Pumpkin Spiced Cookies Recipe
If you are looking to embrace the cozy flavors of autumn in a delightful treat, these Pumpkin Spiced Cookies are exactly what you need. They combine the rich, moist texture of pumpkin puree with a warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, making every bite feel like a hug on a crisp fall day. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, Pumpkin Spiced Cookies bring that perfect balance of sweet and spice to your kitchen, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for crafting Pumpkin Spiced Cookies that are tender, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Each one plays a vital role, from the moist pumpkin puree lending soft texture to the aromatic spices adding depth and warmth.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, it keeps the cookies moist and rich with subtle sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and enhances chewiness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and ensures the dough blends smoothly.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients while contributing to the cookie’s structure.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies their shape and body.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Both help the cookies rise and stay light.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers the classic pumpkin spice warmth.
- Ground ginger: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
- Ground nutmeg: Brings a sweet, nutty flavor that’s essential in fall baking.
- Ground cloves: Offers a deep, earthy spice that rounds out the blend.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Chocolate chips (optional): For an indulgent twist that melts beautifully in your mouth.
How to Make Pumpkin Spiced Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready by the time your dough is mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze — no burnt bottoms here!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin Puree and Egg
Next, stir in the pumpkin puree and egg. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined. This vibrant mixture is what makes Pumpkin Spiced Cookies uniquely moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking helps spread the spices evenly throughout the cookies for consistent flavor in each bite.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture into your pumpkin batter. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough. If you love a little extra sweetness, this is the moment to fold in chocolate chips, creating pockets of melty goodness.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. This space allows the cookies to spread out perfectly without merging.
Step 7: Bake Until Soft and Slightly Set
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye on them. You want the edges to be set, but the centers still soft and tender. This balance ensures a delightful chewy texture every time.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Once baked, remove the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience during this step leads to the best texture!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spiced Cookies
Garnishes
For a charming touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of your Pumpkin Spiced Cookies or add a dollop of whipped cream when serving. A dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce also elevates their cozy appeal beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or a creamy latte. If you want a more substantial snack, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of spiced pumpkin soup to keep the flavors harmonious and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation memorable by stacking the cookies on a rustic wooden board, tied together with twine for a gift-worthy look. You can also sandwich them with cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist that tastes like a bite of autumn bliss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pumpkin Spiced Cookies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. This prevents them from drying out and preserves their soft, tender texture—perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, ready for you to defrost and enjoy anytime you crave that seasonal spice.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored Pumpkin Spiced Cookies back to life, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). This refreshes their softness and makes that pumpkin-spiced aroma bloom once again.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is the most convenient option. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugars.
What if I don’t have all the spices for pumpkin spice?
You can substitute by using store-bought pumpkin pie spice, which usually contains the same blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It’s a handy shortcut that keeps the flavor consistent.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. The spices and pumpkin will shine just as brightly.
Are chocolate chips necessary?
Not at all. Chocolate chips add a lovely melty sweetness, but these cookies are delicious on their own, showcasing the pure pumpkin spiced flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are set and lightly golden, while the centers should still look a little soft and puffed. They will firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about Pumpkin Spiced Cookies that makes them worth baking again and again. Whether it’s the comforting spices or the tender texture, they capture the heart of fall in every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these cookies with loved ones—it’s like sending a little cozy hug through your oven!
Print
Pumpkin Spiced Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Spiced Cookies are soft, moist, and bursting with warm autumn spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfectly sweetened with a combination of granulated and brown sugar, these cookies feature the rich flavor of pumpkin puree and an optional touch of chocolate chips for added indulgence. Ideal for fall gatherings or cozying up with a cup of coffee, these easy-to-make cookies bring seasonal comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
Sweeteners
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
Optional
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Pumpkin and Egg: Add the pumpkin puree and the egg to the sugar mixture. Beat until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips carefully.
- Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add a nice contrast to the warm spices.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing the dough balls before baking can help maintain cookie shape.
- Ensure pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars or spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: pumpkin spice cookies, autumn cookies, pumpkin cookies, spiced cookies, fall dessert, pumpkin puree cookies
