Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Warm Autumn Flavors

When the cool breeze of autumn starts to settle in, nothing feels more comforting than the warm and spiced aroma of freshly baked pumpkin spice cookies. These soft, chewy cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy as the leaves change color and the weather turns crisp. With the rich flavors of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, these cookies capture the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy afternoon treat, a holiday gathering, or simply to indulge in the seasonal flavors, these pumpkin spice cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

The combination of brown sugar, white sugar, and butter ensures the cookies are not only soft but also perfectly sweet. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and depth, giving the cookies a beautiful texture. The optional walnuts add a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall flavor profile. These cookies are easy to make and require just a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. With a quick 30-minute total prep time, you’ll be savoring the sweet taste of fall in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Fall Flavors

The combination of pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—gives these cookies the ultimate fall flavor, making them ideal for autumn and holiday baking.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies are incredibly soft and chewy, thanks to the addition of pumpkin puree. They practically melt in your mouth with each bite.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

With just 30 minutes of prep time, these cookies are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for those busy days when you’re craving a quick fall treat.

4. Customizable with Walnuts

While walnuts are optional, they add a delicious crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft, spiced dough. You can also substitute them with other nuts or skip them entirely if you prefer a nut-free cookie.

5. Makes a Large Batch

This recipe yields 36 cookies, which is perfect for sharing with family, friends, or coworkers. They also make great gifts for the holidays or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet, decadent twist on the classic pumpkin spice cookie.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter substitute and use a dairy-free egg replacement if needed for a dairy-free version.
• Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cookies with a dollop of spiced cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and cloves. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is well incorporated. If you’re using walnuts, fold them into the dough at this stage.

Step 5: Scoop the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them once they’re fully cooled or while still slightly warm!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly with the sugars and creates a light, fluffy dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to prevent tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
• Watch the Baking Time: These cookies bake quickly, so be sure to check them after 12 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the center should be firm to the touch.

How to Serve

These pumpkin spice cookies are perfect for serving at fall gatherings, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving, or just as a treat during the cozy autumn months. Enjoy them with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or apple cider for the ultimate seasonal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain their moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for up to 2-3 months. Lay the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat frozen cookies, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave them for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin thoroughly before using it in the recipe.

2. Can I make these cookies without walnuts?

Absolutely! You can skip the walnuts or substitute them with other nuts like pecans or even chocolate chips if desired.

3. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into a log or scoop the dough into balls and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough to a freezer-safe bag for storage. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw the dough and bake as directed.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

5. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter, but if you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies being too salty.

6. Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?

Yes, you can use pumpkin pie spice in place of the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. About 2-3 teaspoons should be sufficient.

7. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the dough isn’t too warm before baking, and chill the dough if needed to help the cookies hold their shape.

8. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to a week or frozen for later enjoyment.

9. Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?

Yes, you can add dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or raisins for additional flavor and texture.

10. How long should I let the cookies cool before serving?

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Conclusion

These soft pumpkin spice cookies are the perfect treat to bring the warmth and flavor of autumn into your home. With their comforting spices, moist texture, and optional walnut crunch, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the cozy flavors of fall. Easy to make and versatile, these cookies will quickly become a staple in your seasonal baking collection. Whether enjoyed with a warm drink or shared with friends and family, they’re sure to add a touch of sweetness to your fall celebrations.

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