Why You’ll Love Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe
Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a seasonal favorite that offer more than just flavor:
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They’re incredibly soft and tender, thanks to the moisture from pumpkin puree.
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Filled with comforting fall spices that make every bite warm and cozy.
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Quick and easy to make — no chilling time or fancy tools required.
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Perfect for holiday baking, potlucks, or sharing with loved ones.
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Versatile and customizable with mix-ins or a drizzle of glaze.
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A great way to use leftover pumpkin puree.
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Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly.
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Smell amazing while baking, filling your kitchen with cozy aromas.
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Not overly sweet, making them ideal for snacking.
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They stay soft for days — perfect for make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
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Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
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Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the edges are slightly golden.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 11–13 minutes
Total Time: Around 28 minutes
Variations
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Add chocolate chips for a sweet, melty twist.
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Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and depth.
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Top with a vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for a dessert-style cookie.
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Replace the spices with a pumpkin pie spice blend for convenience.
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Try using browned butter for extra richness and nutty flavor.
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Fold in dried cranberries or raisins for a festive touch.
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Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for added texture.
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Add a pinch of cardamom for a unique spice profile.
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Make cookie sandwiches by filling two with whipped cream cheese.
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Swap half the butter for applesauce to make them lighter.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container — it will help maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
How do I make sure the cookies stay soft?
Don’t overbake them. Remove the cookies as soon as the edges are set and the centers look slightly underdone — they’ll finish setting as they cool.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
No, pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices that will affect the texture and flavor. Use plain pumpkin puree for best results.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is necessary. These cookies are designed to be quick and easy — just mix, scoop, and bake.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature slightly before baking.
How do I freeze the dough?
Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of cloves?
You can simply omit cloves or replace them with a bit more cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be great.
Are these cookies overly sweet?
No, they have a well-balanced sweetness. You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet treat.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe scales well for larger batches — perfect for parties or gifting.
Do these cookies spread while baking?
Not much. They stay relatively puffy and cake-like. If you want flatter cookies, gently press the dough down before baking.
Conclusion
Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies are everything you love about fall wrapped into a simple, satisfying dessert. With their fluffy texture, warm spices, and easy preparation, they’re a must-bake whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of coffee. Make a batch, mix in your favorite extras, and enjoy the cozy goodness all season long.
