Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe

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Pumpkin Spice Cookies are one of those magical autumn treats that wrap you in cozy warmth with every bite. These chewy, soft cookies blend the perfect balance of pumpkin’s natural moistness with fragrant cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a nostalgic flavor that instantly transports you to crisp fall afternoons. Whether you’re baking for a holiday dessert table, a casual coffee break, or simply to brighten up a chilly day, these Pumpkin Spice Cookies are wonderfully versatile and sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating the perfect batch of Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Each item plays a crucial role, from the tenderizing moisture of canned pumpkin to the warm, fragrant spices that define the cookie’s signature flavor and inviting color.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides the sturdy structure to hold the cookies together beautifully.
• Cornstarch (2 tsp): Adds tenderness and a delicate crumb to the cookie’s texture.
• Cream of tartar (1/2 tsp): Helps create a light, soft texture with a subtle chewiness.
• Baking soda (3/4 tsp): Gives a gentle lift so the cookies stay soft but perfectly shaped.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances and balances all the sweet and spicy notes in the dough.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): The star spice offering warmth and that iconic pumpkin spice flavor.
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Adds a hint of woodsy sweetness that deepens the spice profile.
• Ground cloves (1/8 tsp): Just a touch of cloves intensifies the cozy autumnal aroma.
• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, room temperature): Brings richness and moistness, helping the cookies meltingly tender.
• Light brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Infuses molasses notes that complement the pumpkin flavors.
• White sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and aids in a pleasing cookie texture.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with subtle aromatic depth.
• Plain canned pumpkin (1/2 cup): The heart of these cookies, lending natural moisture and pumpkin goodness.
• Cinnamon and sugar coating: (1/4 cup white sugar + 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon) for that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crust on top.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium bowl. This ensures your spices and leaveners are evenly distributed, giving every bite consistent flavor and texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both brown and white sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This aeration creates a lovely texture in the cookies. Then, at a lower mixer speed, add the egg, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin and mix until everything is combined into a luscious, spiced batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet pumpkin-spiced batter on low speed until a sticky dough comes together. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a lid, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This chilling step is key—it lets the flavors marry and prevents too much spreading while baking.

Step 4: Preheat Oven and Prepare Trays

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy clean-up. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the cookie coating.

Step 5: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Once chilled, scoop the dough into balls about 1.5 tablespoons each. Roll every ball in the cinnamon-sugar coating until fully covered. Slightly flatten them before placing on the trays, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between cookies for even baking.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the tops look set but still soft. Resist the urge to overbake—these Pumpkin Spice Cookies finish firming up as they cool. Let them rest briefly on the trays before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on your cookies for added sweetness and a charming presentation. A dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy touch that looks great especially during fall and winter gatherings.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Spice Cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks like chai tea, rich hot chocolate, or freshly brewed coffee—each complementing the spices for a full sensory delight. For a more substantial spread, offer apple cider donuts or creamy caramel pudding alongside to play up the autumn flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies with mini cheesecakes and fresh fruit on a dessert platter for a festive look that’s sure to wow guests. You can also serve them stacked with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between for an indulgent pumpkin spice cookie sandwich everyone will talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Pumpkin Spice Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This maintains their chewy texture and spicy aroma beautifully.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, freeze cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet initially to avoid sticking. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag and store for up to three months without losing their delicious flavor.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes for that fresh-baked experience. Alternatively, microwave single cookies in short bursts (10-15 seconds) or warm them gently in a covered skillet on low heat for a chewy, cozy treat.

FAQs

How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Cookies softer?

To keep your cookies soft, watch the baking time carefully and remove them as soon as the tops look set but still slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to firm up on the tray while cooling, resulting in that perfect soft texture.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of canned pumpkin?

It’s best to stick with plain canned pumpkin for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling usually has added sugar and spices, which can make the dough too sweet and alter the flavor balance of the cookies.

How long do Pumpkin Spice Cookies last?

Stored properly, these cookies stay fresh up to one week at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and they can be frozen for up to three months to enjoy later.

What are some variations for Pumpkin Spice Cookies?

Feel free to customize your Pumpkin Spice Cookies by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even dried cranberries. These mix-ins add interesting texture and complement the warm spice flavors beautifully.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. This swap keeps the cookies soft and delicious while accommodating dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the cozy comfort of homemade Pumpkin Spice Cookies, especially when shared with friends and family. Their tender crumb, rich pumpkin flavor, and inviting spices make them a staple for any fall celebration or simple sweet craving. I encourage you to try this recipe and maybe even add your own twist—there’s something truly special about baking these autumn treats that fill the kitchen with happiness and warmth!

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