Find out why my readers are calling these pumpkin sugar cookies the best cookie they’ve ever made! This is the ultimate chewy pumpkin cookie – not too cakey or dense and packed with pumpkin flavor. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or any time you crave a sweet treat, this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe will become your go-to favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly chewy, striking the right balance between soft and firm.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for fall festivities, holiday parties, or just a cozy evening at home.
- Bursting with Flavor: The blend of spices combined with pumpkin creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort in beating butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for your cookies while they bake.
Ingredients
For this delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough
- 3 cups (360g) all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
- 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (160g) brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (76g) pumpkin puree (paper towel method – see note below)
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Chill the Dough
This recipe requires the dough to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. It helps make the cookies chewy!
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree
To remove excess moisture from pumpkin puree:
* Place the pumpkin puree in a few paper towels on a plate.
* Fold the paper towels over the puree to enclose it completely.
* Let it sit for a few minutes so that excess moisture soaks into the paper towels.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl:
* Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
* Set aside once mixed well.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl:
* Beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer for about 1-2 minutes until fluffy.
Step 5: Add Pumpkin Puree
Add in the prepared pumpkin puree to the creamed mixture:
* Beat again until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually add in your dry ingredient mixture:
* Mix on low speed or by hand with a spatula until just combined.
* Expect thick dough consistency.
Step 7: Form Cookie Balls
Using a cookie scoop:
* Form balls of dough and roll them between your hands.
* Each dough ball should be about 3 tablespoons in size.
* Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat Oven
While your dough chills:
* Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
Step 9: Roll in Sugar Before Baking
Prepare for baking:
* Place 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a bowl for rolling.
* Roll each chilled dough ball in sugar before placing on baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Step 10: Bake Cookies
Bake your cookies:
* Bake for about 15-19 minutes or until edges are faintly golden.
Keep remaining dough balls in the fridge while you bake batches.
Step 11: Cool Your Cookies
Once baked:
* Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for around 15 minutes.
* Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Enjoy these delicious pumpkin sugar cookies with family and friends!
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
Serving pumpkin sugar cookies is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or a cozy family night, these cookies are versatile and sure to please.
With a Warm Beverage
- Hot Chocolate: The rich flavors of hot chocolate complement the spices in the cookies perfectly.
- Chai Tea: A spiced chai brings out the warmth and depth of the pumpkin flavor in the cookies.
- Coffee: A cup of coffee adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin sugar cookies.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Mini Cupcakes: Include mini pumpkin or spice cupcakes for variety in flavors and textures.
- Fruit Tart: A fresh fruit tart can add a refreshing touch alongside the sweet cookies.
- Brownies: Fudgy brownies provide a rich, chocolatey counterpart to your pumpkin treats.
For Gifting
- Cookie Jars: Pack them beautifully in jars for a thoughtful homemade gift during holidays.
- Party Favors: Wrap them individually for guests to take home after gatherings.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
Perfecting your pumpkin sugar cookies is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to achieve cookie perfection every time.
- Bold Chilling Time: Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps achieve that chewy texture you desire.
- Bold Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
- Bold Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance flavor more than pre-ground options, making your cookies extra aromatic.
- Bold Bake Until Just Set: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be slightly underbaked for that soft, chewy center.
- Bold Store Properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for longer.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin sugar cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:
- Bold Apple Cider Donuts: These sweet, spiced donuts blend well with pumpkin flavors and make for a cozy treat.
- Bold Cream Cheese Frosting: Top your cookies with cream cheese frosting for added richness and flavor contrast.
- Bold Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies for an indulgent touch.
- Bold Pecan Pie Bites: Mini pecan pies offer a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with soft pumpkin cookies.
- Bold Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a classic pairing, enhancing sweetness and creaminess.
- Bold Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts can add crunch and balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your pumpkin sugar cookies from good to amazing. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Skipping the Dough Chilling: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined to maintain a soft texture.
- Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold butter instead of room temperature can affect how well it incorporates with sugars. Ensure your butter is softened for best results.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, leading to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Baking Cookies Too Long: Overbaking can result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven once they are lightly golden at the edges.
- Forgeting to Preheat the Oven: Baking in a cold oven can impact cookie texture. Always preheat your oven fully before placing your cookies inside.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to three months.
- Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350ºF and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, cover it with a lid, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this pumpkin sugar cookies recipe:
What makes this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe special?
This recipe combines classic sugar cookie elements with pumpkin spice flavors, creating a unique chewy texture that’s perfect for fall.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to create delicious gluten-free pumpkin sugar cookies.
How do I store leftover pumpkin sugar cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness.
What variations can I try with this pumpkin sugar cookie recipe?
Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even drizzling icing on top for added flavor and decoration.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes! Just ensure it is cooked and pureed smoothly before using it in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin sugar cookies are not just delightful; they are versatile too! You can customize them by adding different spices or mix-ins like chocolate chips. Try this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe today, and enjoy the chewy goodness that everyone will love!
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minute
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Experience the delightful taste of fall with these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! Bursting with rich pumpkin flavor and warm spices, these cookies have a perfectly chewy texture that’s not too cakey or dense. They make an ideal treat for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or anytime you crave something sweet. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
Instructions
- Chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to achieve a chewy texture.
- Prepare pumpkin puree by removing excess moisture using paper towels.
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, spices, salt) in one bowl.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Mix in the pumpkin puree until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Form dough balls (about 3 tablespoons each) and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F while dough chills.
- Roll dough balls in granulated sugar before placing them on lined baking sheets.
- Bake for approximately 15-19 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool cookies on sheets for about 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-19 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Add chocolate chips or nuts for additional flavor and texture variations.
