Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe: Fall’s Sweet Treat

Sweet autumn memories dance through my favorite pumpkin spice sugar cookies that capture seasonal warmth with delightful simplicity.

Crisp edges and soft centers promise pure comfort in every bite.

Fragrant spices whisper hints of cinnamon and nutmeg across freshly baked treats.

Cozy kitchen moments emerge when these delectable morsels slide from the oven.

Warm aromas will wrap you in nostalgic embrace, beckoning family to gather around the cooling rack.

These cookies blend traditional charm with modern baking magic that feels both familiar and exciting.

Come savor a sweet slice of fall magic that fits perfectly with afternoon tea or evening celebrations.

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Ingredient Breakdown

Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the primary structure for the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich flavor and tender crumb.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
Spice and Leavening Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Delivers warm, classic autumn flavor.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and become light.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to baking sheet.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and looks like fluffy clouds.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Crack in the egg and pour vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until everything is perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Pumpkin pie spice

Whisk these ingredients together to eliminate any lumps and create a uniform mixture.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Stir gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Don’t overmix, or your cookies might become tough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small, uniform balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these pumpkin spice sugar cookies are ready to be devoured!

  • Soften Butter Perfectly: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, even mixing without overmixing.
  • Measure Spices Accurately: Use level measuring spoons for pumpkin pie spice to maintain balanced flavor without overwhelming the cookie's sweetness.
  • Chill Dough for Better Texture: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create more defined, uniform cookies.
  • Control Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create consistent-sized cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.
  • Storing for Maximum Freshness: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Keep Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Fresh

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Place layers between wax paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Keep cookies in sealed container with tight lid at room temperature for 2-3 days. Avoid humid areas to maintain crispness.
  • Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and fresh-baked taste.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Flavor Friends

  • Pair Warm Chai Latte: Creamy, spiced chai tea complements the pumpkin spice cookies perfectly, enhancing their cozy autumn flavors and providing a comforting warmth.
  • Create Salted Caramel Mocha: Rich, decadent mocha with salted caramel highlights the cookies' sweet and spicy notes, offering a luxurious dessert experience that balances the cookie's texture.
  • Serve Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Whip up a quick maple-infused cream cheese dip as a luscious accompaniment, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the already delightful pumpkin spice cookies.
  • Enjoy Apple Cider Punch: Chilled, slightly tangy apple cider cuts through the cookie's sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast and bringing out the warm spice undertones.
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same soft texture and spicy flavor.
  • Vegan Spiced Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg, and use plant-based sugar to create a dairy-free and egg-free version that's equally delicious.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Treats: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar, reducing overall calorie content while keeping the classic autumn taste.
  • Keto-Friendly Spice Cookies: Swap regular flour with coconut or almond flour, use a sugar alternative like erythritol, and add extra pumpkin pie spice to enhance the rich, warm flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What is pumpkin pie spice?

Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice that gives these cookies their warm, cozy autumn flavor.

  • Can I make my own pumpkin pie spice?

Yes, simply mix 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice for a homemade version.

  • How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges will turn golden brown and the cookies will look slightly set but still soft in the center, which takes about 10-12 minutes.

  • Why do I need to cream butter and sugar together?

Creaming helps incorporate air into the mixture, making the cookies lighter and softer with a more tender texture.

Sugar Cookies That Swirl in Pumpkin Spice Flavor

  • Whip Up Seasonal Comfort: Experience the warm, cozy flavors of fall packed into a delightful cookie that captures the essence of pumpkin spice with minimal effort.
  • Bake with Ease: Perfect for baking beginners and seasoned home cooks, this recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps anyone can master quickly.
  • Family Dessert Delight: Kids and adults will love these soft, spiced cookies that bring everyone together for a sweet treat perfect for after-school snacks or casual gatherings.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are incredibly versatile, ideal for potlucks, holiday parties, or spontaneous dessert cravings with minimal prep time and maximum flavor impact.
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Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

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

Description

Pumpkin spice sugar cookies bring autumn’s warmth to classic cookie comfort. Sweet, spicy notes dance across buttery rounds, inviting seasonal delight for cookie enthusiasts craving fall’s magical embrace.


Ingredients

Scale

Baking Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour

Sweeteners:

  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar

Spices and Extras:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
  2. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to ensure a uniform consistency.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice – whisking to distribute spices evenly.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  6. Gently shape the dough into uniform balls, spacing them adequately on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading during baking.
  7. Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a delicate golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a brief moment to set their structure.
  9. Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack, letting them cool completely to develop their final texture and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, even creaming to achieve the perfect cookie texture.
  • Use fresh, high-quality pumpkin pie spice for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor profile that elevates the entire cookie.
  • For gluten-free option, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Slightly underbake cookies for a softer, chewier result, as they continue to set while cooling on the baking sheet.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 138
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 25 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 18 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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