When fall hits, I find myself craving the familiar warmth of pumpkin and spice, but with a twist. These cookies are more than just a seasonal treat; they’re a little ritual I look forward to during chilly mornings or after a long day. The scent alone, a cozy mix of cinnamon, ginger, and sweet pumpkin, can make any space feel welcoming.
Why I Keep Baking These Every Fall
They remind me of cozy mornings and the smell of autumn in the air. Every batch feels like a small celebration of the season’s fleeting beauty, filling my home with warmth and spice. Plus, they’re forgiving—perfectly imperfect, just like the best days.
The Heart of the Cookie: Ingredient Truths
- Pumpkin puree: Adds moistness and a gentle earthiness; opt for unsweetened for balance.
- Pumpkin spice blend: The cozy mix that defines these cookies; make your own or buy a good quality blend.
- Brown sugar: Brings richness and a slight molasses note—don’t skip the dark variety.
- Butter: Adds fat and flavor—use real butter for depth.
- Flour: Foundation of structure; all-purpose works perfectly, but spelt adds nuttiness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together with a bit of lift.
- Baking soda: Leavening that helps cookies spread just right.
Tools of the Trade for Pumpkin Spice Cookies
- Mixing bowls: Combine wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
- Electric mixer or whisk: Cream butter and sugar evenly.
- Baking sheet: Provide a flat surface for baking cookies.
- Parchment paper: Prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cookie scoop: Portion dough evenly for uniform cookies.
Step-by-Step to Warm, Spiced Perfection
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Step 5: Stir in pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice blend.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 7: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.
Step 8: Scoop dough onto the prepared sheet, about 2 tablespoons per cookie.
Step 9: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the smell of spices fills the air.
Step 10: Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Cooking Checks to Keep You on Track
- Cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- The aroma should be a warm, spicy embrace—no burnt smells.
- Dough should be scoopable but hold its shape—don’t overmix, or they’ll be dense.
Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them
- Cookies turn dense and tough.? Overmix the dough — mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Cookies burn or are underdone.? Bake for the right time — check at 12 minutes, don’t rely solely on color.
- Uneven spreading or flat cookies.? Use room temperature butter — helps ingredients blend better.
- Dough sticking to your hands.? Chill the dough if it’s too sticky — makes scooping easier.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and dark brown sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light, fluffy, and has a creamy texture, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice blend until evenly mixed and the batter is fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoons, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the house is filled with warm spice aroma.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving, revealing their soft centers and slightly crisp edges.
Notes
Hi, I’m Hannah Reynolds, the creator and heart behind Seasoning Therapist. Born and raised in the United States, I grew up in a family where the kitchen was always the coziest gathering spot.
