Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies – A Cozy Twist on a Classic Treat

Introduction to Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are a timeless favorite—soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. But when fall rolls around, it’s hard to resist giving them a seasonal twist. Enter pumpkin-spice sugar cookies: the same melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a traditional sugar cookie, infused with pumpkin purée and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

These cookies strike the perfect balance between cozy and indulgent. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with autumn flavor. Whether topped with a dusting of cinnamon sugar, drizzled with glaze, or decorated with frosting, pumpkin-spice sugar cookies are a festive treat for any occasion.

Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or simply as an afternoon snack with a hot latte, these cookies will instantly put you in the fall spirit. Even better, they’re easy to bake and fun to decorate, making them a great activity to share with family or friends.

---

Why Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies Are a Fall Favorite

Pumpkin-flavored treats may feel trendy, but these cookies earn their place in the fall baking lineup for several reasons.

1. The Best of Both Worlds

They combine the familiar comfort of sugar cookies with the seasonal flair of pumpkin pie spice.

2. Perfectly Soft and Chewy

Adding pumpkin purée to the dough gives these cookies an ultra-soft texture that stays moist for days.

3. Easy to Customize

You can roll them in cinnamon sugar for a snickerdoodle-like effect, frost them with cream cheese icing, or keep them plain for a simple, spiced snack.

4. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor

Pumpkin spice has universal appeal, making these cookies ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or gift boxes.

5. Seasonal Aesthetic

Their golden-orange hue and warm aroma instantly say “fall.”

These cookies aren’t just dessert—they’re edible comfort that embodies everything we love about autumn.

---

Health Benefits of Pumpkin in Cookies

Sure, cookies are indulgent, but pumpkin adds a dose of nutrition that makes them a little more wholesome.

Nutritional Highlights of Pumpkin:

• Vitamin A → Supports eye health and boosts immunity.
• Vitamin C → Strengthens immune function and helps skin glow.
• Fiber → Promotes digestion and helps with fullness.
• Potassium → Supports heart health and balances electrolytes.
• Beta-Carotene → A powerful antioxidant that protects cells.

Benefits of Pumpkin Pie Spice:

• Cinnamon → Anti-inflammatory and may help regulate blood sugar.
• Ginger → Aids digestion and boosts metabolism.
• Nutmeg & Cloves → Provide antioxidants and warmth.

While these cookies are still a treat, the addition of pumpkin and spices makes them slightly more nourishing than your average sugar cookie.

---

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies

The key to delicious pumpkin-spice sugar cookies is using the right ingredients in the right balance.

For the Cookie Dough:

• Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) → Adds moisture, flavor, and color.
• All-purpose flour → Provides structure.
• Baking powder & baking soda → Leavening for lightness.
• Salt → Enhances all the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter → Creates richness and tenderness.
• Granulated sugar & brown sugar → Sweetness with a hint of molasses depth.
• Egg yolk → Binds ingredients while keeping cookies chewy.
• Pumpkin pie spice blend (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves) → Classic fall spice mix.
• Vanilla extract → Rounds out the flavors.

For Coating or Decorating:

• Cinnamon sugar → For a spiced, snickerdoodle-style coating.
• Cream cheese frosting → Tangy-sweet topping for extra indulgence.
• Maple glaze → Sweet, earthy drizzle.
• Festive sprinkles → Perfect for holiday-themed batches.

These ingredients guarantee cookies that are soft, flavorful, and bursting with autumn charm.

---

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies

Baking these cookies is simple, and they come together in under an hour. Here’s a foolproof recipe:

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat until creamy:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar

Then add:

• ½ cup pumpkin purée
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

• Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
• Stir until a soft dough forms. (Do not overmix—this helps keep the cookies tender.)

Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

• Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make the dough easier to handle.

Step 5: Shape and Coat

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
• Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar (optional).
• Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

• Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are slightly soft.
• Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Step 7: Decorate (Optional)

• Drizzle cooled cookies with maple glaze or frost with cream cheese icing.
• Sprinkle with festive decorations if desired.

The result? Soft, chewy, spiced cookies that are as irresistible as they are beautiful.

Print