Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, there is nothing quite like the aroma of warm spices wafting through your home. These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are the ultimate autumn treat. They take the classic, buttery sugar cookie we all love and infuse it with the cozy, earthy notes of real pumpkin and a signature spice blend. They are soft, chewy, and perfectly festive.

Whether you are hosting a fall gathering or just want a sweet snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these cookies hit the spot. They are incredibly easy to make and offer a wonderful alternative to traditional pumpkin pie. Get ready to bake a batch that will disappear from the cooling rack in minutes!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 135 kcal
• Protein: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 95mg

Why Make This Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

These cookies offer the perfect texture balance. Unlike some pumpkin cookies that can turn out cakey, this recipe maintains the dense, chewy bite of a traditional sugar cookie. The addition of pumpkin puree adds a subtle moisture that keeps them soft for days, while the rolling sugar gives them a delightful crystalline crunch on the outside.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. You do not need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry. It is a kid-friendly recipe that allows little ones to help with rolling the dough balls and coating them in the spiced sugar mixture.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Creating these seasonal delights is a straightforward process that yields professional results. Follow these simple steps to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar (plus 3 tablespoons for rolling)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree (blotted to remove excess moisture)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (plus 1 teaspoon for rolling)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats so the cookies do not stick.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and the brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and the blotted pumpkin puree. Continue beating until the mixture is well combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 5: Roll the Dough

In a small bowl, mix the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll the ball in the sugar-spice mixture until evenly coated.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft. Allow them to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm with a cold glass of milk. For a more indulgent treat, serve them alongside a hot pumpkin spice latte or a steaming mug of apple cider. You can also turn them into ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies.

How to Store Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely cool before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. You can also freeze the raw dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer, adding 1 or 2 minutes to the bake time.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

The most important tip is to blot your pumpkin puree. Pumpkin contains a lot of water, which can make cookies “cakey.” Place the puree on a few layers of paper towels and press gently to remove the liquid before measuring. Also, ensure your butter is at room temperature but not melted, as this helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Delicious Variations

If you want to add a twist to this recipe, try folding in half a cup of white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for added texture. You can also drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk. For a “dirty” chai version, add half a teaspoon of ground cardamom and ginger to the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best results.

Q: Why are my cookies flat?

Cookies can turn out flat if the butter was too warm or if the dough was over-mixed. Try chilling the dough balls for 30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is very warm.

Q: Do I really need to blot the pumpkin?

While you can skip it, blotting the pumpkin is the secret to getting a chewy sugar cookie texture rather than a spongy, cake-like texture.

Q: Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan butter stick and use a flax egg or additional pumpkin puree instead of the egg yolk, though the texture may be slightly softer.

Q: Can I use homemade pumpkin pie spice?

Absolutely! Simply mix cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice to create your own custom blend for these cookies.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are a must-bake for anyone who loves the flavors of the fall season. They are simple to prepare, incredibly comforting, and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Once you try the combination of buttery sugar cookie dough and warm autumn spices, this recipe will surely become a staple in your holiday baking rotation. Enjoy the cozy vibes and happy baking!

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