Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

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There’s something incredibly comforting about fall flavors mingling in a simple cookie, and this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe captures just that warmth perfectly. With soft, tender bites infused with cozy spices and a subtle pumpkin sweetness, these cookies feel like a gentle hug wrapped in a bake. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or craving a treat that tastes like autumn in every bite, this recipe delivers cookie magic that you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of pantry basics and a few seasonal touches, this recipe’s ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a vital role in making these cookies delightfully soft and aromatic.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds these pumpkin-spiced delights together.
• Baking powder and baking soda: A duo that ensures a light, tender crumb with just the right rise.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that give these cookies their unmistakable autumnal charm.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture when softened properly.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crisp edge on the cookies.
• Pumpkin puree: Brings moistness and that lovely pumpkin flavor which makes these cookies truly special.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds tenderness to the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm and fragrant note.

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and clean-up is a breeze. This small prep step sets you up for perfectly baked cookies every time.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together. This blends the spices evenly so every cookie captures that signature pumpkin spice flavor alongside the tender dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This process incorporates air for a softer cookie texture and balances the sweetness.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mixing these until smooth creates a beautifully moist dough that’s bursting with flavor and ready to marry with the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Combine and Avoid Overmixing

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to your pumpkin mixture. Stir until just combined to keep the dough tender. Overmixing could make the cookies dense, so gentle hands yield the best soft, chewy results.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets. Lightly flatten each with your hand to help the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect sugar-cookie look and feel.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are set and bottoms turn lightly golden. Let them cool on the pan a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them firm up without losing their tender bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top just as the cookies come out of the oven for a subtle sweet crunch. For a festive touch, decorate with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and warm milk or dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate for a festive twist.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot chai tea or warm spiced apple cider, embracing the cozy pumpkin flavor with complementary autumn drinks. For something extra, offer alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a comforting dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them up and tie with a rustic twine bow for gifting, or arrange cookies on a platter with assorted nuts and dried cranberries for an inviting fall dessert display. You can also sandwich them with cinnamon cream cheese frosting to elevate the experience and impress friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, store your pumpkin sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their tender texture, perfect for snacking anytime.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray and then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time. Alternatively, freeze fully baked cookies in airtight containers for up to two months, thawing before serving.

Reheating

Warm your cookies gently in a low oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly to revive that soft, fresh-baked vibe. This trick is especially lovely if you enjoy them slightly warm with melty edges and a tender center.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and provides consistent moisture and flavor, making it a convenient choice year-round.

What if I don’t have nutmeg or cinnamon? Can I omit them?

While these spices are key to authentic flavor, you can substitute with allspice or pumpkin pie spice if you have them, or omit gently if needed, though the cookies won’t have the same autumnal warmth.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for best results, and you should enjoy soft, delicious cookies that everyone can savor.

How do I keep these cookies soft and not crispy?

The secret is to avoid overbaking and to store cookies in an airtight container. The pumpkin puree also helps maintain moisture, giving you tender cookies rather than a crunchy finish.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely. Stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts for added texture and flavor—it’s a wonderful way to customize your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this cozy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe in your baking arsenal, you’re all set to delight yourself and those you love with a treat that epitomizes autumn’s charm. These cookies are simple to make, wonderfully soft, and infused with just the right amount of spice to become your seasonal favorite. Grab your ingredients and enjoy every delicious bite—trust me, you’re going to want seconds.

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