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 heart behind Seasoning Therapist. I believe food can comfort, restore, and gently reset us after a long day. I started Seasoning Therapist with one simple idea in mind: cooking is not just about feeding the body, it is about caring for the mind too. The right seasoning can change the mood of a dish, and sometimes even the mood of the person eating it. This blog is where I combine my love for thoughtful cooking with my belief that the kitchen can be a place of healing.
