Find out why my readers are calling these pumpkin sugar cookies the best cookie they’ve ever made! The Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is the ultimate chewy pumpkin cookie – not too cakey or dense and packed with pumpkin flavor. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in, these cookies will delight anyone who tries them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chewy Texture: These cookies are designed to be perfectly chewy, giving you that satisfying bite without being overly dense.
- Bursting with Flavor: Each cookie is infused with warm spices and real pumpkin puree, making them a flavorful choice for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy these cookies as a delightful dessert or alongside your morning coffee. They’re perfect for any time of day!
- Customizable Options: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to customize your cookies even further!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather the necessary tools to make your pumpkin sugar cookies a success. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugars together quickly, ensuring a smooth dough.
- Cookie scoop: Helps create evenly sized cookie dough balls for uniform baking.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface to bake your cookies, ensuring they cook evenly.
Ingredients
To make these delicious pumpkin sugar cookies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cookies
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
- 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (160g) brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (76g) pumpkin puree (paper towel method – see note below)
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Chill the Dough
This recipe requires the dough to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. It helps make the cookies chewy!
Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree
To remove excess moisture from pumpkin puree:
* Place the pumpkin puree in a few paper towels on a plate.
* Fold the paper towels over the puree so it’s completely enclosed.
* The excess moisture will soak into the paper towels within a few minutes.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl:
1. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
2. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer for about 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Pumpkin Puree
Add in the prepared pumpkin puree:
1. Beat again until fully combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the dry ingredients:
1. Mix on low speed or by hand with a spatula until just combined. The dough will be thick.
Step 7: Form Dough Balls
Use a cookie scoop to form balls:
1. Roll between your hands to create smooth balls (about 3 tbsp each).
2. Place dough balls on a silicone or parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Sugar Coating
Preheat your oven to 350ºF:
1. Place 1/4 cup of sugar in a bowl for rolling the cookies.
Step 9: Coat and Bake Cookies
Roll each ball in sugar:
1. Place cookies about 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet (fit about 8 cookies per sheet).
2. Bake for 15-19 minutes or until edges have a faint golden color.
3. Keep remaining dough balls in the fridge while baking in batches.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes:
1. Move cooled cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these delightful pumpkin sugar cookies at any occasion!
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
Serving pumpkin sugar cookies is all about enhancing their delightful flavor and texture. These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments for a special treat.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that enhances the sweetness and richness of the cookies.
Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Spread a light layer of cream cheese frosting on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Served Warm with Ice Cream
- Heat the cookies slightly and serve them alongside your favorite ice cream for a warm dessert experience.
With a Cup of Spiced Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with a cup of your favorite spiced tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include them on a platter with other baked goods for gatherings or parties, showcasing their beautiful color.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
Perfecting your pumpkin sugar cookies ensures they turn out chewy and flavorful every time. Follow these tips to elevate your baking game!
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps create chewier cookies. Allow it to rest in the fridge before baking.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter is at room temperature for proper mixing and texture.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the edges; remove them from the oven when they start turning golden.
- Store Properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
Pumpkin sugar cookies can be complemented by delightful side dishes that enhance your dessert experience. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Chai Latte – The warm spices in chai make it an excellent match for pumpkin flavors.
- Peanut Butter Dip – Creamy peanut butter dip adds richness that pairs well with sweet cookies.
- Apple Slices with Caramel Sauce – Fresh apples dipped in caramel provide a crunchy contrast.
- Roasted Nuts – A mix of roasted almonds or pecans adds crunch and balances sweetness.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad offers a light, fruity counterpoint to the rich cookie.
- Cheese Board – Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory element against sweet cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making pumpkin sugar cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in flat cookies. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Using too much pumpkin puree: Adding excess pumpkin can make the cookies too moist. Measure carefully and consider draining extra moisture.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too vigorously can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements affects texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Baking cookies on a hot baking sheet: Placing dough on a warm pan can cause uneven baking. Always use a cool baking sheet for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- They last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container; they’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making this delicious recipe.
How do I make gluten-free pumpkin sugar cookies?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it’s one that measures cup-for-cup.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works well! Just remember to drain any excess moisture before using it.
What can I add to customize my pumpkin sugar cookies recipe?
Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture.
How long will these pumpkin sugar cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they remain fresh for up to five days or three months if frozen.
Are these cookies suitable for special diets?
These pumpkin sugar cookies are eggless and can easily be made dairy-free by substituting butter with plant-based alternatives.
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin sugar cookies are not only chewy and flavorful but also versatile! You can easily customize them with various add-ins or frostings. Don’t hesitate to try this simple recipe; your family and friends will love every bite!
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! Perfectly chewy and bursting with pumpkin goodness, this recipe combines warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg to create a treat that’s ideal for gatherings or a comforting night in. Easy to make, even for novice bakers, these cookies offer versatility—you can enjoy them as a sweet snack or pair them with your morning coffee. Customize your cookies by adding chocolate chips or nuts for an extra touch. Get ready to impress friends and family with what they’ll surely call the best pumpkin cookies ever!
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
Instructions
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Prepare pumpkin puree by removing excess moisture using paper towels.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and spices in a bowl; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy; add pumpkin puree.
- Mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Form dough balls and refrigerate again briefly before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and roll dough balls in sugar.
- Bake for 15-19 minutes until edges are golden; cool on a rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Enhance flavor by adding chocolate chips or nuts of your choice.
