Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies are the ultimate fall treat — warm, fluffy, and full of nostalgic flavor. From the first bite, you’ll fall in love with their cake-like texture, rich pumpkin flavor, and cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These cookies are made with simple ingredients, come together in minutes, and deliver that perfect balance of softness and spice. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, sharing with family, or just treating yourself, these Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies are guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like autumn. Best of all, they stay soft for days, making them ideal for make-ahead baking or gift-giving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super soft and fluffy: The perfect tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Perfectly spiced: A warm, cozy flavor profile that screams fall.
• Easy to make: No chill time, no fancy tools — just mix and bake.
• Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and enjoy fresh-baked taste anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (245g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Optional (for topping):

• Cinnamon-sugar mix for sprinkling
• Cream cheese frosting or glaze

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
• Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger).
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
• Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Optionally, sprinkle each cookie with cinnamon-sugar for a sparkly finish.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set and tops no longer look wet.
• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once cooled, optionally frost with cream cheese frosting or drizzle with glaze.

Serving Tips

Serve these Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies slightly warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or warm apple cider. For an extra special treat, spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. These cookies also make a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter or autumn dessert spread.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and fresh. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive their soft texture.

Timing Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies

Related Recipes

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles
• Maple Pecan Bars

Conclusion

These Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a cozy, delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall any day of the week. Easy to make and irresistibly tender, they’re sure to become a favorite for your seasonal baking. Whether shared with family, gifted to friends, or enjoyed with a warm drink, this recipe delivers comforting autumn goodness in every bite. Give it a try and savor the soft, spiced magic of pumpkin in cookie form!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree because pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which can alter the flavor and texture of your Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies.

Q2: How do I keep the cookies soft for longer?
A: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and keep your Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies soft for several days.

Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend to enjoy gluten-free Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies without compromising texture.

📖 Recipe

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