As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat to embrace the season. Combining the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth that is sure to please every palate. They’re soft, chewy, and just the right amount of spiced goodness, making them an ideal companion for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings. Plus, they’re simple to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies
- Delicious Autumn Flavor: Capture the essence of fall with pumpkin and warm spices.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make for a quick baking session.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies remain tender and appealing, bite after bite.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins or adjust spices to your liking.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holiday celebrations, parties, or just a cozy night in.
Materials
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra sugar for rolling (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger), and salt until well combined. The scent of the spices will start to fill the air!
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Pumpkin and Egg
Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is evenly blended. The mixture will have a beautiful orange hue.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, roll each ball in sugar for a sparkling finish.
7. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look soft but will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy their warm, comforting aroma!
Tips & Variations
- Add-Ins: Consider incorporating chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to increase the spices for a bolder flavor or use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices.
- Frosting: Top cooled cookies with cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe and is a convenient option.
Q2: How long will the cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, the cookies can last up to a week at room temperature.
Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto baking sheets and freeze before transferring to a freezer bag.
Q4: What can I substitute for butter?
You can use coconut oil or a non-dairy butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
- Drinks: Enjoy these cookies with a warm chai latte, spiced cider, or a classic cup of coffee.
- Sides: Serve alongside a creamy pumpkin soup for a complete autumn meal.
- Dipping Sauces: A drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache can add a delightful twist!
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of autumn flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoying them fresh from the oven or sharing them with loved ones, they are sure to delight and warm hearts. If you try this recipe, we encourage you to share your versions or leave a comment! Happy baking!
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Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious autumn-flavored cookies combining pumpkin and warm spices, soft and chewy for the perfect treat.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is evenly blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg