Pumpkin spice cookies are the ultimate fall treat—soft, chewy, and loaded with warm spices. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving something cozy, these cookies bring that perfect autumn flavor in every bite.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best pumpkin spice cookies, what ingredients matter, and how to customize them with creative twists. If you’re looking for easy, crowd-pleasing cookies, you’re in the right place.
Looking for a delicious pairing? Don’t miss our Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares—they’re the perfect complement on any dessert table.
Table of Contents
Pumpkin Spice Cookies – The Soft, Spiced Fall Favorite You’ll Bake All Season
These Pumpkin Spice Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm fall spices. Perfect with a cup of coffee or a cozy night in, they’re your new go-to cookie for autumn baking.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Notes
For extra flavor, add white chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the dough. Cookies stay soft for days when stored in an airtight container. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Why Pumpkin Spice Cookies Are a Fall Must-Have
The Magic of Pumpkin and Spice Together
Pumpkin spice cookies are popular for good reason. The combo of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a cozy, nostalgic flavor that feels like fall. They’re soft, moist, and slightly chewy—ideal for dunking in coffee or cider.
Unlike other cookies, pumpkin spice cookies don’t just taste good—they smell amazing. That warm, spicy aroma instantly makes your kitchen feel like autumn.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Cozy Baking
These cookies are easy to make and hard to mess up. You don’t need fancy tools, and the dough comes together fast. No need to chill for hours or use complicated steps. Plus, pumpkin spice cookies bake in under 15 minutes, making them a great go-to when time is tight.
They also freeze well and make cute edible gifts for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
Ready to bake? Up next: the ingredients you’ll need for soft, flavorful pumpkin spice cookies.
Key Ingredients for the Best Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Choosing the Right Pumpkin (Puree vs. Pie Mix)
To get the best pumpkin spice cookies, always use 100% pure pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains sugar and spices, which can throw off the flavor and texture of your cookies.
Pumpkin puree gives that earthy sweetness and moist texture that defines the perfect soft cookie. It’s the base of flavor without overpowering the cookie’s spice blend.
Tip: Too much pumpkin can make the cookies cakey. Stick to the exact amount in your recipe for the best result.
Spices That Bring Out the Flavor
Pumpkin alone is mild. What makes pumpkin spice cookies stand out is the warm blend of spices. The essentials include:
- Cinnamon – adds warmth
- Nutmeg – earthy depth
- Ginger – a gentle kick
- Cloves or allspice – bold, sweet spice
You can also use pumpkin pie spice if you want a shortcut—it’s a premixed blend of all the above.
Using fresh spices makes a big difference. Old spices lose potency, and that can dull your cookie flavor.
Looking for a cookie with a frosting twist? Don’t miss our Cranberry Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—it’s packed with fall flavor too.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Mixing the Dough: What to Know
Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy. Then add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Combine wet and dry mixtures until just blended. Don’t overmix or the cookies may turn dense.
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
Shaping, Chilling, and Baking Tips
Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet. For softer cookies, chill for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. They should look slightly underdone—cooling will finish the job.
Want more chewy pumpkin treats? Try our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes next.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Why Are My Cookies Too Dry or Puffy?
If your pumpkin spice cookies come out dry, you’re likely using too much flour. Always spoon and level, never scoop directly from the bag.
Overbaking is another culprit. Take cookies out when edges are just set—even if centers look soft.
Puffy cookies? It’s often too much baking soda or chilled dough that’s too cold.
How to Get the Perfect Chewy Texture
- Don’t skip brown sugar—it adds moisture
- Use real pumpkin puree (not watery brands)
- Slightly underbake for soft centers
- Let them cool fully on the tray for carry-over cooking
Want more no-fail fall desserts? Don’t miss our No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake.
Flavor Variations You’ll Want to Try
Add-Ins: Chocolate Chips, Nuts, and More
Classic pumpkin spice cookies are great, but add-ins take them next level.
Try:
- Chocolate chips for richness
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- White chocolate for a creamy contrast
- Dried cranberries for a tart bite
Mix in ½ to 1 cup of your favorite add-in per batch.
Glazes, Drizzles, and Cream Cheese Frosting
Dress up your cookies with:
- Maple glaze – just powdered sugar + maple syrup
- Cream cheese frosting – rich and tangy
- Vanilla drizzle – quick and sweet
These toppings turn everyday cookies into holiday-worthy treats.
Love frosting? Pair these with our Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares for a full dessert platter.
How to Store Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Room Temp vs. Refrigeration
Store pumpkin spice cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. Add a slice of bread to keep them soft.
If frosted or glazed, store in the fridge. Let them sit out 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Can You Freeze the Dough or Baked Cookies?
Yes!
- Dough: Scoop into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in bags (up to 2 months).
- Baked cookies: Freeze in layers with parchment between. Thaw at room temp.
Want another freezer-friendly treat? Try our Pumpkin Pie Bars—they store great, too.
Serving Ideas for Holidays and Parties
Pairing Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Fall Drinks
Pumpkin spice cookies pair perfectly with cozy drinks like:
- Hot apple cider
- Spiced chai
- Pumpkin lattes
- Vanilla almond milk
Serve warm cookies on a tray with mugs for a cozy fall vibe.
Creative Ways to Gift or Display
Wrap a few cookies in parchment and twine for cute edible gifts. Stack them in jars or boxes for parties or teacher gifts.
Hosting a dessert table? Pair these with our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes for variety.
What to Bake Next – Perfect Fall Dessert Pairings
Once you’ve made a batch of warm pumpkin spice cookies, you’ll want to keep the fall flavors coming. Here’s what to bake next:
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares – Creamy, spiced, and perfect for slicing
- Pumpkin Pie Bars – Like classic pie, but easier to serve
- Cranberry Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – A bold mix of tart and sweet
- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake – Quick and cool for busy days
These fall desserts pair beautifully with your pumpkin spice cookies for parties, platters, or gift boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but drain and mash it well. Canned pumpkin puree gives more consistent results for pumpkin spice cookies.
What’s the best way to keep cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread. Don’t overbake—soft centers keep them moist for days.
Are these cookies vegan-friendly?
They can be! Use plant-based butter, egg replacer, and check your sugar source. Pumpkin adds great moisture naturally.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The pumpkin keeps texture soft even without regular flour.
How long can I freeze the dough?
Up to 2 months. Scoop it into balls and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the time.
Do I need to use a pie crust for any variation?
No crust needed here. But if you want a bar-style twist, check out our Pie Crust Recipe for inspiration.
Conclusion
Pumpkin spice cookies are the ultimate cozy dessert for fall—soft, spiced, and simple to make. With just a few pantry staples and a can of pumpkin puree, you can whip up a batch in no time. They’re perfect for gifts, parties, or quiet moments with a warm drink.
Customize them with chocolate chips, glaze, or frosting. Freeze for later or pair them with other fall desserts like Pumpkin Pie Bars or Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares.
For even more cozy bakes, don’t miss our No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake.
