When fall arrives, it’s time to indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice sugar cookies. These delightful cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with all the pumpkin spice flavors you love. Whether you’re looking for the perfect fall cookies or just craving something sweet to enjoy with your coffee, these pumpkin spice sugar cookies are the ideal treat for any autumn occasion.
This recipe combines the classic, sweet taste of sugar cookies with the cozy, spiced flavors of pumpkin spice, creating a dessert that’s perfect for fall cooking and baking. If you’re a fan of pumpkin sugar cookies or pumpkin spice cookies, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to become a fall favorite.
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What Makes Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies So Irresistible
The beauty of pumpkin spice sugar cookies lies in their balance of soft, tender texture and warm, aromatic spices. The rich pumpkin spice flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar cookie dough, making each bite a cozy and comforting experience. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring out the best of fall flavors, while the sugar coating adds a satisfying crunch on the outside.
These cookies are perfect for fall baking recipes and are sure to impress your friends and family at gatherings, holiday parties, or as a sweet snack with a warm cup of cider or tea. Whether you’re baking for the season or just looking to enjoy some pumpkin recipes for dessert, these cookies hit all the right notes.
Ingredients You Need for the Best Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make the most flavorful pumpkin spice sugar cookies:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
For the Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
These ingredients come together to create soft, flavorful cookies with the perfect amount of spice.
Essential Tools for Making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
To make these pumpkin spice sugar cookies, you’ll need the following tools:
- Mixing bowls (for the dough and sugar coating)
- Electric mixer (to beat the butter and sugar)
- Baking sheets (lined with parchment paper or silicone mats)
- Cookie scoop or spoon (for portioning the dough)
- Cooling rack (for cooling the cookies after baking)
These simple tools will help you create delicious cookies with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Making these pumpkin spice sugar cookies is easy and fun. Here’s how you can prepare them:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, and beat until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.
4. Prepare the Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the sugar coating. Mix well.
5. Form the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
For another delicious variation, try these pumpkin cheesecake cookies for a decadent treat.
How to Customize Your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
These pumpkin spice sugar cookies are already delicious, but you can easily customize them to suit your tastes:
- Add chocolate chips: For a sweeter treat, add chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks to the dough before baking.
- Add nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
- Make them spicier: If you like a spicier kick, increase the amount of cinnamon, ginger, or cloves.
For another fall cookie recipe, try making these pumpkin spice cookies for a different take on the classic flavor.
Serving Ideas: How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Like a Pro
Here are some creative ways to serve your pumpkin spice sugar cookies:
- With a glass of milk: These cookies go perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea.
- With whipped cream: Top the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
- For a dessert platter: Serve alongside other fall desserts like pumpkin pie bars or mini pumpkin cakes for a delicious dessert spread.
For a festive pairing, try serving them with pumpkin cheesecake bars for a comforting fall dessert duo.
Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
To make sure your pumpkin spice sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll into balls and ensures the cookies don’t spread too much while baking.
- Use fresh spices: For the best flavor, make sure your cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are fresh.
- Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake to ensure they stay soft and chewy. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
For another easy baking recipe, try making these pumpkin spice mini loaf cakes for a moist, flavorful treat.
How to Store Leftovers from Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigeration
Store the pumpkin spice sugar cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can enjoy them cold or let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container, separated by layers of wax paper. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
What to Pair with Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
To complete your meal, try pairing your pumpkin spice sugar cookies with:
- Hot apple cider or chai tea for a perfect fall beverage pairing.
- Cinnamon ice cream or whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
- Fall fruits like apple slices or a citrus salad for a refreshing contrast to the sweet, spiced cookies.
For a fun twist on pumpkin cookies, try making these pumpkin cream pie cookies for a creamy, flavorful treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, you should use pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
Can I make these cookies without butter?
Yes, you can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute if needed, although the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 1 month before baking.
Why Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Try Fall Treat
These pumpkin spice sugar cookies are the perfect fall treat, offering a soft, chewy texture and a delightful blend of spiced pumpkin flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. They are easy to make, full of comforting flavors, and are sure to impress.
For more fall baking recipes, try making these pumpkin cheesecake bars for a creamy, spiced dessert.
Print
Delicious Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies – A Perfect Fall Treat
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are the ultimate fall treat. These soft, chewy cookies are infused with the warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. They’re easy to make and versatile enough for any occasion, from cozy afternoons to fall gatherings. These cookies will quickly become a favorite in your fall baking collection.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Roll the dough into balls: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Bake the cookies: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are soft.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use pumpkin puree: Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added spices and sugar.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in dense cookies. Mix the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Chill the dough: If you prefer firmer cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.
- Customize the flavors: Add raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies, Fall Sugar Cookies, Pumpkin Cookie Recipes, Pumpkin Spice Dessert, Easy Fall Cookies
