When autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, nothing captures the season better than the warm aroma of Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Soft, chewy, and filled with cozy spices, these cookies are a delightful treat that will instantly become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or a festive dessert table, this recipe delivers the ultimate comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These cookies aren’t just about taste—they’re about the experience. From the first whiff of cinnamon and nutmeg to the melt-in-your-mouth texture, Pumpkin Spice Cookies bring joy to both casual bakers and seasoned pros. Their balance of natural pumpkin sweetness and warm spices makes them versatile enough to enjoy with coffee, tea, or even as part of a Thanksgiving dessert spread.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, baking tips, and even nutritional information.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Before diving into the baking process, let’s start with the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of about 24 cookies.
Dry Ingredients
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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½ teaspoon ground cloves
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½ teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
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1 large egg
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
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1 cup white chocolate chips (for a creamy contrast)
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1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for a nutty crunch)
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A dusting of powdered sugar or cream cheese glaze (for extra sweetness)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes baking smoother and more enjoyable. For these cookies, gather:
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Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
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Rubber spatula
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Whisk
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Baking sheets
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Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
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Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Spice Cookies
1: Preheat and Prepare
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2: Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
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Set aside.
3: Cream Butter and Sugars
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
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This should take about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 4: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
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Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Don’t worry if the mixture looks slightly curdled—it will smooth out when you add the dry ingredients.
5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
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Mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
6: Fold in Optional Add-Ins
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Gently fold in white chocolate chips, nuts, or any add-ins of your choice.
7: Shape and Bake
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
8: Cool and Serve
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Enjoy warm, or let them cool completely for easier storage.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cookies
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Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pie Filling
Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the balance of your cookies. Always go for 100% pure pumpkin puree. -
Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies
If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30–45 minutes before baking. This prevents excessive spreading. -
Don’t Overbake
Pumpkin Spice Cookies should remain soft and chewy. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges set; they will continue to firm up as they cool. -
Experiment with Add-Ins
White chocolate chips complement pumpkin beautifully, while nuts add a rustic texture. For an indulgent twist, drizzle with cream cheese glaze. -
Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They also freeze well—just wrap tightly and thaw when ready to serve.
Nutritional Value (Per Cookie – Approximate)
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Calories: 150–170
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Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Protein: 2g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 12g
Note: Values will vary depending on add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
Why Pumpkin Spice Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies are more than just a fall recipe. Their warm flavors and moist texture make them perfect for:
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Holiday gatherings: A festive addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert tables.
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Everyday snacks: Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon break.
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Gift giving: Pack them in decorative boxes or jars for a thoughtful homemade treat.
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Kid-friendly baking: The simple steps make this a great recipe to bake with children.
Variations of Pumpkin Spice Cookies
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Glazed Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Add a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
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Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies: Spread cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
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Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies: Add rolled oats to the dough for a chewy, hearty twist.
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Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Replace butter with coconut oil and egg with flax egg for a plant-based version.
Conclusion: Bake a Batch of Pumpkin Spice Cookies Today
If you’re searching for the ultimate fall-inspired dessert, look no further than Pumpkin Spice Cookies. They’re soft, flavorful, and bursting with autumn warmth in every bite. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, these cookies are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.
So preheat that oven, grab your pumpkin puree, and treat yourself to the cozy comfort of homemade Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Once you taste them, you’ll find yourself baking them not just in fall, but all year round.
