Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe
These perfect pumpkin spice cookies offer a delightful blend of warm autumn spices and moist pumpkin, resulting in soft, chewy cookies coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. They are easy to make, with a rich flavor profile that makes them perfect for fall celebrations or a cozy treat with your favorite hot beverage.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (freshly ground preferred)
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, about 70°F)
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie blend, e.g., Libby’s)
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Prepare Dry Ingredients & Spices: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Then add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to evenly distribute the spices. Freshly ground cinnamon is recommended for the best flavor.
- Cream Wet Ingredients & Form Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin until just combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Chill Dough & Prepare for Baking: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to solidify fats and enhance flavors. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix remaining white sugar and cinnamon for coating.
- Shape, Coat, and Bake Cookies: Portion dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls. Roll each in the cinnamon-sugar coating to fully cover. Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets, gently flatten slightly. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden but centers are soft. Rotate sheets halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Serve warm with coffee or hot cider for a perfect fall treat.
Notes
- Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more intense spice flavor.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading and improve texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to maintain soft cookie texture.
- Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to preserve freshness.
Keywords: pumpkin spice cookies, fall cookies, soft pumpkin cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, autumn dessert, homemade pumpkin cookies