Ah, fall! It’s that magical time of year when the air turns crisp, the leaves put on their fiery show, and my kitchen starts to smell like pure cozy comfort. As a chef who lives and breathes Spanish flavors in Valencia, you might think my heart belongs to paella, but let me tell you, when autumn rolls around, I absolutely *live* for baking. And when it comes to fall baking, nothing beats these pumpkin spice cookies. Seriously, they’re little bites of heaven!

What makes these so special? Well, I’ve tinkered and tasted, and this recipe just hits all the right notes. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet pumpkin and warm, familiar spices that just screams autumn. They’re not too cakey, not too crisp – just wonderfully soft and chewy, exactly how a good cookie should be. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to whip up, which is a huge win when you’re craving something delicious *right now*.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Honestly, these cookies are a total game-changer for your fall baking list. Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

Super Easy to Make: We’re talking minimal fuss, maximum flavor. You can whip up a batch even on a busy weeknight!
That Perfect Fall Flavor: Packed with pumpkin and a blend of warm spices, they’re like a cozy hug in cookie form.
Irresistible Texture: They’re wonderfully soft and chewy in the middle with just the slightest hint of crispness around the edges.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a school bake sale, a Thanksgiving gathering, or just an afternoon treat with a cup of tea, these cookies are always a hit.

Gather Your Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Okay, let’s get down to business! Having all your ingredients prepped and ready is half the battle, and honestly, it makes baking so much more enjoyable. For these amazing pumpkin spice cookies, we’re going to use some real pantry staples, plus that star ingredient – pumpkin! It’s important to have everything measured out before you start mixing, especially the butter and eggs, so they’re at the right temperature. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Essential Baking Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to grab to get started on these beauties:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or your own mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves!)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (that’s two sticks!) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed down nice and tight
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree – make sure it’s just plain pumpkin puree, NOT the pumpkin pie filling stuff!

Optional Add-ins for Your Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Now, if you want to jazz things up a bit, you can totally add some yummy extras to the dough. Chopped pecans or walnuts are fantastic in these, adding a nice little crunch. Or, maybe some chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra decadent! I usually add about half a cup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Alright, time to get our hands a little messy and create some magic! Making these pumpkin spice cookies is really straightforward, and the process itself feels so cozy. I always like to have everything measured out beforehand, and then it’s just a matter of mixing and baking. The key is to not overdo it when you mix the dry ingredients into the wet – a gentle hand makes all the difference for that perfect soft and chewy texture. You’ll see!

Preparing Your Dough for Baking Pumpkin Spice Cookies

First things first, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cookies don’t stick. Now, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set that aside. In a big bowl, cream together your softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. Beat them until it’s nice and fluffy – this is where you get those lovely air pockets! Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Finally, stir in that beautiful pumpkin puree until it’s all smooth. Now, gently add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix until *just* combined; seriously, stop as soon as you don’t see big streaks of flour. Overmixing is the enemy of tender cookies!

Baking and Cooling Your Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Once your dough is ready, drop rounded tablespoons of it onto those prepared baking sheets. Give them about 2 inches of space because they will spread a little. Pop them into the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be just lightly golden. They’ll still look a little soft in the center, and that’s exactly what you want! Let them hang out on the baking sheets for a few minutes after they come out of the oven – this helps them firm up just enough. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for getting that perfect chewy texture. Don’t rush it!

Tips for Success with Your Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Alright, let’s talk about making sure these pumpkin spice cookies turn out absolutely perfect every single time. It’s not complicated, but a few little tricks really make a difference! First off, ingredient temperature is your friend. Make sure that butter is truly softened, not melted – it makes creaming so much easier and gets you that light, fluffy texture we need. And don’t skimp on the pumpkin puree; using the right kind (not pie filling!) is key for that authentic flavor and moisture.

When you’re mixing the dry into the wet ingredients, remember: gentle does it! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make your cookies tough instead of wonderfully chewy. Just mix until the flour disappears. Also, ovens can be wild things! If yours tends to bake hot, keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. They should look slightly soft in the middle when you pull them out; they’ll continue to cook and firm up on the hot baking sheet. For consistent shapes, using a cookie scoop is a lifesaver! You can find great tips on how to make perfect cookies.

These delightful pumpkin spice cookies are just begging to be enjoyed! They’re absolutely perfect on their own, of course, but I love pairing them with a warm mug of coffee or a big glass of cold milk – you know, for dunking! They also make a lovely little treat alongside a cozy evening read. When it comes to storing them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh and chewy for about 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you seal them up, otherwise, you might get some unwanted condensation! For more dairy-free cookie recipes, check out our other posts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Got questions about whipping up these amazing pumpkin spice cookies? I’ve got answers! It’s always good to know a few tricks, especially when you’re trying a new recipe. Don’t worry, these cookies are pretty forgiving, but a little know-how goes a long way to making sure they’re absolutely perfect.

Can I Make Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Cookies?

Yes, you absolutely can! To make these pumpkin spice cookies gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust the dough consistency slightly, but it’s a straightforward substitution! For more ideas, see our gluten-free pasta salad.

How Do I Get Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies?

Achieving that wonderfully chewy texture is all about a few key things! Make sure you’re using packed brown sugar, as the molasses content helps with chewiness. Also, don’t overbake them! Pull them out when the edges look set but the centers still look a little soft. They’ll continue to bake a bit as they cool on the pan, which is exactly what you want for that perfect chew. You can find more air fryer gluten-free lava cake recipes here.

These delightful pumpkin spice cookies are just begging to be enjoyed! They’re absolutely perfect on their own, of course, but I love pairing them with a warm mug of coffee or a big glass of cold milk – you know, for dunking! They also make a lovely little treat alongside a cozy evening read. Let me know how yours turn out!

Amazing Pumpkin Spice Cookies: 12 Perfect Bites

Author: Carmen Velasco
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious pumpkin spice cookies perfect for fall. These soft and chewy cookies are packed with warm spices and are easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Stir in the pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For a festive touch, you can drizzle melted white chocolate or a simple glaze over the cooled cookies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 70mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: pumpkin spice cookies, pumpkin cookies, fall cookies, autumn baking, spiced cookies, cookie recipe, easy cookies, seasonal baking