Sweet Autumn Magic: Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Sweet autumn afternoons call for magical pumpkin sugar cookies that melt in your mouth with warm, comforting spices.

These delightful treats blend classic sugar cookie goodness with rich, seasonal pumpkin flavor.

Soft, pillowy edges and a delicate crunch make every bite a celebration of fall’s most beloved ingredient.

Warming hints of cinnamon and nutmeg dance through the dough, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a batch of cookies that sparkle with golden-orange charm.

Each cookie promises a delectable journey through autumn’s most cherished flavors.

Bake these cookies and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Pairing Suggestions for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Perfect Pumpkin Cookie Pairings
• Brew Warm Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the cookie's rich fall spices with a creamy, aromatic chai that echoes the cinnamon and nutmeg notes, creating a harmonious flavor explosion.
• Enhance with Cream Cheese Frosting Drizzle: Add a tangy, smooth cream cheese glaze to heighten the cookie's sweetness and provide a luxurious textural contrast against the soft, spiced cookie base.
• Match with Maple Bourbon Whipped Cream: Elevate the dessert experience by topping or serving alongside a decadent maple bourbon whipped cream that deepens the pumpkin's warm, autumnal character.
• Pair with Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Serve a rich, velvety hot chocolate with a touch of salt to balance the cookie's sweetness, creating a comforting and indulgent treat perfect for cozy evenings.

Delicious Twists on Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Recipes

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Pumpkin Cookies: Swap eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use coconut oil instead of butter. Choose plant-based sugar to create a completely vegan version of the classic recipe.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Cookies: Substitute granulated and powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the delicious pumpkin flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Cookies: Use almond flour or coconut flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and incorporate additional healthy fats like coconut oil to create a low-carb alternative that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• Can I make the cookies without pumpkin pie spice?

Yes, you can create your own blend by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal proportions to replace the pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice.

• How do I know if the cookie dough is mixed correctly?

The dough should look smooth and hold together without being too sticky. If it feels too wet, add a bit more flour; if too dry, incorporate a small amount of pumpkin puree.

• Why do I need to use cream of tartar in this recipe?

Cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites and provides a slightly tangy flavor, which contributes to the cookie’s soft texture and helps prevent sugar crystallization.

• Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

What Makes Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Stand Out

• Dive into the warm, cozy flavors of autumn with these delightful pumpkin sugar cookies that bring the essence of the season right to your kitchen.
• Enjoy a simple, straightforward recipe that requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking for a quick and delicious treat.
• Engage the whole family in a delightful baking activity that's easy to follow, with simple steps that kids can help with, turning cookie-making into a memorable bonding experience.
• Perfect for everything from casual gatherings to holiday parties, these cookies are sure to impress with their soft texture, warm spices, and irresistible pumpkin flavor that appeals to all ages.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Ingredients You’ll Need

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that adds flavor and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and helps keep the cookies tender.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings a classic autumn flavor and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with texture and browning.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the cookie dough.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Create a warm, spicy autumn flavor characteristic of pumpkin cookies.
• Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar: Help the cookies rise and achieve a soft, tender texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

• Granulated Sugar: Used for coating the bottom of the glass when flattening cookies, adding a slight crunch and sweet exterior.

Instructions for Making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Mixing Base

Crank up your oven to 350°F.

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or baking mats.

• Softened butter
• Canola or vegetable oil
• Pumpkin puree
• Granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs

Blend everything using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough

• Flour
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Baking soda
• Cream of tartar
• Salt
• Ground cloves

Start mixing on low speed to prevent flour from flying around, then gradually increase speed until the dough becomes perfectly combined and silky.

Step 3: Shape Cookie Balls

Scoop out dough in golf ball-sized portions.

Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 4: Flatten and Sugar Cookies

Grab a glass and dip its bottom in granulated sugar.

Gently press down on each dough ball, creating a disc about 1/2 inch thick.

Redip the glass in sugar between each cookie to prevent sticking and ensure an even sugar coating.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cookie sheets into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn slightly golden.

The cookies will look soft but will firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Savor the warm, spicy-sweet aroma of these mouthwatering pumpkin sugar cookies!

Tips to Perfect Your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Microwave butter in 5-second intervals to achieve the ideal soft consistency without melting, ensuring smooth cookie dough mixing.
• Use a large kitchen towel or splatter guard when mixing dry ingredients to keep your countertop clean and avoid flour clouds.
• Drain excess liquid from canned pumpkin puree using a paper towel to prevent overly wet dough that might spread too much during baking.
• Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and develop deeper, richer flavors.
• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to create consistent-sized cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.

How to Store and Warm Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container layered between parchment paper. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain softness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Separate layers with wax paper. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure container is completely dry to prevent cookies from becoming soggy. Place a piece of bread inside to maintain moisture and softness.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crisp edges and soft center. Check frequently to prevent overcooking.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet autumn whispers fill kitchens when these classic Pumpkin Sugar Cookies emerge from ovens, blending warm spices with delicate cookie perfection. Crisp edges and tender centers invite you to savor seasonal comfort in each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 34 tablespoons (2 cups + 2 tablespoons) milk or water
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together butter, oil, pumpkin puree, sugars, vanilla, and eggs until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform, with minimal lumps characteristic of pumpkin-based dough.
2. Sift together dry ingredients: flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and cloves. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to prevent flour from scattering, then increase speed until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion dough into golf ball-sized rounds. Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
4. Create a flat surface on each cookie by dipping the bottom of a glass into granulated sugar, then gently pressing down on each dough ball until it reaches about 1/2 inch thickness. Recoat the glass with sugar between each cookie to prevent sticking.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges become lightly golden and centers appear set. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Opt for fresh pumpkin puree when possible, as it provides a richer, more authentic flavor profile compared to canned alternatives.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create a more consistent cookie texture.
• For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance the spice blend by adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warm, aromatic complexity in the cookies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 162
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 81 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg