There’s something magical about pumpkin cookies that makes them the ultimate fall treat. Picture biting into a soft, chewy delight, where the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg dance together in perfect harmony. The sweet aroma wafts through your kitchen, wrapping you in an embrace of comfort and nostalgia.

These delectable pumpkin cookies are not just for Halloween or Thanksgiving; they’re perfect for cozy evenings at home or surprise visits from friends. Trust me, one bite will transport you back to those golden days of autumn when leaves crunch underfoot and the world feels like a storybook.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin cookies are incredibly easy to make with minimal prep time
- Their rich flavor profile includes warm spices that will tantalize your taste buds
- Visually stunning with a lovely golden hue, they also make an inspiring addition to any dessert table
- Perfectly versatile, you can enjoy them plain or jazz them up with chocolate chips or nuts
I remember the first time I made these pumpkin cookies for my family; their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites, leaving only crumbs behind.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned puree or fresh roasted pumpkin; just ensure it’s 100% pure without additives.
All-Purpose Flour: A staple in most kitchens; it gives your cookies structure and chewiness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough perfectly while brown sugar adds moisture and depth.
Baking Powder: Essential for helping the cookies rise and achieve that soft texture.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices create the signature fall flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for better control over the flavor profile.
Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together, giving your cookies that perfect texture.
Vanilla Extract: A dash enhances flavor complexity and adds warmth to every bite.
Chocolate Chips (optional): For those who believe more chocolate is always better!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup later on.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes should do it.
Add Eggs and Pumpkin: Mix in eggs one at a time followed by pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly blended.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix; we want tender cookies!
Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Let these delightful pumpkin cookies cool on wire racks before devouring—trust me; they’re worth the wait! Enjoy them alone or share with friends; either way, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “pumpkin spice everything.”
You Must Know
- Pumpkin cookies are not just a seasonal treat; they bring warmth and comfort with every bite
- The aroma of spices and baked goodness fills the air, making your kitchen feel like a cozy café
- Perfect for sharing but irresistible enough to keep for yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking sheets while mixing your cookie dough. This ensures even baking and saves time.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an unexpected twist. Customize based on your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to revive their softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making pumpkin cookies, ensure your pumpkin puree is well-drained to avoid sogginess
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavor impact
- Chill the dough before baking for thicker cookies that hold their shape beautifully
Baking pumpkin cookies always brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and sweet scents. Every bite reminds me of family gatherings and cozy Fall evenings.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, just ensure that it’s cooked and properly pureed to match the texture.
How can I make my pumpkin cookies softer?
Add an extra tablespoon of butter or reduce baking time slightly for softer results.
What spices work best in pumpkin cookies?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create the perfect warm spice blend for flavor-packed cookies.

Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin cookies are the ultimate fall treat, combining soft, chewy textures with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, these cookies evoke the nostalgic essence of autumn in every bite. With minimal prep time and a simple recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for these delightful cookies throughout the season.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients using a spatula until just mixed; avoid overmixing.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden but centers are still soft. Cool on wire racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg