Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving autumn flavors in a cozy, soft bite, you’ve got to try this Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out tender, cakey, and perfectly spiced without being too heavy. They’re an ideal treat for chilly afternoons or whenever pumpkin cravings hit—trust me, they’ll disappear fast once you dig in!

What makes this Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe extra special for me is the balance between the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, delivering that warm, comforting flavor you expect from fall desserts, but in a lighter, more playful cookie form. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, so even when time’s tight, you can still enjoy a batch of these little autumn delights.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe plays a key role in creating that soft texture and rich autumn flavor. You’ll want to gather fresh ingredients when possible, especially pumpkin puree and spices, for the best results.

• Unsalted butter or coconut oil: Butter brings richness, but coconut oil is a great dairy-free alternative that adds subtle flavor.
• Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel note that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Large egg: Acts as a binder and helps keep the cookies soft and cakey.
• Pumpkin puree: Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree, but be sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling for best control over sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the spices and sweetness.
• Pumpkin pie spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove is the heart of the recipe’s warm flavor.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents give the cookies that perfect lift and softness.
• Sea salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and balance sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level your flour for accuracy to keep the cookies tender.
• Cream cheese frosting (optional): I love adding this for a tangy, creamy contrast on top, especially if you want to make these feel extra special.

Variations

I like to play around with this Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe depending on the season and who I’m baking for. You can easily tweak the spices or add mix-ins to make it your own—don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Spice swap: Sometimes I add extra cinnamon or a dash of cardamom for a little twist; my family always notices and loves the subtle changes.
• Mix-ins: Add chocolate chips or chopped pecans for texture and a bit of indulgence—I especially recommend pecans for that classic fall vibe.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a soft result that still tastes fantastic.
• Vegan adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg in place of the regular egg—you still get the soft, pumpkin-y goodness!

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Then, in your mixer bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and fully combined—this only takes about a minute, but it’s crucial for that tender cookie texture.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg to bind everything, followed by the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. You’ll notice the batter becoming thick and slightly glossy. Pro tip: make sure your pumpkin puree is smooth — any lumps can affect the consistency.

Step 3: Incorporate the Spices and Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt all over your pumpkin mixture, then gently mix to combine. Now add the flour little by little, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Remember, the dough will be soft and scoopable like a thick batter — that’s exactly what you want!

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving room between each cookie since they’ll puff up a bit. Bake one sheet at a time for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies look puffed and set on top. Don’t overbake — the centers should remain soft.

Step 5: Cool and Frost (Optional)

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you’re feeling indulgent, spread on some cream cheese frosting when fully cool; it’s a personal favorite that takes these from delicious to unforgettable.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of cream cheese frosting for that classic tang. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top of the frosting to add crunch and a nutty finish—my family always asks for seconds when I do this!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm mug of chai latte or cinnamon-spiced coffee. For something lighter, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes a simple yet scrumptious dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

When I bring these cookies to fall gatherings, I sometimes arrange them in a circle on a rustic wooden platter around a small bowl of cream cheese frosting for dipping—that presentation always impresses! For kids, adding a little face with edible markers after frosting adds a cute, playful touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Soft Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, I place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies absorb the moisture from the bread and stay perfectly tender.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well—either freeze the baked cookies placed in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, or freeze the cookie dough balls to bake fresh later. I recommend thawing baked cookies at room temperature for best softness.

Reheating

To warm leftover cookies, I pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or a few minutes in a low oven at 300°F. This revives their soft texture and brings back that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe has become one of my fall baking staples because it strikes the perfect balance of ease, comfort, and that nostalgic pumpkin flavor we all crave. I love sharing these cookies with friends and family—it’s like serving up a little cozy hug in cookie form. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy every autumn season and beyond.

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