Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

When the crisp autumn air rolls in and leaves start to fall, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, spiced cookie fresh out of the oven. Among all the seasonal desserts, pumpkin stands out as a true favorite. From pumpkin pie to pumpkin bread, this versatile ingredient creates endless possibilities. But today, we’re diving deep into one of the coziest fall desserts you can make at home: Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe.

These cookies are thick, pillowy, and bursting with the comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Unlike traditional crunchy cookies, this recipe gives you that irresistible chewy texture that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cider. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this pumpkin cookies recipe will quickly become your go-to fall dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

1. Soft and Chewy Texture – These cookies melt in your mouth while still offering a slight chewiness.

2. Perfectly Spiced – A balanced blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates that classic pumpkin spice flavor.

3. Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.

4. Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or cozy fall weekends.

5. Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or cream cheese frosting to make them your own.

Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar (packed)

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• Optional: 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or white chocolate chips

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls

• Hand mixer or stand mixer

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Rubber spatula

• Baking sheets

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving your cookies that soft, chewy texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, then add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. The pumpkin will naturally moisten the dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Mix-Ins (Optional)

Fold in chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or chopped nuts if desired.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30–60 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.

Step 7: Preheat and Scoop

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

• Use Pure Pumpkin Puree – Avoid canned pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.

• Don’t Overbake – These cookies should be soft in the center. Take them out slightly underdone for maximum chewiness.

• Chill the Dough – This prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

• Enhance Flavor – Toast the spices briefly before mixing to deepen their flavor.

• Make Them Frosted – Add cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent twist.

Variations of Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – Fold in chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

2. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies – Add rolled oats for a chewy, hearty texture.

3. Frosted Pumpkin Cookies – Top with cream cheese frosting for a bakery-style treat.

4. Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies – Mix in instant espresso powder for a coffee kick.

5. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies – Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.

Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Cookies

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for about 7 days.

• Freezer – Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.

• Freeze Dough – Scoop dough balls and freeze; bake straight from frozen by adding 2 extra minutes to bake time.

Pumpkin Cookies Recipe FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking.

Q: Why are my cookies cakey instead of chewy?
Too much flour or overmixing the dough can make cookies cakey. For a chewier result, measure flour carefully and chill the dough.

Q: Can I substitute butter with oil?
Yes, but the cookies will lose some chewiness and richness. Butter is recommended for best results.

Q: Do these cookies need frosting?
Not necessarily. They taste amazing plain but adding frosting makes them feel festive and indulgent.

Pumpkin Cookies Recipe for Different Occasions

• Halloween Parties – Add candy corn or spooky sprinkles.

• Thanksgiving Dessert Table – Serve alongside pumpkin pie and apple crisp.

• Fall Bake Sales – Wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon for a seasonal treat.

• Holiday Cookie Exchange – Stand out with a seasonal twist on classic cookies.

Why Pumpkin Works So Well in Cookies

Pumpkin puree not only adds seasonal flavor but also enhances texture. It’s naturally moist, which gives cookies a soft and tender crumb. Combined with warming spices, pumpkin elevates a basic cookie into a comforting fall classic.

Pairing Pumpkin Cookies with Drinks

• Pumpkin Spice Latte

• Hot Apple Cider

• Chai Tea

• Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream

Conclusion

This Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of everything we love about fall. The chewy texture, the comforting pumpkin spice aroma, and the versatility of add-ins make these cookies a staple for your autumn baking. Whether you enjoy them plain, frosted, or loaded with chocolate chips, one thing is certain: they’ll disappear fast!

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