Fall is a time for warm flavors, cozy sweaters, and, of course, delicious baked goods. The Pumpkin Spice Cookie is a perfect treat that captures the essence of the season. These cookies are soft and chewy, with a delightful blend of spices that evoke memories of autumn and comfort. You might just find yourself making a batch to share—or even to keep all to yourself!
Why We Love This Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe
There’s something truly special about pumpkin spice cookies that brings a sense of joy. They are not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of fall. The blend of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice mingles perfectly with the butter, creating a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen. They are simple to make, and you likely already have the ingredients in your pantry. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just have a craving for something sweet, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Plus, they can easily become a cherished family tradition!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe
To prepare these delectable pumpkin spice cookies, be sure to gather the following ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 1 and ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (melted and allowed to cool)
- ¼ cup (50g) firmly packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for coating)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for coating)
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe
Creating these pumpkin spice cookies is a straightforward process that will fill your home with the scents of fall. Start by preparing your ingredients and workspace.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This mixture forms the dry base of your cookie dough. Set it aside for now.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, take your cooled melted butter and add the firmly packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk these together until smooth. This allows the sugars to dissolve, creating a creamy texture. Then, add in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree, whisking until everything is well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a large spatula, carefully mix everything together until no dry flour remains visible. You want the dough to come together as a cohesive mixture.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and place it in the refrigerator. Chilling the dough is important, as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Allow it to chill for at least one hour, but it can stay in the fridge for up to three days if you want to prepare in advance.
- Preheat the Oven: Once you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Prepare Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice for the coating. Stir or whisk the mixture until it is uniform in color.
- Form the Cookies: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into balls, about one tablespoon in size. Roll each dough ball generously in the sugar coating mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes, or until you see that the edges are just set. They will appear soft and slightly under-baked in the middle, which is perfect for a chewy texture.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for at least 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
This simple process results in delicious, homemade pumpkin spice cookies that are perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe
Serving your pumpkin spice cookies can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Here are a few ideas to elevate your treat:
- With Beverages: Pair your cookies with hot beverages such as coffee, apple cider, or even a warm cup of tea. The spices in the cookies complement the flavors in these drinks perfectly.
- As a Dessert Platter: For gatherings, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter. Add a few slices of apple or a sprinkle of festive decorations. This presentation invites guests to indulge.
- With Ice Cream: For a delightful twist, serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The warmth of the cookie and the coldness of the ice cream create a delightful contrast.
- Gifting: Package the cookies in a decorative box or bag, tied with a ribbon. Sharing these homemade delights is a lovely way to spread joy during the fall season.
There are endless ways to enjoy your pumpkin spice cookies, unlimited to just nibbling them fresh from the oven!
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe
Getting the most out of your pumpkin spice cookies can be achieved with a few expert tips:
- Use Fresh Spices: The freshness of your spices can dramatically affect the taste of your cookies. If your ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice is older than a year, consider replacing them for enhanced flavor.
- Let the Butter Cool: Ensure that your melted butter has cooled sufficiently before mixing with the sugars. Hot butter can melt the sugars rather than incorporating them, affecting the cookie texture.
- Chill Before Baking: Don’t rush the chilling process. Properly chilling your dough helps maintain the cookies’ shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too much.
- Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time and use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Experiment with Extras: Feel free to add in extras like chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or caramel bits for added texture and flavor variations.
Using these tips, you can ensure that your pumpkin spice cookies turn out perfectly every time!
How to Store Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe
Storing your pumpkin spice cookies properly will keep them fresh for days. Here’s how to do it:
- Room Temperature Storage: Place your cooled cookies in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and chewy. They should remain fresh at room temperature for up to five days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze your baked cookies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months.
- Thawing: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will be just as tasty as the day they were baked.
Following these guidelines will ensure your cookies remain delightful, whether you’re enjoying them now or saving some for later!
Variation of Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe
There are so many ways to personalize your pumpkin spice cookies. Here are a few fun variations to consider:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Add a half cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough for a rich twist. The chocolate pairing complements the spices beautifully.
- Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch. This adds another layer of texture and flavor to your cookies.
- Frosted Cookies: Top your baked cookies with a simple cream cheese frosting. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a bit of vanilla for a sweet topping that amplifies the flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies: Make a thicker dough and create sandwich cookies by spreading your favorite filling between two cookies.
These variations not only spice up your baking routine but also cater to different tastes. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite!
FAQ About Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe
What are pumpkin spice cookies made of?
Pumpkin spice cookies are made of basic baking ingredients, including flour, sugar, butter, and pumpkin puree. They are flavored with spices such as cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.
How do I ensure my pumpkin spice cookies stay soft?
To maintain softness, avoid overbaking the cookies. They should look slightly undercooked in the center when you take them out of the oven. Also, ensure you store them in an airtight container after cooling.
Can I make pumpkin spice cookies without pumpkin?
While the pumpkin adds moisture and flavor, you can experiment with alternatives like applesauce or mashed bananas, though these will change the overall flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to chill the dough for pumpkin spice cookies?
Chilling the dough is not mandatory, but it helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, resulting in thicker and chewier cookies.
How long do pumpkin spice cookies last?
At room temperature, pumpkin spice cookies can last for up to five days in an airtight container. If frozen, they can last up to three months.
Now that you have this pumpkin spice cookie recipe, you’re equipped to create a warm, tasty treat that embodies the spirit of autumn. Happy baking!
Pumpkin Spice Cookie
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour Sifted to ensure no lumps
- 0.25 teaspoon ¼ teaspoon salt Enhances flavors
- 0.25 teaspoon ¼ teaspoon baking powder Leavening agent
- 0.25 teaspoon ¼ teaspoon baking soda Leavening agent
- 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Gives warmth flavor
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cups ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and allowed to cool) Make sure to let it cool before use
- 0.25 cups ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar Adds moisture and richness
- 0.5 cups ½ cup granulated sugar Additional sweetness
- 0.25 teaspoon ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavors
- 6 tablespoons 6 tablespoons pumpkin puree Adds moisture and flavor
Coating
- 0.5 cups ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating) For rolling the cookies
- 0.5 teaspoon ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 0.5 teaspoon ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for coating)
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, then set it aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the cooled melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree, whisking until well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, mixing carefully until no dry flour remains visible.
Chilling and Baking
- Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice for coating.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll into balls about one tablespoon in size and coat each ball in the sugar mixture, then place on the baking sheets with space between each.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, until edges are set, and slightly underbaked in the center.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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