When the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves crunch underfoot, there’s nothing cozier than the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen. Pumpkin spice cookies are a true celebration of fall flavors—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves mingling with the sweetness of pumpkin. Perfectly soft, slightly chewy, and irresistibly spiced, these cookies are a comforting treat that pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cider or your favorite latte. Whether you're baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to make your home feel like fall.
Ingredients
Before we get baking, gather your ingredients. These cookies are simple to make, and you likely already have a lot of the spices in your pantry:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional for Frosting (if you want a sweet finishing touch!):
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease the sheets to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this should take about 2–3 minutes.
3. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is combined. It may look slightly curdled, but don’t worry—that’s normal!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense rather than soft and tender.
6. Scoop and Shape
Using a teaspoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread.
7. Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the middle. They should puff up slightly and have a golden hue. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Optional Frosting (Worth It!)
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting if desired. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s creamy. Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled cookies and dust with a pinch of cinnamon for extra flair.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cookies
- Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you’re using canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter is pre-spiced and sweetened, which can overwhelm the recipe.
- Don’t Skip the Spices: For that classic pumpkin spice flavor, don’t hold back on the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. If you’re a pumpkin spice lover, feel free to amp up the cinnamon slightly to suit your taste.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you find the dough too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This will also help the cookies keep their shape in the oven.
- Store Properly: These cookies stay soft for days if kept in an airtight container. For frosted cookies, store them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin spice cookies are delightful on their own, but they shine even more with thoughtful pairings. Serve them alongside a frothy pumpkin spice latte, a steaming mug of chai, or a chilled glass of spiced apple cider for a quintessential fall treat. For a dessert spread, these cookies complement recipes like apple pie or caramel popcorn beautifully. They also make an excellent gift! Stack a few cookies in a decorative tin, tie it with twine, and surprise a neighbor or friend.
Now, it’s time to grab that whisk, light a fall candle, and bring the flavors of autumn straight to your table. Happy baking!
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