Pumpkin Spice Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy and soft, showcasing the warm, inviting flavors of autumn. These delightful cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds but also ideal for sharing at festive gatherings or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea. The unique combination of pumpkin, spices, and a touch of sweetness makes them a standout dessert for any fall occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These cookies bring joy and comfort to every bite.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich taste of pumpkin paired with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a seasonal delight that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies are perfect for bakers of any skill level.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just because you want something sweet at home.
- Perfectly Soft Texture: The chilling process ensures each cookie bakes up soft and chewy, making them a favorite among cookie lovers.
- Great for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends or family; they’ll be sure to ask for the recipe!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking Pumpkin Spice Cookies, gather your tools and get ready for some delicious fun.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper or baking mats
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Baking trays: Provide a sturdy surface to bake cookies evenly.
Ingredients
To create these delightful Pumpkin Spice Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie blend)
Coating Ingredients
- 1/4 cup white sugar(for coating)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon(for coating)
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. Lower the speed on your mixer, then blend in the egg, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until a sticky dough forms. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a lid and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
Step 4: Preheat Oven and Prepare Trays
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper or baking mats. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup white sugar and 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
Step 5: Form Cookie Dough Balls
After chilling the dough, form it into balls about 1.5 tablespoons each. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Slightly flatten each ball before placing them on prepared trays about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the tops appear just set. Allow them to cool on trays briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Enjoy your freshly baked Pumpkin Spice Cookies!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Serving Pumpkin Spice Cookies can elevate your autumn gatherings and make them feel extra special. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home, here are some delightful ways to serve these cookies.
With a Warm Beverage
- Coffee: Pair your cookies with a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a comforting experience.
- Hot Chocolate: Dip these cookies in warm hot chocolate for a deliciously indulgent treat.
- Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea complement the flavors of pumpkin spice beautifully.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Assorted Cookies: Include various types of cookies for an inviting dessert platter that guests will love.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Serve small cheesecake bites alongside the cookies for a rich contrast.
- Fruit Salad: Add fresh fruit to balance the sweetness and add color to your table.
At Seasonal Gatherings
- Thanksgiving Dinner: These cookies make an excellent addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table.
- Fall Festivals: Bring along Pumpkin Spice Cookies to share at local fall events or festivals.
- Halloween Parties: Offer these treats as part of your Halloween festivities for a festive touch.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cookies
To ensure that your Pumpkin Spice Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps enhance the flavors and ensures the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices provide more robust flavors, enhancing the pumpkin spice experience.
- Measure Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid dense cookies that can ruin the texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the tray as they cool.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor variety.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Pairing side dishes with Pumpkin Spice Cookies can enhance your overall dining experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Apple Cider Donuts: Soft, spiced donuts that echo autumn flavors perfectly complement the pumpkin spice theme.
- Caramel Pudding: A creamy and sweet dessert that adds richness alongside the spiced cookies.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecakes are perfect for balancing out the sweetness of pumpkin spice with their tangy flavor.
- Spiced Nuts: A savory option that provides crunch and contrasts well with soft cookies.
- Pumpkin Soup: For a savory touch, serve a warm bowl of pumpkin soup as an appetizer before indulging in sweets.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These enhance the pumpkin flavor profile while adding a hearty side dish option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Pumpkin Spice Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
- Incorrect measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use measuring cups for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for wet ones. This prevents inconsistencies in the dough.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right texture. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much during baking.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
- Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the cookies rise properly.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Overbaking can make them dry, so take them out as soon as they look set.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Pumpkin Spice Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Instructions
- Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them initially.
- Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Warm one cookie at a time in 10-15 second intervals until soft but not hot.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a covered skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Cookies softer?
To achieve softer Pumpkin Spice Cookies, be sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as they look set.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of canned pumpkin?
No, it’s best to use plain canned pumpkin for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of your cookies.
How long do Pumpkin Spice Cookies last?
When stored properly, Pumpkin Spice Cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.
What are some variations for Pumpkin Spice Cookies?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor. Experimenting with these additions makes each batch unique!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Spice Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion—from cozy fall gatherings to festive holidays. Feel free to customize them with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Enjoy baking these comforting treats that capture the essence of autumn!
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a delightful autumn treat that combines a chewy, soft texture with the warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy afternoons at home, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Their unique combination of spices not only captures the essence of fall but also makes them an irresistible addition to any dessert table. Whether paired with a warm beverage or shared with loved ones, these cookies bring joy and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain canned pumpkin
- 1/4 cup white sugar (for coating)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter with brown and white sugars until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin; mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a sticky dough forms. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking trays.
- Form dough into balls and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing on trays.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until just set; cool on racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Autumn
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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