Pumpkin Spiced Cookies Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin Spiced Cookies Recipe for Autumn Delights

Crisp autumn mornings invite perfect pumpkin spiced cookies that dance with warm, nostalgic flavors.

Cozy sweaters and falling leaves inspire baking magic in kitchens everywhere.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg whisper comfort with each delightful bite.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, promising delectable treats.

Soft, chewy textures promise a delightful experience for cookie enthusiasts.

Simple ingredients blend into a seasonal celebration of homemade goodness.

Pumpkin Spiced Cookies That Smell Like Fall

  • Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these delightful pumpkin spiced cookies with minimal effort, perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
  • Cozy Autumn Comfort: Capture the warm, nostalgic flavors of fall in every bite, filling your kitchen with irresistible spicy aromas that scream seasonal goodness.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple sweet treat that appeals to both kids and adults with its soft texture and delectable spice blend.
  • Simple Ingredient Lineup: Requires basic pantry staples and minimal special equipment, making these cookies a go-to recipe when you're craving something sweet without a complicated shopping list.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies Pantry Essentials

Main Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Smooth and rich autumn vegetable base for cookie flavor.
  • Butter: Creamy ingredient that provides richness and texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create soft cookie texture.
  • Flour: Essential dry ingredient for cookie structure.
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice: Warm spices that create classic fall cookie taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the cookie flavor.
Binding and Leavening Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and become light and soft.
Additional Preparation Items:
  • Parchment Paper, Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents cookies from sticking to baking sheet.
  • Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly.

Pumpkin Spiced Cookies Baking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and dress it up with parchment paper or a silicone mat for a non-stick surface.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and whip together butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. Your mixture should look light and airy.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Introduce pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to your creamy mixture. Stir with enthusiasm until everything mingles perfectly.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Magic

In a separate bowl, dance together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Pumpkin spice blend

Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough!

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Using a spoon, dollop rounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread their delicious wings.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the cookies bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for golden edges and centers that stay soft and tender.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Your kitchen will smell like autumn heaven!

  • Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, sugar, and spices to ensure consistent texture and flavor in every batch of cookies.
  • Soften Butter Properly: Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before baking to achieve the perfect creamy consistency for mixing.
  • Check Pumpkin Puree Quality: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain the authentic spiced cookie flavor and prevent excess sweetness.
  • Prevent Overmixing Dough: Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to keep cookies tender and avoid tough, dense results.
  • Store Cookies Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a piece of bread inside to maintain moisture and softness.

Pumpkin Cookies Save the Spice for Tomorrow

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate pumpkin spice flavor.
  • Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Remove cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. For a quick warm-up, microwave each cookie for 10-15 seconds on low power.
  • Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the delicate pumpkin spice cookies.

Pumpkin Spiced Cookies Enjoyment Ideas

  • Pair Warm Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai perfectly complement the pumpkin cookie's warm flavor profile, creating a cozy autumn drinking experience.
  • Complement with Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a light layer of tangy cream cheese frosting on top of cookies to enhance their richness and add delightful texture contrast.
  • Match with Vanilla Bourbon Latte: The smooth bourbon notes and creamy vanilla undertones in this latte beautifully highlight the pumpkin spice cookie's sweet complexity.
  • Serve with Caramel Drizzle: A delicate drizzle of rich caramel sauce over the cookies adds depth and brings out the subtle warmth of the pumpkin spices.
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for added nutrition.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, replace egg with flax egg or mashed banana. Use plant-based milk to maintain moisture and binding.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Cookies: Swap granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Add extra spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance flavor without increasing calories.
  • Protein-Packed Pumpkin Cookies: Mix in vanilla protein powder or ground almonds. Include chia seeds or hemp hearts for additional protein boost and nutritional value.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned or fresh pumpkin puree?

Either works great! Just make sure canned pumpkin is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. If using fresh, roast and puree the pumpkin until smooth and strain any excess liquid.

  • How do I know if the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and soft centers. When you touch the cookie gently, it should feel set but not hard. Slightly underbaked is better than overbaked for a soft texture.

  • What if I don't have pumpkin spice mix?

Create your own by mixing 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. This homemade blend works perfectly in the recipe.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the cookie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

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Pumpkin Spiced Cookies Recipe

Pumpkin Spiced Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Homemade pumpkin spiced cookies offer warm autumn comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Crisp edges, tender centers, and fragrant spices create an irresistible seasonal treat you’ll crave with every delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (472 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) butter, softened
  • 1 cup (237 ml) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) pumpkin puree
  • 1 egg

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Create a creamy base by thoroughly blending softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, ensuring a smooth texture.
  3. Introduce moisture and richness by incorporating pumpkin puree, a beaten egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until the ingredients harmonize completely.
  4. Develop the dry foundation in a separate bowl by whisking together flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin spice blend to distribute the seasonings evenly.
  5. Merge the wet and dry components by gradually folding the flour mixture into the pumpkin blend, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
  6. Shape the cookie dough by using a spoon to deposit uniform dollops onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining approximately 2 inches of separation between each cookie.
  7. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges while keeping the centers soft and slightly yielding.
  8. Allow the freshly baked cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a brief moment to stabilize, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to achieve complete temperature equilibration.

Notes

  • Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
  • Ground flaxseed can replace egg to create a vegan-friendly cookie that stays moist and tender.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg for more intense autumn flavor profile.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, more structured cookies.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 143
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 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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