Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Find out why my readers are calling these pumpkin sugar cookies the best cookie they’ve ever made! The Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is the ultimate chewy pumpkin cookie—perfectly balanced, not too cakey or dense, and bursting with pumpkin flavor. These delightful treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or anytime you crave a sweet snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the rich pumpkin taste.
• Chewy Texture: The chilling process allows for a chewy cookie that everyone will adore.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up at any time.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, bake sales, or just as a comforting dessert at home.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe to make with children who will love rolling the dough balls.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best pumpkin sugar cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having these on hand will streamline your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients without any mess.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing butter and sugars until creamy.
• Cookie scoop: Provides uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.

Ingredients

For this delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe, 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 in a few paper towels on a plate.
* Fold the paper towels over the puree so it’s completely enclosed.
* Let it sit for a few minutes; excess moisture will soak into the paper towels.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl:
* Beat the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer for about 1-2 minutes until creamy.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin Puree

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

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the dry ingredients:
* Mix on low speed or use a spatula to combine until just mixed. The dough will be thick.

Step 7: Shape Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop:
* Form balls of dough (approximately 3 tbsp each).
* Roll between your hands.
* Place them on a silicone or parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.

Step 8: Preheat Oven and Prepare Sugar Coating

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

Step 9: Roll and Bake Cookies

Roll each dough ball in the sugar:
* Place cookies about 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet (about eight per sheet).
* Bake for approximately 15-19 minutes or until edges have a faint golden color.

Step 10: Cool Down

Allow baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes:
* Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before enjoying!

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe!

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Serving your pumpkin sugar cookies the right way enhances their flavor and presentation. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will impress your friends and family.

With a Warm Cup of Tea

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack. The spices in the cookies complement the flavors of many teas beautifully.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two pumpkin sugar cookies. This adds a creamy texture and extra sweetness.

Drizzled with Icing

• Enhance the cookies with a simple icing drizzle. Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or fruit juice, then drizzle over the cooled cookies for added sweetness and visual appeal.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your pumpkin sugar cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other treats. This makes for an eye-catching display at parties or potlucks.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Achieving the perfect pumpkin sugar cookie is all about technique and ingredients. Follow these tips to elevate your baking game.

• Chill the Dough: Letting the dough chill for 30 minutes before baking ensures chewy cookies that hold their shape.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will give your cookies a more intense flavor compared to pre-ground options.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies due to excess flour.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove them when edges turn golden for soft, chewy centers.
• Store Properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These pumpkin sugar cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes, making them perfect for any gathering. Consider these options to complement your dessert.

1. Spiced Chai Latte: This warm beverage combines black tea with spices, perfectly balancing the sweetness of pumpkin cookies.
2. Apple Cider: Enjoy warm or cold apple cider alongside these cookies for a seasonal treat that enhances autumn flavors.
3. Creamy Pumpkin Soup: Serve it as an appetizer to kick off a fall-themed meal, setting the stage for the sweet dessert that follows.
4. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: This salad adds savory elements that contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Maple Glazed Carrots: These sweet carrots make a great side dish that echoes the flavors found in pumpkin desserts.
6. Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses can balance out the sweetness and provide a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your pumpkin sugar cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving chewy cookies. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much during baking.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much or too little flour can affect cookie texture. Always use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Overmixing the dough: Excessive mixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to maintain a soft texture.
• Baking on an unprepared sheet: Not using parchment paper or silicone mats can cause sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheet for best results.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An inaccurate oven temperature can result in overbaked or underbaked cookies. Use an oven thermometer for precision.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin sugar cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and bake for about 5 minutes, just until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Heat in a covered skillet on low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about pumpkin sugar cookies, here are some common questions and their answers.

Can I make this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe without butter?

Yes, you can substitute with plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

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

Look for faint golden edges. The center may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.

What makes this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe chewy?

The combination of chilled dough and proper baking time contributes to their chewy texture, ensuring they are not overly cakey.

Can I add chocolate chips to the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips add a delightful twist. Just fold them into the dough before chilling.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin sugar cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make. Their chewy texture paired with rich pumpkin flavor makes them a favorite among cookie lovers. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or spices according to your taste!