Oh my goodness, you guys! If you’re looking for a cozy treat that wraps you in a warm hug, these pumpkin spice cookies are an absolute must-bake! I can still remember the first time I whipped up a batch in my kitchen. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, making my whole home feel like a snug fall escape. These cookies have that perfect soft texture that just melts in your mouth, and the combination of warm spices is simply divine. Trust me, they’re not just for autumn—these little bites of joy can brighten any day! Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, and I love how they bring everyone together for a little sweet indulgence. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into this delicious pumpkin spice cookies recipe together!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for these delectable pumpkin spice cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed tightly
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure your butter is really soft—this helps create that lovely, fluffy texture we’re after. And don’t forget to measure your pumpkin puree carefully; too much can make the cookies too moist. Let’s make some magic happen!
How to Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Making these pumpkin spice cookies is as easy as pie, and you’ll want to follow along closely to get that perfect soft texture. Ready? Here we go!
Preheating and Mixing Dry Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it helps the cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden color. While that’s warming up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is well mixed—this ensures that those warm spices are evenly distributed throughout your cookies!
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
Now, in a separate large bowl, it’s time to cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mix, giving your cookies that irresistible soft and chewy texture we all love!
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
Next, add in your pumpkin puree, the egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, and you’ll notice the beautiful orange hue of the pumpkin shining through. Make sure there are no lumps or streaks; we want a smooth, homogenous batter that’s bursting with flavor!
Combining Dry and Wet Mixtures
Now, it’s time to incorporate those dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix! Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that. Just mix until you see no flour streaks, and you’re good to go!
Baking the Cookies
Finally, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake these beauties in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a bit soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And just like that, your pumpkin spice cookies are ready to be devoured!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a quick peek at the nutritional values for these delightful pumpkin spice cookies! Each cookie is estimated to provide approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredient quantities and may vary slightly depending on the specific brands you use. So, enjoy your cookies knowing they’re not just delicious but also a treat you can feel good about indulging in!
Tips for Success
To ensure your pumpkin spice cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, if you’re at a high altitude, consider decreasing the sugar slightly and increasing the flour to help maintain structure. Humidity can affect cookie texture, so if it’s particularly muggy, you might want to add a bit more flour to keep your dough from getting too sticky. For those who love a little extra spice, feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to suit your taste—maybe even throw in a pinch of allspice for good measure! And remember, letting the dough chill for about 30 minutes before baking can help your cookies maintain their shape, especially if you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts. Happy baking, friends!
Variations on the Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe
One of the things I absolutely love about these pumpkin spice cookies is how versatile they are! You can easily customize them to suit your taste buds or whatever you have on hand. For a little extra sweetness and texture, try folding in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add a delightful crunch and pair beautifully with the soft cookie. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with the spices—add a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist or even a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat! And for those who adore cream cheese frosting, go ahead and whip up a batch to spread on top of your cooled cookies for a decadent treat. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make these cookies your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your pumpkin spice cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies! Just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, you’ll want to stick with plain pumpkin puree for this pumpkin spice cookies recipe. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugars and spices, which can throw off the balance of flavors.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on the edges! They should be lightly golden, while the centers might still look a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect soft texture.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies!
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store your pumpkin spice cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and delicious!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
For more information on the health benefits of pumpkin, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on baking with pumpkin, visit this BBC Good Food guide.
Print
Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe: 5 Steps to Cozy Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious pumpkin spice cookies with warm spices and a soft texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For added texture, consider incorporating chocolate chips or nuts.
- Adjust spices according to your preference.
- These cookies can be frosted with cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pumpkin spice cookies recipe
