients are fully integrated.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to create a uniform dough without overmixing.
6. Using a cookie scoop, drop dough portions onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches between each cookie and gently flattening the tops.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and slightly soft centers – a sign of perfectly textured cookies.
8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Prepare the icing by whipping powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
10. Once cookies are completely cooled, decorate with the prepared icing, adding food coloring if desired for a festive touch.

Notes

• Ensure butter is truly softened at room temperature for creamy, smooth cookie texture that blends perfectly with sugar.
• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain authentic flavor and prevent excess moisture in cookies.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create more defined, structured cookie shapes.
• Customize by adding white chocolate chips or chopped pecans into the dough for extra crunch and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg