Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pumpkin Spice Cookies are perfect for any fall gathering. With a moist and chewy texture thanks to pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and a perfect blend of spices, every bite feels like a warm hug. They’re simple to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to bring a little bit of autumn magic to your day. The addition of cinnamon sugar and optional white chocolate chips or cream cheese drizzle makes them extra special!

Ingredients List for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need for a batch of deliciously spiced cookies:

For the cookies:

2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
½ cup (120g) pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For rolling:

½ cup (100g) sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Optional additions:

Chopped pecans or walnuts
White chocolate chips
Cream cheese drizzle

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Cookies for Cozy Fall Baking (Easy Recipe Inside!)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Perfect Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Add wet ingredients

Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until no flour pockets remain, but don’t overmix.

Step 6: Shape and coat

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and lightly golden around the edges. They’ll still look soft in the center—that’s perfect!

Step 8: Cool and enjoy

Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Essential Baking Equipment for Pumpkin Spice Recipes

To make this recipe easy and enjoyable, here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk and spatula
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Cookie scoop (optional, but helpful for uniform size)
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Wire cooling rack

Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor in Pumpkin Treats

Don’t overmix the dough once you add flour—this keeps the cookies tender and fluffy.
Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft to roll. It’ll help keep the cookies from spreading too much.
For extra decadence, try adding white chocolate chips or drizzling the cookies with a cream cheese glaze.

Fun Variations on Classic Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Add chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts add texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
Mix in white chocolate chips for a creamy sweetness that complements the spice.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies: Turn these cookies into mini cheesecake cookies by adding a cream cheese filling.

How to Decorate Pumpkin Cookies for Autumn Gatherings

For an extra special touch, decorate these cookies with:

Cinnamon sugar dusted on top
A cream cheese drizzle for extra richness
Candy corn or sprinkles for a fun Halloween touch
Add edible gold leaf for an elegant twist at Thanksgiving

Serving Suggestions for Yummy Fall Treats

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your fall gathering:

Serve with a warm cup of apple cider or pumpkin spice latte.
Pair with a bowl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions for Pumpkin Cookies

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 1 month.
Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Perfect Pairings with These Pumpkin Fall Baked Goods

Lavender Lemonade: A refreshing drink to balance out the warmth of the pumpkin spice.
Apple Cider: The perfect drink to complement the flavors of fall and bring out the cinnamon and nutmeg in these cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Pumpkin Desserts

Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree will result in a sweeter, spicier flavor than intended.
Overmixing the dough will make the cookies dense instead of soft and chewy.
Baking for too long will cause the cookies to lose their soft texture. They should still look a little soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

FAQs: Your Pumpkin Spice Cookie Questions Answered

Can I substitute pumpkin puree with canned sweet potato?
Yes, canned sweet potato can be used, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
Can I add more spices?
You can experiment with adding ground ginger, cloves, or allspice for more flavor complexity.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to help it firm up.
Can I make these cookies with a stand mixer?
Yes, a stand mixer works great for mixing the dough, but be careful not to overmix.

Conclusion: Share These Pumpkin Spice Cookies With Someone You Love

These Pumpkin Spice Cookies are the ultimate cozy fall treat. Whether you’re baking them for yourself, a family gathering, or a Halloween party, they’re sure to bring warmth and comfort to everyone who enjoys them. So grab your mixing bowls, preheat the oven, and indulge in these delightful seasonal cookies!