Introduction
Autumn has a way of turning ordinary kitchens into warm havens of comfort. For me, nothing embodies that magic better than the smell of freshly baked pumpkin cookies wafting through the air. The first time I baked them was on a rainy October afternoon, the kind of day when cozy treats feel like a necessity rather than a luxury. The golden cookies, lightly spiced and topped with a festive pumpkin candy, quickly became a seasonal tradition in my home. I, Ella Chef, want to share this recipe so you too can enjoy the same comforting delight every fall.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cookies are set and lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and immediately press a pumpkin candy on top of each cookie.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin cookies are among the easiest fall treats you can prepare, yet they deliver incredible warmth and comfort. To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Next, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. These spices are what give the cookies their signature autumn flavor, so don’t skip them.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale. This step is key to creating the light texture of the cookies. Then add pumpkin puree, an egg, and vanilla extract. The pumpkin puree makes the cookies soft and moist, while the egg binds everything together, and vanilla provides an aromatic touch. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your baking sheet, leaving space for the cookies to spread as they bake. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the tops are set and the edges are lightly golden. As soon as they come out of the oven, press a pumpkin candy into the center of each cookie for a charming festive decoration. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.
These cookies are not only beautiful but also versatile. You can swap the candy toppers for cream cheese frosting swirls or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a more subtle finish. They’re perfect with a cup of hot cider or tea, making them an ideal treat for family gatherings, Halloween parties, or cozy evenings by the fire. Within 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of soft, spiced cookies that capture the essence of fall.
Conclusion
Pumpkin cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the fall season. Their soft texture, warm spices, and festive decorations make them irresistible for kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a holiday dessert, or a gift for loved ones, these cookies embody the joy and coziness