perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies – Soft, Sweet & Spiced
Introduction
Nothing ushers in the cozy spirit of autumn quite like the aroma of Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies wafting through your kitchen.
These cookies are soft, delicately buttery, and spiced just right with warm, comforting flavors think cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice mingling with sweet sugar.
Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for a crisp weeknight, hunting for something festive for a holiday gathering, or searching for a gentle way to use up leftover pumpkin pie spice, these easy cookies offer everything you need in a single, golden bite.
Table of Contents
They’re ideal for sharing at potlucks, adding to Thanksgiving dessert tables, or simply stocking your cookie jar for fall snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
- Quick & Easy: With simple, everyday ingredients and just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have fresh cookies in under half an hour, perfect for busy schedules.
- Warm Fall Flavors: Each bite bursts with pumpkin pie spice, making them an irresistible seasonal delight.
- Soft & Buttery Texture: These cookies stay pillowy and moist, thanks to the right balance of butter and spice.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: The sweetness and subtle spice make them popular among children and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with different spices, gluten-free flour, or add festive toppings for variety.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (sub with plant-based butter for dairy-free)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (substitute coconut sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free alternative: 1:1 gluten-free baking flour)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- Optional add-ins: pinch of salt, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon for extra flavor, pumpkin purée for added softness
Festive Topping Ideas
- Cinnamon sugar sprinkle for sweetness and sparkle
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- White chocolate drizzle after baking
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. If you like, add a light pinch of salt for balance.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined and no dry streaks remain. For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into small balls (about a tablespoon each) and evenly place them onto the prepared baking sheet. To make them festive, sprinkle each dough ball with cinnamon sugar before baking.
Step 6: Bake & Cool
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: About 18 cookies
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, slow-thaw in the fridge, then bake as instructed.
- Reheating: Warm cookies for a few seconds in the microwave to refresh softness.
Serving Suggestions & Garnishes
- Enjoy with coffee, tea, or spiced cider for the perfect fall treat.
- Stack on dessert platters for holiday gatherings.
- Dress up the plate with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Pair with frosted cream cheese or whipped pumpkin dip for extra decadence.
Optional Add-Ons & Variations
- Swap vanilla for maple extract for a deeper flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of pumpkin purée for extra moisture (may require a tiny bit more flour).
- Stir in mini chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries before baking.
- Top with festive autumn sprinkles for kid-friendly appeal.
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- hand or stand mixer
- whisk
- baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 pinch salt (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp pumpkin purée (optional)
- cinnamon sugar (for topping)
- chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- white chocolate drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges turn golden. Let cool briefly on sheet before transferring to wire rack.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. Optionally, add a pinch of salt for balance.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until no dry streaks remain. For thicker cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle each with cinnamon sugar or toppings of choice.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges turn golden. Let cool briefly on sheet before transferring to wire rack.
Notes
Don’t stop here unlock all 11 irresistible cookie recipes in our main cookie guide.
Don’t miss out on tasting these irresistibly soft, buttery Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies! Grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a warm, seasonal delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Bake your batch today and share the autumn magic!
Cultural or Contextual Note for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are rooted in American baking traditions, celebrating the flavors of the harvest season. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in “pumpkin pie spice” embodies the nostalgia of Thanksgiving and cozy autumn days. While pumpkin bread and classic pumpkin pie take center stage, these cookies offer a modern, easy twist that fits into any celebration.
For detailed nutritional information on pumpkin and its health benefits, visit the USDA FoodData Central:
USDA Pumpkin Nutrition Facts
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for similar results
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can make your own: Blend 1 part cinnamon, ½ part nutmeg, ½ part ginger, and ¼ part cloves. Mix and use as needed.
Can I use pumpkin purée in this Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies ?
Yes! Adding 1-2 tablespoons of pure pumpkin purée makes these cookies extra soft and tender. You may need a bit more flour to balance the liquid.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough hold its shape and leads to chewier, thicker cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough?
For thicker, chewier cookies, chilling is recommended, but you can skip if you’re in a hurry the cookies will still be soft.
Nutrition Info (per cookie)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
| 1 cookie | 120 | 2g | 16g | 6g | 1g | 8g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
