pumpkin spice sugar cookie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pumpkin spice sugar cookie recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite pumpkin spice sugar cookie recipe. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for delicious and easy-to-make treats that my family will love. This recipe is a game-changer – it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a Tuesday.

The combination of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and sweet sugar is absolute perfection. My kids can’t get enough of these cookies, and I love that they’re made with wholesome ingredients like oats and honey. As a lover of all things fall, I’ve always been drawn to the flavors of pumpkin and spice.

There’s something cozy and comforting about the aroma of these cookies baking in the oven, transporting me back to crisp autumn afternoons spent raking leaves and apple picking. And let’s not forget the best part: these cookies are ridiculously easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you’ll be enjoying warm, chewy goodness in no time.

The history of pumpkin spice as we know it today is largely an American invention, dating back to the early 20th century when canned pumpkin became widely available. Since then, the flavor has evolved over time to incorporate new ingredients like nutmeg and ginger. For this recipe, I’ve stuck to traditional spices like cinnamon and cloves to create a rich, complex flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and modern.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is the way the sugar cookie dough comes together – it’s like magic! With just a few tablespoons of butter and some cream cheese softened to room temperature, you’ll be rewarded with a smooth, pliable dough that’s begging to be shaped into perfect little balls. And let’s not forget the fun part: decorating these babies with all sorts of tasty toppings like sprinkles and chopped nuts.

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

4.9 from 695 votes

Soft and chewy sugar cookies infused with warm pumpkin spice flavors. Perfect for fall and holiday gatherings.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time32 mins
Servings: 24 cookiesCuisine: InternationalCalories: 100 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup pumpkin puree

For the Topping

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Set aside.
4In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5Add egg and vanilla extract, mix well.
6Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7Stir in the pumpkin puree.
8In a small bowl, mix together the topping ingredients: sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Set aside.
9Using a spoon, scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls.
10Roll each ball in the topping mixture until coated.
11Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
12Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
13The centers should still be soft when you remove them from the oven.
14Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cooling rack
Spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 100 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 50mg🌾Total Carbs: 16g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

Tips: For a fun twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.

I just love this recipe because it’s so versatile – whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or just want something special for your family on a Tuesday (because why not?) , these pumpkin spice sugar cookies are sure to please.

And let’s not forget about storage: simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat them by wrapping them in foil and baking at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until warm through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Q: What makes these cookies so special?

These cookies are special because they’re made with wholesome ingredients like oats and honey that are good for you and your family. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make!

Q: Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?

While fresh pumpkin is preferred for its rich flavor and velvety texture, canned pumpkin will work in a pinch. Just be sure to choose a brand without added sugars or preservatives.

Q: How do I store leftover cookies?

For optimal freshness, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A great question! To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour.

Q: What if I don’t have an electric mixer?

No problem! You can still make these cookies by hand using good old-fashioned elbow grease – just be prepared for a bit more effort.

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