Name: Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, look no further than these Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookies. Soft yet slightly crisp, infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies bring the comforting taste of pumpkin pie into an easy-to-share cookie form. They’re ideal for any occasion where you want to impress friends or simply indulge yourself with a delicious seasonal favorite that’s both sweet and subtly spiced.

Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect texture and flavor of your Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookies. These simple kitchen staples come together beautifully to bring warmth, softness, and that unmistakable pumpkin-spice charm to every bite.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for tender yet sturdy cookies.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures just the right amount of lift for lightness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds classic warmth and sweetness that defines the pumpkin-spice profile.
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a slightly sweet and nutty depth.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Imparts a gentle, zesty kick to balance the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds intense aromatic notes essential for authentic pumpkin-spice flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Yields rich, buttery softness and helps with cookie spreading.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering the spices or pumpkin.
1/2 cup pumpkin puree: Provides moisture, natural sweetness, and that signature pumpkin taste.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances depth and rounds out the flavor.
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet, delicate topping that complements the spiced cookie perfectly.
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze for easy drizzling over the cooled cookies.

How to Make Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Next, whisk together your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until everything is evenly combined. This dry mix will bring a beautifully balanced spice blend to your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial to make your cookies tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s irresistible.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. The pumpkin adds moisture and that iconic flavor, while the egg improves the cookie’s structure, making them soft but sturdy enough to hold their shape.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle and avoid overmixing to prevent dense cookies. Once all the flour mixture is just combined, your dough should be soft and easily scoopable.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dollops of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. For a more festive touch, roll out the dough and cut into seasonal shapes. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze and Finish

Whisk the powdered sugar and milk together in a small bowl until smooth and drizzly. Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze on top to add just the right amount of sweetness and a pretty, shiny finish.

How to Serve Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the glaze for an extra pop of spice that will make your Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookies even more aromatic and inviting. You can also use finely chopped toasted pecans for a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair amazingly well with a warm cup of chai tea or a creamy pumpkin spice latte for that ultimate autumn indulgence. You might also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn this simple treat into a decadent dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Display your Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookies stacked on a decorative plate with sprigs of fresh rosemary or autumn leaves as accents. For gift-giving, package them in cute cellophane bags tied with rustic twine and a personalized tag — perfect for sharing your irresistible homemade cookies with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookies fresh and soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to one week, making them great for preparing ahead of parties or holiday gatherings.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for longer storage, up to 3 months. Place them between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature to preserve their perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will refresh their softness and enhance the lovely pumpkin-spice aroma without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and provides great flavor and moisture. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

You can still make delicious Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookies with just cinnamon and nutmeg. However, the full set of spices (ginger, cloves, etc.) creates that classic pumpkin-spice flavor, so try to include them if possible.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can make these cookies gluten-free. Keep an eye on the dough texture and adjust flour quantities slightly if needed.

Will these cookies be soft or crunchy?

These Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookies are soft with a tender crumb and lightly crisp edges, offering a perfect balance that’s delightful to bite into.

How can I make the pumpkin flavor stronger?

Increasing the amount of pumpkin puree slightly will boost the pumpkin flavor, but be sure to add a bit more flour if the dough becomes too wet to handle.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a homemade Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookie to bring the warmth and comfort of the season straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe guarantees smiles and full hearts. Go ahead and treat yourself to these cozy, spiced delights — I promise you’ll want to make them over and over again!

Pumpkin-spice Sugar Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 29 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these soft and flavorful Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies, perfect for autumn or anytime you crave a cozy, spiced treat. Infused with warm pumpkin and classic fall spices, these cookies are topped with a simple sweet glaze that adds an extra touch of decadence. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they balance pumpkin puree moisture with spiced sugar cookie goodness for a delightful seasonal dessert.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until fully combined. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Blend in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
Form Cookies: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dough rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Alternatively, roll out dough and use cookie cutters for shaped cookies.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden and centers are set.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies to add a sweet finish.
Optional Pumpkin Adjustment: For a stronger pumpkin flavor, slightly increase the pumpkin puree amount, but be sure to increase flour accordingly if the dough becomes too wet.
Storage: Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft and tender.
If dough feels too sticky with extra pumpkin, add more flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable.
Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Glaze is optional but adds a nice touch of sweetness and shine.
Cookies freeze well – wrap tightly for best results.
Spice levels can be adjusted to taste; feel free to increase or decrease any of the spices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American