Must-Try Pumpkin Cookies That Will Warm Up Your Fall

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, nothing captures the essence of fall better than the warm, spicy flavor of pumpkin. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of delicious pumpkin cookies? Whether you’re a fan of soft, chewy cookies or prefer them with a bit of crunch, these recipes are guaranteed to bring a cozy vibe to your autumn days.

Why Pumpkin Cookies are a Fall Favorite

Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that adds moisture, flavor, and a subtle sweetness to baked goods. When combined with classic fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, pumpkin cookies create a comforting treat that’s perfect for cool-weather gatherings or enjoying by the fire. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even cream cheese frosting.

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

If you love a cookie that melts in your mouth, these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies are for you. They are light, fluffy, and packed with fall flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, mixing well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on a wire rack.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate and pumpkin are a match made in heaven. These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies offer the perfect balance of sweet and spiced, with gooey chocolate in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugars, and pumpkin puree. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and spices.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies

For a wholesome twist, these pumpkin spice oatmeal cookies combine the hearty texture of oats with the warm flavors of fall. Perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugars, and pumpkin puree. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in oats, and if using, add walnuts and raisins.
5. Drop the dough by spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are slightly browned. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Sandwich Cookies

If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, these pumpkin cream cheese sandwich cookies are a decadent choice. They pair soft pumpkin cookies with a rich cream cheese filling for the ultimate fall dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cream cheese filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and pumpkin puree. Add the egg and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then let cool.
5. For the filling, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
6. Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto the bottom of one cookie, then sandwich another cookie on top.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies

• Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling: The latter contains added sugar and spices, which will throw off the balance in your recipe.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Store properly: Pumpkin cookies tend to stay soft due to the moisture in the pumpkin. Store them in an airtight container, and if they get too soft, you can pop them in the fridge for a bit.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a pumpkin spice fanatic or just love the cozy warmth of autumn flavors, these pumpkin cookie recipes will satisfy your cravings and make your kitchen smell amazing. Serve them at your next fall gathering, or enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or coffee while watching the leaves fall outside your window. Happy baking!