Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the cozy essence of fall. With their warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin and spices, these cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating the seasonal change, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are a go-to recipe that will please everyone. Let’s dive into what makes this Pumpkin Spice Cookie recipe so special.
Why We Love This Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe
There’s something magical about Pumpkin Spice Cookies. They evoke nostalgia with every bite, reminding you of crisp autumn days and the joy of holiday gatherings. You’ll love how simple and approachable this recipe is, making it perfect for bakers of any level. The combination of warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and a soft, chewy texture creates cookies that are both comforting and delicious. Plus, they’re versatile enough to enjoy year-round, not just during the fall!
Ingredients about Pumpkin Spice Cookie
Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make these delicious Pumpkin Spice Cookies:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 and ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (melted and allowed to cool)
- ¼ cup (50g) firmly packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for coating)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for coating)
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cookie Directions
Making Pumpkin Spice Cookies is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This step is vital because it ensures that all your dry ingredients are well combined, setting the stage for a beautifully flavored cookie.
Next, in a separate bowl, mix your cooled melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. It’s essential to let the butter cool because adding hot butter can affect the texture of your cookies. Once mixed, add the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended—this mixture will provide the cookies with moisture and richness.
After combining the wet and dry ingredients, pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Gently mix them together until you no longer see any dry flour. Be gentle here to avoid overmixing, which can result in tough cookies. Once your dough is well combined, cover it with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps solidify the fats, leading to a better texture in your baked cookies.
When you are ready to bake, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, prepare the coating mixture by combining the sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Remove the chilled dough from the fridge, and using your hands, roll the dough into small balls. Coat each ball in the sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated before placing them on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave enough space between the cookies, as they will spread while baking.
Bake your cookies for about 11-13 minutes. They should be set around the edges while still looking slightly under-baked in the center. After baking, let them cool on the baking sheets for five minutes. This step allows them to firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, where they will develop their ideal texture.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cookie
Serving your Pumpkin Spice Cookies can be as much fun as baking them. You can serve these cookies warm, freshly baked, and still slightly gooey in the center, paired with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or tea. They make fantastic snacks throughout the day or after dinner, providing that sweet and spiced finish to your meals.
For a more festive presentation, arrange them on a decorative platter. Sprinkle some additional pumpkin pie spice or chopped nuts over the top for an elegant touch. You can also enhance the experience by serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling them with a warm caramel sauce. These options elevate the simple cookie into a delicious dessert that shines during gatherings and celebrations.
Expert Tips: Pumpkin Spice Cookie
To ensure that your Pumpkin Spice Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Use Fresh Spices: The flavors of your spices can significantly affect the final taste of your cookies. Ensure that your ground spices, especially the pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, are fresh for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is an essential step. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 30 minutes, but preferably an hour. The cold dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and maintains a soft, chewy center.
- Check for Doneness: Since every oven is different, start checking your cookies at the 11-minute mark. You want them to be set around the edges but still soft in the middle. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried cranberries to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container. You can also layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How to Store Pumpkin Spice Cookie
Storing your Pumpkin Spice Cookies is simple. To maintain their freshness and chewy texture, place them in an airtight container. Store the cookies at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating them to prolong their shelf life.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Make sure they are completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Variation of Pumpkin Spice Cookie
One of the best parts of baking is the ability to adapt recipes to your taste. Here are some fun variations for your Pumpkin Spice Cookies:
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a twist on the classic flavor, mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for delicious bursts of chocolate flavor in every bite.
- Make Them Glazed: Consider drizzling a simple sugary glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for an extra sweet touch.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added crunch and flavor. This variation pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Use Different Flours: If you want to experiment with health-conscious options, you can replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to give your cookies a different flavor and texture.
- Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies: For a fun twist, sandwich two pumpkin spice cookies together with cream cheese frosting or a marshmallow filling for a decadent treat.
FAQ
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
You can use applesauce or mashed banana as substitutes for pumpkin puree. While it will change the flavor slightly, it adds moisture to the cookies.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, cook and puree a small pumpkin until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture before adding it to the cookie dough.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be set, and the centers should appear slightly under-baked. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust your mixing bowls and baking sheets accordingly. You can freeze any extra dough if you want to bake at a later time.
How long can I keep the cookies in the fridge?
You can store the Pumpkin Spice Cookies in the fridge for up to two weeks if they are in an airtight container.
Now that you are familiar with this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cookie recipe, you’re ready to bring a taste of fall into your home. Happy baking!
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 0.25 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons pumpkin puree
Coating
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar for coating
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon for coating
- 0.5 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for coating
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cooled melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree to the sugar mixture. Whisk until thoroughly blended.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until no dry flour remains. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Baking
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl for the coating.
- Roll the chilled dough into small balls and coat in the sugar mixture before placing them on prepared baking sheets, spaced out.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges are set, and centers are slightly under-baked.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!