Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies are soft, flavorful treats infused with classic autumn spices and moist pumpkin puree. Perfectly spiced and lightly coated with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, these cookies offer a tender bite with a delightful subtle crunch. Ideal for fall celebrations or cozy snacking, they bring the warmth of pumpkin and spice into a classic cookie form.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 3 dozen cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For Rolling:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for the texture of your cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until well combined. The pumpkin puree adds flavor and keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices create the classic pumpkin spice flavor.
- Combine and Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. You may freeze the dough if baking later.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Coat the Cookies: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Lightly sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the cookies to add crunch and flavor.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Baking time may vary depending on oven and thickness.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set without breaking.
- Serve: Enjoy these Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies with milk or your favorite fall drink, perfect for snacking or sharing during autumn gatherings.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Cookie cutters can be any shape, traditional fall-themed cutters enhance the look.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Dough can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before rolling and baking.
Keywords: pumpkin spice, sugar cookies, pumpkin cookies, fall cookies, autumn desserts, cinnamon cookies