Pumpkin Cookies Recipe (with Video)

Pumpkin Cookies Recipe: Pumpkin cookies are the ultimate treat for fall and beyond. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, or simply craving a sweet snack, these soft, spiced cookies are sure to delight your taste buds. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also bring a cozy, festive vibe to your kitchen.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to create the perfect batch of pumpkin cookies—from mixing the dough to decorating them with irresistible frostings. Let’s dive right in!

Why Pumpkin Cookies Are Perfect for Every Occasion

Pumpkin cookies are versatile and ideal for any occasion. Their warm, spiced flavor fits perfectly into fall and winter celebrations, but they’re equally enjoyable year-round. You can make them soft and chewy or slightly crisp depending on your preference.

They’re great for:

• Holiday gatherings
• Bake sales
• Gifting in decorative tins
• Quick snacks for kids and adults

Moreover, pumpkin adds moisture, making the cookies soft while reducing the need for excessive butter or oils, offering a somewhat healthier alternative to traditional cookies.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin in Baking

Pumpkin isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with nutrients!

Key Health Benefits of Pumpkin:

• Rich in Vitamin A – Supports vision and immune health.
• High in Fiber – Promotes better digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Low in Calories – Makes it a great substitute for fats in baking recipes.
• Loaded with Antioxidants – Helps combat inflammation.

Using pumpkin puree in cookies also eliminates the need for artificial flavors or preservatives, offering a more natural sweetness and texture.

Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Cookies

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to create these delightful cookies:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• ½ cup raisins or cranberries

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Required

• Mixing bowls (large and medium-sized)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Cooling rack

Preparation Steps

Prepping Your Ingredients for the Perfect Dough

1. Measure Everything Accurately: Baking is all about precision, so carefully measure each ingredient.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
3. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line them with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
4. Soften the Butter: Leave the butter at room temperature for 30–60 minutes if it’s too hard. Soft butter blends better for a smoother dough.

Mixing the Wet and Dry Ingredients – The Right Technique

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

• In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
• Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

• Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula. Avoid over-mixing to keep the dough light and fluffy.

Chilling the Dough – Why It’s Important

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour helps:

• Enhance flavor by allowing spices to blend.
• Prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Create a chewy, denser texture.

Cover the dough with plastic wrap before refrigerating.

Baking Instructions

Shaping and Placing the Cookies on Baking Trays

1. Scoop out dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform size.
2. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow space for spreading.
3. Lightly flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your palm for even baking.

Baking Time and Temperature Guidelines

1. Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
2. Test by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re done.
3. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Finishing Touches and Variations

Decorating and Frosting Your Pumpkin Cookies

Once your pumpkin cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to make them even more irresistible with decorations and frostings!

1. Cream Cheese Frosting:

Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
• Spread the frosting over each cookie or use a piping bag for decorative swirls.

2. Glaze Drizzle:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla or maple extract

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients until smooth.
• Drizzle over cookies using a spoon or piping bag.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle:

• Lightly brush cookies with melted butter and sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture on top for added texture and sweetness.

Popular Variations – Chocolate Chips, Nuts, and More

Pumpkin cookies can be easily customized to suit your taste. Here are some popular variations:

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips before baking for a rich, chocolaty twist.

Nutty Pumpkin Cookies: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for crunch.

Spiced Raisin Pumpkin Cookies: Fold in ½ cup of raisins or cranberries for fruity bursts of flavor.

Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies: Replace ½ cup of flour with rolled oats for a chewy texture.

Experiment with different mix-ins to create your signature pumpkin cookie recipe!

How to Store Pumpkin Cookies to Keep Them Fresh

Pumpkin cookies are soft and moist, so proper storage is essential to maintain their texture and flavor.

Short-Term Storage:

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration:

• For longer freshness, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
• For unbaked dough, roll it into balls, freeze on a tray, and transfer to a freezer bag—bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Ideas – Pairings and Presentations

• Tea or Coffee Pairing: These cookies go perfectly with spiced lattes, chai tea, or hot chocolate.
• Dessert Boards: Arrange cookies on a dessert platter with fruits, nuts, and chocolates for parties.
• Holiday Gifts: Wrap them in decorative tins or jars with ribbons as thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Pair two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream in between for a decadent treat.

Tips for Success

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Pumpkin Cookies

1. Over-Mixing the Dough: Over-mixing leads to dense cookies. Stir gently just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping this step can cause cookies to spread too much during baking.
3. Using Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Pumpkin Puree: Pie filling has added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor and texture.
4. Over-Baking: Pumpkin cookies should be soft, so remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
5. Skipping Cooling Time: Let cookies cool completely before frosting to avoid a melty mess.

Expert Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor

• Use Fresh Spices: Old spices lose their potency, so always check the freshness of your cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Experiment with Frostings and Glazes: Try maple, caramel, or vanilla frosting for flavor twists.
• Add a Dash of Maple Syrup: Enhance flavor by adding 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to the dough.
• Test Bake First: Bake 1–2 cookies first to check consistency before baking the whole batch.

FAQs about Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

1. What ingredients do I need for pumpkin cookies?

For a basic pumpkin cookie recipe, you will need canned pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, an egg, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Some recipes might include extras like nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins for added flavor and texture.

2. How long does it take to bake pumpkin cookies?

Typically, pumpkin cookies bake in about 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Always check that the edges are slightly golden and the center is set before removing them from the oven.

3. Can I make vegan pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! To make vegan pumpkin cookies, substitute the egg with a flax egg or a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce, and ensure that your sugar is vegan-friendly. Use plant-based oils or vegan butter as a substitute for regular butter.

4. How do I store pumpkin cookies?

Pumpkin cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

5. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Simply roast the pumpkin, then puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth. Measure the puree as you would canned pumpkin. Keep in mind that fresh pumpkin might be more watery than canned, which could slightly alter the texture of your cookies.

6. Are pumpkin cookies healthy?

Pumpkin cookies can be a healthier alternative to other sweet treats, as pumpkin is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. However, consider the amount of sugar and fats in your recipe. For a healthier version, you can reduce sugar or substitute some flour with whole wheat or oat flour.

Conclusion

Homemade pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. With their soft, spiced flavor and endless customization options, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Whether you prefer them plain, frosted, or loaded with chocolate chips, this step-by-step guide ensures your cookies will turn out perfect every time.

So, grab your mixing bowls and start baking! Your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you.