Pumpkin Spice Cookies : The Ultimate Cozy Fall Treat

Nothing captures the cozy essence of autumn quite like a batch of soft, fragrant Pumpkin Spice Cookies fresh from the oven. These cookies are everything we love about fall — warm spices, comforting texture, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor that fills the house with nostalgia. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a classroom treat, or simply to satisfy your seasonal cravings, this recipe will become a go-to during the cooler months.

Perfectly chewy in the center with golden edges, these cookies combine the best parts of fall baked goods pumpkin lovers adore. They’re also incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. If you’re looking for easy dessert recipes pumpkin inspired, you’ve come to the right place.

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Why You’ll Love These Easy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

These cookies are made for crisp fall afternoons, paired with a warm drink and your favorite sweater. Here’s what makes them irresistible:

• Quick and beginner-friendly: No chilling required
• Family-approved flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and pumpkin puree deliver the fall vibes
• Moist and chewy texture: Thanks to the pumpkin and brown sugar combo
• Customizable: Add white chocolate, cranberries, or drizzle with glaze
• Perfect for fall bake sales and potlucks

If you enjoy fun fall baking recipes like Pumpkin Maple Blondies or Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups, you’ll love adding these to your baking repertoire.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cookies

These cookies require pantry basics with a seasonal twist. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100g) white sugar
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Want to go extra festive? Toss in ½ cup of chopped pecans or white chocolate chips. These small additions turn classic pumpkin spice baking recipes into something uniquely your own.

Essential Tools for Autumn Baking Recipes Easy

Make your baking smooth and stress-free by preparing these kitchen tools in advance:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Cookie scoop (optional but helps with uniform size)

For more cozy fall ideas, explore Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal or these super soft Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cookies – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all spices. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes with a mixer.

Step 4: Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla
Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix.

Step 6: Scoop and bake
Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

For another warm and spiced fall idea, try the Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread.

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Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Treat Recipes Every Time

For bakery-quality results every time, follow these expert tips:

• Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
• Don’t overbake: Cookies will look slightly underdone but firm as they cool
• Room-temperature ingredients blend better
• Scoop uniformly: Use a cookie scoop for even baking
• Spices matter: Use fresh ground spices for bold flavor

You’ll also love this Pumpkin Dump Cake, which offers another easy route to delicious pumpkin treats.

Pumpkin Cookie Variations and Creative Add-Ins

Take these easy pumpkin spice cookies to the next level with fun flavor spins:

• White chocolate chips – for a creamy contrast
• Cranberries – for tart bursts of flavor
• Cream cheese glaze – drizzle for a bakery-style look
• Chopped walnuts or pecans – for crunch
• Pumpkin pie spice – swap in for all individual spices

If you’re baking with kids, don’t miss our Halloween Vampire Bite Cupcakes for another family-friendly fall dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Fall Baked Goods Pumpkin Recipes

Even simple cookie recipes can go wrong. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Using too much flour: Spoon and level to measure accurately
• Skipping parchment: Helps prevent sticking and overbrowning
• Overmixing the dough: Leads to tough cookies
• Storing while warm: Makes cookies soggy
• Using cold butter: Won’t cream properly with sugar

Also check out these Pumpkin Rolls for a fall baking win that impresses every time.

How to Store Pumpkin Spice Cookies for Maximum Freshness

These cookies store beautifully, making them ideal for fall bake recipes in advance of events or holiday gifting.

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Refrigerator: Lasts up to 1 week when chilled
Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment paper for up to 2 months
To thaw: Leave at room temp for 1 hour or reheat briefly in the microwave

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Fall Desserts

Presentation matters — especially for festive baking. Try these serving ideas:

• Pair with Delicious Breakfast Punch for morning gatherings
• Stack and tie with ribbon for a cozy edible gift
• Serve with vanilla ice cream for a warm/cold dessert contrast
• Plate with Pumpkin Fluff Dip for a creative combo dessert board

Fun Fall Baking Recipes You Can Try Next

Here are more delicious autumn-inspired recipes from Lyndy’s Kitchen:

• Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
• Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake
• Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies
• Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

These yummy fall treats are ideal for every level of baker.

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Pumpkin Spice Baking FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No. Pie filling includes sugar and spices. Always use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe.

Why are my cookies cakey?
Pumpkin adds moisture, creating a soft, cake-like texture. It’s a feature, not a flaw!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, chill for up to 48 hours. Let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before baking.

Do these cookies spread?
Not much. For flatter cookies, gently press the dough down before baking.

Yummy Fall Treats to Bake with Kids

Baking with little ones? These pumpkin spice cookies are perfect. The dough is easy to handle, and kids love scooping and decorating. Try using:

• Fall-shaped cookie cutters
• Candy eyes for monster cookies
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle tops
• Colorful autumn sprinkles

Also try our Pumpkin Poke Cake or these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts — both are big hits with little helpers.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about baking Pumpkin Spice Cookies as the leaves change and the air turns crisp. They’re the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and autumn charm — and they bring people together. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or bring them to your next fall gathering, these cookies are a celebration of the season.

If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends, pin it to your fall baking board, and subscribe to Lyndy’s Kitchen for more homemade fall desserts, cozy comfort foods, and festive holiday ideas. Don’t miss out on our weekly recipe inspiration!

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