Warm Autumn Treats: Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe

Autumn’s embrace brings a delightful twist to classic cookie recipes with these soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies.

Warm spices dance through each delectable bite, creating a symphony of seasonal comfort.

The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen, promising a treat that captures fall’s essence.

These cookies blend rich pumpkin flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Comfort emerges in every tender, moist morsel that melts on your tongue.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this simple yet irresistible recipe.

Ingredients for Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Soft and classic flour for perfect cookie texture.
• Baking Soda: Essential leavening agent for light cookies.
• Baking Powder: Another key leavening ingredient.
• Pumpkin Spice: Warm and cozy spice blend for autumn flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall cookie flavor.

• Butter: Rich and creamy base for soft cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and deep caramel notes.
• Pumpkin Puree: Smooth and seasonal ingredient for autumn baking.
• Eggs: Binding agent for cookie structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet background flavor.

• Cinnamon Sugar: Sweet and spicy coating for extra flavor.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for even baking.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and salt in a medium bowl until perfectly blended.

Set the mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer, beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Continue beating until all ingredients are well combined.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the prepared dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Mix on low speed until flour is just incorporated.

The dough will appear slightly sticky and soft.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

This step helps develop richer flavors and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Remove chilled dough from the refrigerator.

Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 11-12 minutes.

If they seem slightly underbaked, extend the baking time by 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Final Cookie Shaping

Immediately after removing from the oven, use a round cookie cutter to gently swirl around each cookie’s edges.

This technique creates a perfectly round shape.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes.

Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for the ultimate autumn treat.

Tips for Baking Pumpkin Spice Cookies Just Right

• Refrigerate dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and enhance cookie density, creating a more concentrated flavor profile.
• Roll cookie dough balls generously in cinnamon sugar for a delightful crispy exterior and sweet, aromatic finish.
• Use a round cookie cutter to swirl edges immediately after baking, ensuring perfectly circular and professional-looking cookies.
• Don't overmix the flour to maintain soft, chewy texture; mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and prevent them from drying out quickly.

How to Keep Pumpkin Spice Cookies Fresh

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, keeping them flat and separated, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their soft, chewy texture.
• If cookies become slightly dry, add a slice of bread to the container overnight to help reintroduce moisture and maintain their delicious softness.

What Pairs Well With Pumpkin Spice Cookies

• Pair Warm Chai Tea: Complement the pumpkin spice cookies with a creamy, spiced chai tea that echoes the cookie's warm flavors and creates a cozy autumn moment.
• Serve Hot Black Coffee: Brew a rich, bold black coffee that cuts through the sweetness of the cookies and enhances the warm spice notes with its robust character.
• Match Caramel Macchiato: Create a delightful dessert experience by pairing the cookies with a smooth caramel macchiato, letting the sweet caramel and espresso complement the pumpkin spice undertones.
• Enjoy Spiced Cider: Sip on a warm, spiced apple cider that mirrors the cookie's autumn-inspired flavor profile and provides a comforting, seasonal beverage pairing.

Spice-Inspired Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the mix contains xanthan gum for proper texture and binding.
• Vegan Autumn Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select plant-based sugar to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Treats: Swap regular sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the classic pumpkin spice flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Spice Cookies: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and add extra pumpkin pie spice to enhance the warm, seasonal taste without added carbohydrates.

FAQs

• Why do I need to chill the cookie dough for an hour?

Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful and better-textured cookie.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

While fresh pumpkin can be used, canned pumpkin puree is more consistent in moisture and texture, which helps ensure the cookies turn out perfectly every time.

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

The edges will be slightly golden, and the centers will look set but still soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the wire rack.

• What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

If the dough is too sticky, let it chill in the refrigerator for a bit longer. You can also lightly flour your hands when rolling the dough balls to prevent sticking.

What Makes Pumpkin Spice Cookies Stand Out

• Perfectly Seasonal Delight: Capture the warm, cozy autumn vibes with these irresistible pumpkin spice cookies that scream comfort and happiness.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Master this recipe with easy-to-follow steps, perfect for novice bakers looking to impress family and friends without complicated techniques.
• Quick Prep and Chill Method: Minimal prep time and a simple chilling process ensure you can whip up delicious cookies without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Treat for All Occasions: Whether it's a casual family gathering, afternoon tea, or festive holiday party, these cookies fit seamlessly into any celebration.

Soft And Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pumpkin spice cookies deliver autumn’s warmest embrace with cinnamon-kissed comfort. Speckled with nutmeg and clove, these delightful treats promise sweet memories of harvest moments you’ll treasure.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (270 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) butter, room temperature
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) pumpkin puree

Sweeteners and Sugars:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• Cinnamon sugar (for rolling cookies)

Leavening and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Harmonize the dry ingredients by whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and salt until thoroughly integrated. Reserve this mixture for later use.
2. Utilize a stand mixer to cream butter, white sugar, and brown sugar at high speed for approximately two minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Blend until smooth, pausing to scrape down the mixer’s sides to ensure complete integration.
4. Gradually introduce the reserved dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Stop blending precisely when the flour is combined, creating a sticky dough consistency.
5. Encase the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour, allowing the ingredients to meld and the dough to firm.
6. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Extract the chilled dough and form uniform balls approximately one inch in diameter. Gently roll each ball in cinnamon sugar for a delectable coating.
8. Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, maintaining adequate spacing between cookies.
9. Bake for 11-12 minutes, extending cooking time by a few additional minutes if centers appear undercooked.
10. Upon removing from the oven, use a round cookie cutter to refine the cookies’ edges, creating a professional, symmetrical shape.
11. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Pair with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for ultimate enjoyment.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
• Use fresh pumpkin spice blend for maximum aromatic intensity and deeper seasonal taste.
• Customize texture by adjusting chilling time: longer chill means less spread and denser cookies.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version without compromising softness.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg