Name: Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup pumpkin puree; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Golden, chewy, and dusted with spiced sugar—these Pumpkin Spice Cookies taste just like fall in every bite. They combine the cozy flavor of pumpkin puree with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, then rolled in a crunchy sugar coating for a perfect bakery-style finish. Soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, these cookies are a seasonal treat you’ll want to bake all year round.

Whether you’re curling up with a warm drink or bringing a dessert to a gathering, these cookies are an instant crowd-pleaser. Their aroma alone is enough to make your kitchen feel like a festive autumn bakery. Plus, they’re super easy to make and perfect for freezing ahead or enjoying fresh from the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they’re comforting, nostalgic, and surprisingly versatile. Here’s why you’ll love making them:

Rich Fall Flavor: Every bite is infused with pumpkin and warm spices, perfect for cozying up.
Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to brown sugar and pumpkin, these cookies stay soft for days.
Easy to Make: No chilling needed and the dough comes together in one bowl.
Perfect for Gifting: Their flavor and beautiful golden look make them great for cookie boxes or bake sales.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start baking, set yourself up with the right tools and prep so everything runs smoothly:

Mixing Bowls (Medium & Large): Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Helps cream the butter and sugars thoroughly, ensuring a soft texture.
Rubber Spatula: Ideal for folding the ingredients without overmixing the dough.
Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie size, so they bake evenly.
Baking Sheet + Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps cookies bake to golden perfection.
Cooling Rack: Keeps the cookies from overbaking on the sheet and preserves that chewy center.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in achieving that classic, spiced cookie texture and flavor:

Unsalted Butter – Gives richness and ensures the cookies are soft and slightly crisp around the edges.
Brown Sugar – Adds depth and moisture, which pairs perfectly with the pumpkin.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps achieve that golden exterior.
Pumpkin Puree – The heart of this cookie; provides moisture and unmistakable fall flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the warmth of the spices.
All-Purpose Flour – A sturdy base to hold everything together.
Baking Soda – Leavens the cookies so they puff slightly.
Salt – Balances the sweetness.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – A fragrant mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove.
Ground Cinnamon (for rolling) – Mixed with sugar for a crisp, spiced coating.

How To Make the Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugars

Using an electric mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to creating soft, chewy cookies.

Step 2: Add Pumpkin & Vanilla

Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Blend well until fully incorporated—the mixture might look a bit curdled but will come together with the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix on low until just combined.

Step 4: Scoop and Roll

Scoop the dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls using a cookie scoop. Roll each ball in a cinnamon-sugar mix to coat generously.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers look slightly soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later!

Serving and Storing Your Pumpkin Spice Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm with a cozy drink like chai, hot cocoa, or apple cider. They also make a perfect addition to holiday dessert platters or cookie gift boxes.

To store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the cookies extra chewy?

Using more brown sugar than granulated sugar helps increase chewiness. Also, don’t overbake—take them out when the centers still look slightly soft.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s well-drained so the dough doesn’t turn out too wet.

Why didn’t my cookies spread?

This could be due to too much flour. Always spoon and level your flour to avoid packing too much into your measuring cup.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours or freeze the dough balls and bake directly from frozen. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time if frozen.

Do these cookies need to be chilled before baking?

No chilling required! That’s one of the best parts. You can mix, scoop, and bake right away.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely. White chocolate chips, dark chocolate, or chopped pecans all make tasty additions without overpowering the pumpkin spice flavor.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If these Pumpkin Spice Cookies brought fall to your kitchen, you’ll love these other creative cookie favorites from the blog:

Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for that perfect sweet-salty crunch.
Lemon Churro Cookies for a zesty cinnamon twist.
Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies filled with ganache and holiday charm.
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies if you’re in the mood for a classic with a surprise center.
Brown Sugar Maple Cookies featuring deep molasses notes and cozy maple flavor.