Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Find out why my readers are calling these pumpkin sugar cookies the best cookie they’ve ever made! This Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe delivers the ultimate chewy pumpkin cookie—perfectly balanced, not too cakey or dense, and bursting with rich pumpkin flavor. These cookies are ideal for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm spices and pumpkin creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
• Chewy Texture: Chilling the dough results in perfectly chewy cookies that have just the right amount of bite.
• Versatile Treat: Serve them at any occasion—from Halloween to Thanksgiving—and watch them disappear!
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist on this classic recipe.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious pumpkin sugar cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface to bake your cookies while ensuring even heat distribution.

Ingredients

To make these delightful pumpkin sugar cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 cups (360g) all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
• 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (160g) brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (76g) pumpkin puree (paper towel method – see note below)

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Chill the Dough

This recipe requires the dough to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. It helps make the cookies chewy!

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

To remove excess moisture from pumpkin puree:
* Place the pumpkin puree on a few paper towels on a plate.
* Fold the paper towels over so they completely enclose the puree.
* Wait a few minutes as the excess moisture soaks into the towels.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small mixing bowl:
* Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl:
* Beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until creamy.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin

Add in the prepared pumpkin puree:
* Beat again until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the dry ingredients:
* Mix on low speed or by hand with a spatula until just combined. The dough will be thick.

Step 7: Form Dough Balls

Use a cookie scoop to form balls:
* Roll between your hands; aim for about 3 tablespoons per ball.
* Place on a silicone or parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
Place 1/4 cup of sugar in a bowl for rolling the cookies.

Step 9: Roll in Sugar and Bake

Roll each dough ball in sugar:
* Place cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet—about 8 cookies per sheet.
* Bake for 15-19 minutes or until edges turn faintly golden. Keep remaining dough balls refrigerated while baking in batches.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes:
* Move them to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy your freshly baked Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! These soft treats are sure to become a favorite in your home.

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Serving your delicious pumpkin sugar cookies can elevate the experience and complement their flavors. Here are some creative ways to enjoy them.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pairing your cookies with a hot cup of coffee enhances the warm spices in the cookies, making it a perfect afternoon treat.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to make ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite flavor for a delightful dessert experience.

Drizzled with Icing

• A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can add sweetness and a decorative touch to your cookies.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a beautiful platter with other fall-themed treats like mini pies or candied nuts for a festive presentation.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

To ensure you create the best pumpkin sugar cookies, keep these tips in mind:

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes will help achieve that chewy texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies due to too much flour.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor. Consider grinding your own cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; removing them when edges are golden will maintain softness.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These side dishes pair well with pumpkin sugar cookies, creating a delightful dessert table.

1. Spiced Apple Cider – A warm beverage that complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.
2. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle over cookies or serve alongside for dipping; it adds a rich sweetness.
3. Chai Tea – The warm spices in chai tea resonate with those in pumpkin spice, making it an ideal pairing.
4. Cream Cheese Frosting – Serve on the side for spreading or dipping, enhancing each bite with creamy goodness.
5. Pumpkin Spice Latte – This seasonal drink echoes cookie flavors, making it a cozy companion.
6. Fruit Salad – A refreshing side that balances sweetness; consider using seasonal fruits like apples and pears.
7. Cheese Board – Add cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
8. Mini Cheesecakes – Complementary in flavor, these desserts provide an elegant touch to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin sugar cookies can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can spoil the fun. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the dough can lead to flat cookies. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain thickness.

• Using Too Much Pumpkin Puree: Adding excess pumpkin puree can make cookies overly moist. Measure carefully and use the paper towel method to remove extra moisture.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unheated oven affects texture and baking time. Preheat your oven to 350ºF before placing the cookies inside.

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.

• Ignoring Cookie Spacing: Crowding the baking sheet leads to uneven baking. Place cookies at least 2 inches apart on the sheet.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin sugar cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF, place cookies on a baking tray for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 1 minute until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

What makes this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe unique?

This recipe balances pumpkin flavor with a chewy texture, avoiding cakey results that often come with pumpkin-based desserts.

Can I use gluten-free flour in this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

How do I know when my pumpkin sugar cookies are done?

Cookies are ready when their edges have a faint golden color. They may look slightly underbaked in the center but will firm up as they cool.

What other spices can I add to my Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Feel free to experiment! Adding nutmeg or allspice enhances flavor depth. A pinch of cloves can also add warmth.

Can I customize this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits like cranberries to give your cookies a personal touch.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their chewy texture and rich flavor make them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Try this recipe today and delight your friends and family!