The Fluffiest Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe Ever Made

Fall baking reaches new heights with these delightful soft pumpkin sugar cookies that melt in your mouth.

The warm spices and creamy pumpkin create a perfect harmony of flavors.

Each bite delivers a tender, pillowy texture that captures autumn’s essence.

Crisp edges give way to a soft, cake-like center that feels like a warm hug.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance across your palate, awakening memories of cozy afternoons.

These cookies transform simple ingredients into a seasonal masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve them with a cold glass of milk, and watch as they disappear from the plate in moments.

Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the soft pumpkin sugar cookies.
• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, moist ingredient that adds rich flavor and helps create the signature soft texture of the cookies.
• Butter: A creamy fat that contributes to the rich taste and tender consistency of the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: A sweet ingredient that provides sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior on the cookies.
• Egg: A binding ingredient that helps hold the cookie dough together and adds moisture.

• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the pumpkin flavor and create a cozy, autumn-inspired taste profile.

• Baking Powder, Salt, Vanilla Extract: Key ingredients that help the cookies rise, balance flavors, and add depth to the overall taste.

• Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: A sweet and spicy coating that adds extra flavor and creates a delightful crisp exterior on the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Butter Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab your electric mixer and blend softened butter and sugar together until the mixture transforms into a fluffy, light cream.

The process should take about 2-3 minutes, creating a smooth foundation for your cookies.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture.

Mix on low speed until everything blends seamlessly, creating a silky, uniform batter.

The mixture should look creamy and consistent.

Step 3: Create the Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Ginger
• Nutmeg

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed.

Use a spatula to scrape down the bowl’s sides, ensuring even distribution.

Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Prepare the Cookie Coating

Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Remove the chilled dough and scoop out portions.

Roll each scoop into a ball, then coat completely in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Gently flatten the balls with a spoon or your palm.

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

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.

The cookies will develop a soft, tender texture as they cool.

Tips for Soft and Flavorful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure soft, thick cookies with a tender crumb.
• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain the right moisture and flavor balance in your cookies.
• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform-sized balls, ensuring even baking and consistent texture.
• Watch cookies closely and remove from the oven when edges just start to brown to keep them soft and moist.
• Experiment with different warm spices like cardamom or allspice to customize the flavor profile while maintaining the classic pumpkin cookie essence.

Storing and Reheating Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep container in the refrigerator to maintain softness and prevent crumbling.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe ziplock bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Place cookies in sealed container with tight lid at room temperature. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consume within 3-4 days for best texture and flavor.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 8-10 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore original softness and restore crisp edges.

What Pairs Well with Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Savor Seasonal Warmth: Pumpkin Cookie Companions

• Brew Spiced Chai Latte: Creamy, aromatic chai tea perfectly complements the warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes in these soft pumpkin cookies, creating a cozy autumn flavor explosion.
• Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Chilled, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a delightful temperature contrast and enhances the cookie's rich, soft pumpkin texture.
• Match with Caramel Macchiato: The sweet, buttery caramel undertones in this coffee drink beautifully highlight the cookie's subtle pumpkin sweetness and warm spice profile.
• Serve with Maple Whipped Cream: Dollop some maple-infused whipped cream alongside the cookies for an extra layer of seasonal indulgence that amplifies the pumpkin's natural sweetness.

Flavor Ideas for Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and soft consistency while making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and select plant-based vanilla extract to create a completely vegan-friendly version of the classic cookie.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour, use a sugar alternative like erythritol, and reduce pumpkin puree quantity to lower carbohydrate content while maintaining the signature pumpkin flavor.
• Spiced Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Add dark chocolate chips to the dough before rolling, creating a rich and indulgent variation that complements the warm pumpkin spices and adds extra depth to the cookie's flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why use pumpkin puree in these cookies?

Pumpkin puree adds moisture, creates a soft texture, and provides a rich, warm flavor that perfectly complements the warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in the recipe.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Fresh pumpkin works, but you’ll need to cook and strain it first to remove excess water. Canned pumpkin puree is easier and guarantees consistent moisture and texture for the cookies.

• What makes these cookies soft and chewy?

The combination of butter, pumpkin puree, and careful mixing prevents the cookies from becoming dry or crumbly. Chilling the dough also helps control spread and maintain a soft, tender texture.

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

Look for slightly browned edges and a set center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to maintain their soft, tender texture.

Why Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Are a Cozy Favorite

• Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal technical skills and basic kitchen tools, making it stress-free and enjoyable.
• Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these cookies capture the essence of fall in a deliciously simple treat.
• Engaging and fun to prepare together, these cookies create memorable moments while introducing kids to baking techniques in a playful way.

Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Homemade Pumpkin Sugar Cookies blend autumn’s warmth with sweet comfort, delivering classic fall flavors in each delightful bite. Buttery, spiced cookies promise a delectable journey through seasonal baking that you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.33 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2.5 cups powdered sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.33 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Incorporate pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until smooth and homogeneous.
3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, ensuring complete integration by scraping bowl sides.
4. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to enhance handling and texture.
5. Create a cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
6. Extract chilled dough and form uniform balls, approximately 2 tablespoons each.
7. Roll each dough ball completely in cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring full coverage.
8. Arrange coated cookie balls on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
9. Gently flatten each cookie using the back of a spoon or palm.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges develop a subtle golden-brown hue.
11. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, even mixing and better cookie texture.
• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and creates a more tender, structured cookie with concentrated flavors.
• Use fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree for the most vibrant autumn taste and avoid watery consistency.
• Adjust spice levels to personal preference, increasing or decreasing cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for a customized flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg