If you are looking to cozy up your baking with a touch of autumn magic, this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies are soft, flavorful, and lightly spiced, perfectly balancing the sweetness and warm pumpkin notes. Each bite offers a tender crumb with a whisper of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, creating a comforting treat that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just because, these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is the key to making these pumpkin sugar cookies shine. Each component plays a meaningful role in achieving that perfect texture, rich flavor, and inviting color that make this recipe so special.
- Butter: Using 1/2 cup provides the rich, creamy base essential for tender cookies.
- Pumpkin: 1/2 cup adds moistness and that wonderful seasonal flavor that defines the recipe.
- Sugar: 2 cups sweeten the dough and help create a slight crisp on the edges.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs bind ingredients together and add structure.
- Milk: 2 tablespoons keep the batter smooth and moist.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Flour: 3 cups act as the sturdy backbone that forms perfectly chewy cookies.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: 1 tablespoon imparts that signature spice mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon balances sweetness and amplifies flavor.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: 1 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon is optional but recommended for a delightful topping crunch.
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Base Ingredients
Start by placing the butter, pumpkin, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and milk in a stand mixer bowl. Blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it creates the perfect moist and fluffy foundation for your cookies, ensuring every bite feels tender and delightful.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Getting these ingredients well combined means your cookies will have an even flavor throughout and that gentle lift from the baking powder.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients into the stand mixer bowl with the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so keep it gentle and stop as soon as everything is incorporated.
Step 4: Final Mix and Prepare for Baking
Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure no flour is hiding up there, then give everything one last quick mix. This keeps your dough consistent and ready for scooping.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough about two inches apart on the sheets. Giving them space allows the cookies to spread just enough without sticking together, creating evenly baked treats.
Step 6: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
If you want an extra pop of sweet spice, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously on top of each cookie. This optional step adds a wonderful texture and that irresistible sparkle on the surface.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the trays into a preheated 375-degree oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown, while the centers remain soft and chewy.
Step 8: Cooling and Enjoying
Remove your cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Taking this step ensures they finish setting up and have a perfect bite. Then, grab one (or two) and enjoy the magic of this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe!
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A quick dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of white chocolate can instantly elevate your cookies for guests or a special treat. These garnishes add a bit of visual flair and complement the pumpkin spice beautifully without overpowering it.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot apple cider, chai tea, or a frothy latte to create an indulgent autumn snack. The warm spices in the drinks play wonderfully off the pumpkin and sugar flavors in the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider stacking the cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or pumpkin butter in between to make mini cookie sandwiches. You can also cut the dough into festive shapes before baking to add a playful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Pumpkin Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to retain their softness and flavor. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture so they don’t dry out.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies will stay delicious for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm your frozen or stored cookies in the oven at 300 degrees for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked feel. Avoid microwaving as it may make the cookies too soft or chewy in an unpleasant way.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is a convenient option that provides consistent moisture and flavor.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can easily make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It’s a great way to customize the flavor to your liking.
How thick should I make the cookie dough scoops?
Using a tablespoon-sized scoop dropped onto the baking sheet works best. This size allows the cookies to bake evenly and reach that ideal texture.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for regular flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure it contains baking powder and xanthan gum for the best texture.
Can I add frosting to these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?
Yes! Cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the spices and pumpkin, transforming these cookies into a decadent dessert.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite as comforting as baking and sharing a batch of these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe. They are simple, heartwarming, and bursting with seasonal flavors that bring joy with every bite. Take a little time to bake this recipe, and you’ll find it becoming a favorite for years to come. Happy baking!
