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There’s nothing quite like the scent of pumpkin spice cookies baking in the oven to make your home feel cozy and warm. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of fall—Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies! These soft, chewy cookies are brimming with the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making them the ultimate treat for the season. Whether you’re planning a cozy afternoon snack, preparing for a fall gathering, or just craving something sweet with a cup of tea, this recipe has you covered. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
There’s so much to adore about these cookies! Here’s why they’re a hit in my kitchen:
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies bake up with a soft center and slightly crisp edges, creating the perfect bite.
- Warm Fall Flavors: Infused with pumpkin pie spice, these cookies bring that classic fall taste you know and love.
- Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes!
- Versatile: You can easily add your own twist with different toppings or mix-ins like white chocolate chips or a cinnamon glaze.
The Taste: A Fall Flavor Explosion!
These cookies have that nostalgic sugar cookie base, but with a cozy upgrade from the pumpkin pie spice. The buttery richness blends seamlessly with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making them totally irresistible. You might even have to bake a second batch—they disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Possible Add-Ins and Substitutions:
- Mix-ins: Feel free to toss in some white or dark chocolate chips for a melty surprise, or sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for an extra sparkle.
- Gluten-free version: Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend.
- Make them vegan: Use a vegan butter substitute and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk and spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps your cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy—this takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix—the dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will still look soft, but that’s exactly what you want! They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies:
These cookies pair beautifully with a cozy drink! Here are some ideas:
- Hot chocolate: The rich sweetness of hot cocoa complements the warm spices in the cookies.
- Pumpkin spice latte: Double the pumpkin spice, double the fun!
- Spiced tea or chai: The subtle sweetness of the cookies is balanced by the robust flavors of spiced tea.
Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies:
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened (but not melted!) for that perfect creamy texture in the dough.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies—they should be just golden around the edges when they’re done. This ensures they stay soft and chewy.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want a slightly thicker cookie, you can chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
Storage Instructions:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for Later: These cookies freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use pre-made pumpkin pie spice?
Absolutely! If you don’t have individual spices on hand, a store-bought pumpkin pie spice blend works just as well.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften before rolling into balls.
3. How can I make them more festive?
Try topping your cookies with a drizzle of icing, or roll them in cinnamon sugar before baking for a touch of sparkle and crunch!
Conclusion: Bake the Best Fall Cookies!
These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to welcome the fall season into your home. They’re easy to make, bursting with warm spices, and impossible to resist! Whether you’re making them for a party or just to snack on at home, they’re sure to be a hit. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Looking for more fall goodness? Check out these other fall-inspired recipes:
- Crock-Pot Apple Crisp: An easy slow-cooker dessert filled with warm, spiced apples and a crispy oat topping.
- Pumpkin Peanut Butter Energy Bites: A healthy, no-bake snack with pumpkin, peanut butter, and a touch of sweetness.
- Cake Batter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A fun, indulgent cookie packed with chocolate chips and that classic cake batter flavor.
Share Your Cookie Creations!
I’d love to see your cookie creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest when you try this recipe. Let’s spread the pumpkin spice love!
Love this recipe? Pin it now and save it for your next delicious meal!
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and chewy Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are packed with fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. A perfect treat for cozy days, they’re easy to make and pair beautifully with your favorite warm drinks.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Roll dough into balls and place on baking sheet with space between.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Optional: Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Store at room temperature for 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg