Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies – Perfect Fall Treat

If you love all things cozy and comforting, these Pumpkin Spice Cookies will steal your heart. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with warm fall spices that make every bite taste like autumn. Perfect for baking on chilly weekends or sharing at holiday gatherings, these cookies fill your kitchen with the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and chewy texture with just the right amount of pumpkin flavor.
• Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Freezer-friendly — you can make the dough ahead and bake fresh later.
• No mixer needed! Easy to make in one bowl.
• Ideal for fall gatherings, bake sales, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add wet ingredients: Stir in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
5. Mix it all together: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
6. Scoop and shape: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake to perfection: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers look set.
8. Cool and enjoy: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

• Make them extra chewy: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Add a drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for a bakery-style touch.
• Swap-ins: Use gluten-free flour if desired, or replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Storage: Keep cookies soft by storing them with a slice of bread in an airtight container.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerate: Lasts up to 1 week in the fridge.
• Freeze: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months, or freeze dough balls and bake as needed.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Enjoy with a hot cup of chai latte, pumpkin spice coffee, or warm apple cider.
• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert.
• Perfect for cookie exchanges and holiday cookie boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes. Just roast and mash fresh pumpkin, then strain excess liquid. You’ll need about 1 cup of thick puree.

Why are my cookies cakey instead of chewy?

Too much pumpkin or overmixing can make cookies fluffy. Reduce pumpkin slightly or chill the dough before baking for denser cookies.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, replace the egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for an egg-free version that still stays moist.

How do I keep my pumpkin spice cookies soft for days?

Store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread or a damp paper towel — the moisture helps prevent drying out.

Ready to Make It?

Grab your whisk and baking tray — these Pumpkin Spice Cookies are calling your name! Once you try them, they’ll become your go-to fall treat.

You Might Also Like

• Sweet Potato Pie – Creamy, smooth, and full of warm spices — a Southern-inspired favorite.
• Buttermilk Biscuits – Flaky, buttery, and easy to bake for breakfast or dinner.
• Creamy Avocado Salsa – Fresh, zesty, and perfect as a dip or topping.
• Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings – A comforting, hearty meal with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.

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