Name: Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe: Avoid ONE Big Mistake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Additional sugar for coating

Jump to Recipe

Okay, friends, let’s talk fall! I don’t know about you, but as soon as the leaves start changing, my brain switches to “bake mode.” And what’s more fall than pumpkin spice? I’ve been tweaking this Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe for years, and trust me, it’s a winner. We’re talking *seriously* soft, chewy cookies packed with all those cozy spices we love.

My favorite part is the smell that fills the house – cinnamon, nutmeg, that little hint of cloves… it’s basically autumn in cookie form. I remember one year, I was so excited to make these, I preheated the oven before I even got the ingredients out! Oops! But hey, that’s how much I love this time of year, and especially this recipe. Seriously, these Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to kick off the season. I promise you won’t regret trying them!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe

Seriously, you *need* these cookies in your life, and here’s why:

They’re crazy easy to make. I’m talking “mix it all in one bowl” easy!
Hello, FALL! These are like a warm hug on a chilly day.
That texture! Soft, chewy… just the way a cookie should be.
The pumpkin spice flavor is totally addictive. You’ve been warned!

Quick and Easy Fall Dessert

Let’s be real, sometimes you just want a treat *fast*. This Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe comes together so quickly, it’s almost dangerous. Minimal effort, maximum flavor? Yes, please!

Perfect for Sharing

Baking is my love language, and these cookies are perfect for spreading the love! Bring them to a potluck, share them with neighbors, or just leave a plate out for your family to enjoy. You’ll be everyone’s favorite person, guaranteed!

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these amazing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies. Don’t skimp on the spices – that’s where all the magic happens!

1 cup (that’s 2 sticks!) of unsalted butter, softened. Seriously, make sure it’s *soft*, not melted!
1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar. For that perfect sweetness, ya know?
1 large egg. Just one!
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pure vanilla is the best, trust me.
1 cup of pumpkin puree. Not pumpkin pie filling, just plain puree!
3 cups of all-purpose flour. The workhorse of the baking world.
1 teaspoon of baking soda. For that little lift!
1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gotta get ’em nice and fluffy.
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Because, duh, it’s pumpkin *spice*!
1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Adds a little warmth.
1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. Don’t overdo it – a little goes a long way!
1/4 teaspoon of salt. Balances out the sweetness.
And some extra sugar for coating! Makes ’em sparkly and delicious.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s get down to business and make some seriously delicious Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, chewy cookies in no time.

Preparing the Dough for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

First things first, preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). You don’t want to forget! Then, grab a big bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar. You’ll want to beat it until it’s light and fluffy. I usually use my electric mixer for this, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious!

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Make sure they’re well combined. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This makes sure all those spices are evenly distributed.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing leads to tough cookies, and nobody wants that. The dough will be a little sticky, and that’s okay!

Baking Your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies to Perfection

Now, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This is key for easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet. I like to use a cookie scoop to keep them all the same size, but spoons work just fine, too! Sprinkle each cookie with additional sugar before they go in the oven.

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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them! Every oven is different, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly. They should still be soft in the center.

Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up properly. And try not to eat them all at once… though I totally understand if you do!

Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Want to take your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! These little tips will help you bake the perfect batch every time.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

Okay, so here’s the deal: for super soft cookies, *don’t* overbake them! Err on the side of slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to set up as they cool. If you like ’em a little crispier, bake them for the full 12 minutes, but watch carefully. Also chilling the dough for 30 mins before baking can really help!

Enhancing the Pumpkin Spice Flavor

Not getting enough spice? No problem! I sometimes add a teeny pinch more cloves, but be careful – they can be overpowering! My favorite trick is to use really fresh spices. Seriously, it makes a world of difference! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try a dash of ginger. Wow!

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Creative Variations for Your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe (go you!). Now, let’s get a little wild and try some fun variations! These cookies are a blank canvas just begging for your creative touch.

Adding Chocolate Chips

Chocolate and pumpkin spice? YES, PLEASE! I love adding about a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough. But hey, milk chocolate or even white chocolate would be amazing, too! Just fold ’em in gently at the end.

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Oh my goodness, you *have* to try these with cream cheese frosting! Just beat together some softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, a little vanilla, and a splash of milk until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, drizzle it over the cooled cookies. Boom! Instant deliciousness!

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Okay, so you’ve got a batch of warm, gooey Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies… what’s next? Time to find the perfect drink to go with ’em! Here are a few of my faves.

Perfect Pairings

Honestly, a cold glass of milk is *always* a winner. But if you’re feeling fancy, try a warm latte or a spiced chai tea. Wow! The warm spices in the cookies pair so well with a cozy drink. And hey, a cup of black coffee works great too! Whatever floats your boat!

Storing Your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Alright, so you somehow managed *not* to eat all the cookies in one sitting? Impressive! Here’s how to keep those Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible (though, let’s be real, they probably won’t last long!).

Maintaining Freshness

The key is an airtight container! Seriously, that’s it. Pop those cookies in a container or a zip-top bag, and they’ll stay soft and chewy for several days. I usually add a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, but that’s just me being extra!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Got questions about these amazing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe. Don’t worry, there are no silly questions when it comes to cookies!

Can I freeze the Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe dough?

Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a great way to have cookies on demand. Just scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop ’em straight into the oven (you might need to add a minute or two to the baking time). Easy peasy!

How do I keep my Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies soft?

Ah, the million-dollar question! The key is to store them in an airtight container, like I mentioned before. Also, *don’t* overbake them! Slightly underbaked cookies are always softer. And a sneaky trick? Pop a slice of bread into the container with the cookies. It’ll help keep ’em moist. Seriously!

Can I use a different type of flour for this Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe?

While all-purpose flour works best, you *can* experiment! I’ve had good luck with a 50/50 blend of all-purpose and whole wheat pastry flour. It gives the cookies a little extra nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that different flours can affect the texture, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly. But honestly, all-purpose is your best bet for consistently delicious Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies.

Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Just a heads-up: the nutrition info is an estimate! It can vary based on the brands you use and how big you make the cookies. So, take it with a grain of salt (or sugar!). For more precise information, you can consult a registered dietician or use a nutrition calculator.

Rate This Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe

Loved these Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies? Leave a comment and rating below! And hey, share your cookie creations on social media – I’d love to see them!