The Softest Chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe for Fall Baking

Baking delightful pumpkin sugar cookies can transform an ordinary afternoon into a cozy autumn memory.

Crisp leaves and cool breezes inspire sweet kitchen adventures.

Soft, pillowy textures promise comfort in every delectable bite.

Warm spices dance through the kitchen, creating an irresistible aroma.

Little hands love helping mix and shape these delicious treats.

Seasonal baking brings magical moments that linger long after the last crumb disappears.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of these irresistible cookies.

Why Chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Are So Irresistible

• Conquer Seasonal Baking: Dive into a pumpkin cookie adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful autumn treat perfect for all skill levels.
• Master Quick Preparation: Craft these cookies with minimal effort, using basic kitchen tools and straightforward mixing techniques that guarantee success for novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Celebrate Versatile Comfort: Enjoy a family-friendly dessert that captures the warm, cozy essence of fall, making it ideal for gatherings, school lunches, or afternoon snack breaks.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the recipe by adding optional toppings like powdered sugar or experimenting with extra spices, creating a unique twist on a classic autumn favorite.

What You’ll Need For Chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Butter: The key fat that provides richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Essential sweeteners that contribute to the cookie's structure and caramel-like depth of flavor.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.

• Pumpkin Puree: Brings a seasonal autumn flavor and adds moisture to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds depth to the cookie's flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the cookie.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft, tender texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Ginger: Signature spices that create a warm, classic pumpkin spice flavor and aroma.

Easy Steps For Chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your delightful pumpkin cookies.

Step 2: Whip Butter And Sugars

Use an electric mixer to blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes incredibly light and fluffy with a pale appearance.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the wet ingredients combine seamlessly into a silky smooth base.

Step 4: Incorporate Pumpkin Puree

Fold in the pumpkin puree, stirring until the batter transforms into a vibrant orange color with consistent texture.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger

Ensure no clumps remain and spices distribute evenly.

Step 6: Create Cookie Dough

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing.

Step 7: Chill The Dough

Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and prevent excessive spreading during baking.

Step 8: Shape Cookie Balls

Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions, rolling each into smooth balls and placing 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for slightly golden edges and soft centers.

Step 10: Cool And Rest

Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 11: Optional Finishing Touch

Dust with additional cinnamon or powdered sugar for an extra layer of sweetness and beautiful presentation.

Tips That Help With Chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• 30 minutes before baking to keep cookies from turning into flat pancakes and maintain their perfect shape.
• Spice Balance Mastery: Sift dry ingredients together to eliminate lumps and ensure even distribution of warm, aromatic spices throughout the cookie dough.
• Moisture Magic: Use fresh pumpkin puree at room temperature to create a soft, tender cookie with rich, authentic pumpkin flavor and perfect texture.
• Baking Precision: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking – golden edges and slightly soft centers indicate they're perfectly done.
• Flavor Boost Trick: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow continued gentle cooking and flavor development.

Chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Flavor Twists To Try

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, spicy flavor profile.
• Vegan Pumpkin Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of traditional egg, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a compassionate cookie option.
• Protein-Packed Pumpkin Cookies: Incorporate protein powder into the dry ingredients and add chopped nuts for an extra nutritional boost that supports muscle recovery and energy.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Treats: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and add extra spices to create a low-carb version that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

What Goes Great With Chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Pair with Warm Chai Latte: Creamy, spiced chai tea perfectly complements the pumpkin cookie's warm autumn flavors, enhancing the cinnamon and nutmeg notes while providing a cozy drinking experience.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast against the soft, warm cookies, balancing the spices and adding a luxurious creamy texture.
• Match with Caramel Drizzle: Rich, buttery caramel sauce drizzled over the cookies intensifies their sweetness and adds a gourmet touch, highlighting the pumpkin's natural richness.
• Accompany with Cream Cheese Frosting: Tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting provides a decadent layer that cuts through the cookie's spiciness, creating a harmonious and indulgent flavor profile.

How To Store Chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies The Easy Way

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months, ready to bake directly from frozen state.
• Layer completely cooled cookies between wax paper in a sealed container, preserving them in the freezer for 2-3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies for 5-7 seconds in microwave, or restore crispness by placing in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Common Questions About Chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Why use pumpkin puree in these cookies?

Pumpkin puree adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a rich autumn flavor to the cookies, creating a soft texture and enhancing the overall taste profile with its subtle earthy notes.

• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for similar texture and structure.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and centers that appear set but still soft. They should look slightly underbaked, as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.

• Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps prevent spreading, concentrates flavors, and allows spices to meld together, resulting in a more developed and complex cookie taste.

Chewy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45-52 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Warm autumn afternoons come alive with chewy pumpkin sugar cookies that blend seasonal spices and sweet comfort. Delicate edges and pillowy centers invite cookie lovers to savor each delightful bite of this irresistible seasonal treat you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Leavening and Binding:

• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a clean workspace for your cookie preparation.
2. Cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, ensuring a smooth base for the cookies.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, blending thoroughly to create a uniform wet ingredient foundation.
4. Gently fold in the pumpkin puree, stirring until completely integrated and producing a vibrant orange-hued batter.
5. Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a separate bowl, ensuring no lumps remain and spices are evenly distributed.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
7. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
8. Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough, rolling each into a smooth ball and placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for edges that turn slightly golden and centers that appear set but remain soft.
10. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Optional: Dust with additional cinnamon or powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent cookies from spreading too much and maintain a chewy, dense texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree for the most vibrant flavor and optimal moisture in the cookies.
• Experiment with alternative flour options like gluten-free blends or whole wheat for dietary adaptations without compromising taste.
• Adjust spice levels to personal preference, adding more or less cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to customize the cookie’s warmth and depth.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg