Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

Spiced Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect fall treat that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and cozy spices into one soft, chewy bite. These cookies are easy to make and bring the essence of autumn right to your kitchen, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re craving something sweet or need a festive dessert for the season, spiced pumpkin cookies deliver on flavor and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm, cozy spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make every bite bursting with autumn flavor.
• Soft and chewy texture: Moist pumpkin keeps the cookies tender and delicious.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and quick prep make this a stress-free baking recipe.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great for fall gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are soft.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Tips

Serve these spiced pumpkin cookies slightly warm for the best experience. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. For an extra indulgent treat, try sandwiching two cookies with cream cheese frosting or spread a thin layer of butter on top while still warm.

Storage Tips

Store leftover spiced pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.

Timing Information

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

Optional Variations

• Add-ins: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the spiced pumpkin cookie dough for extra texture and flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make spiced pumpkin cookies gluten-free.
• Vegan version: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and dairy-free butter to make vegan spiced pumpkin cookies.
• Spice adjustment: Increase or reduce the cinnamon and nutmeg based on your taste preference for spiced pumpkin cookies.
• Sweetener swap: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a different sweetness profile in your spiced pumpkin cookies.

Related Recipes

• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Maple Pecan Muffins
• Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles

Conclusion

Spiced pumpkin cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall all year round. With their perfect blend of warm spices and moist pumpkin, they’re sure to become a favorite treat for your family and friends. Whether you bake them for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these spiced pumpkin cookies deliver comfort and deliciousness in every bite.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but it needs to be cooked and pureed first. Make sure to drain any excess water for the best cookie texture.

Q2: How do I keep my spiced pumpkin cookies soft?
A: Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture. Avoid overbaking, as this can make cookies dry.

Q3: Can I freeze spiced pumpkin cookies?
A: Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version of spiced pumpkin cookies.

📖 Recipe

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