Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Find out why my readers are calling these pumpkin sugar cookies the best cookie they’ve ever made! This is the ultimate chewy pumpkin cookie – not too cakey or dense and packed with pumpkin flavor. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee, this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe brings comfort and joy to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Chewy: These cookies have the perfect balance of chewiness without being overly dense.
• Rich Pumpkin Flavor: Made with real pumpkin puree, each bite bursts with autumnal flavor that you will adore.
• Simple Ingredients: With easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up a batch anytime without hassle.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for dessert tables, gift-giving, or casual snacking.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Baking these cookies can be a delightful activity to share with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your delicious pumpkin sugar cookies, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Different sizes help keep your workspace organized and make mixing easier.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your butter and sugars are perfectly creamed for that light texture.
• Cookie scoop: A scoop provides uniformity in size, ensuring even baking for all cookies.

Ingredients

To create your delightful pumpkin sugar cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 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. The excess moisture will soak into the paper towels within a few minutes.

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 butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until creamy.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin Puree

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

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture

Gradually add in the dry ingredients:
* Mix on low or by hand with a spatula until fully combined. The dough will be thick.

Step 7: Form Dough Balls

Use a cookie scoop to form balls:
* Roll between your hands; aim for about 3 tablespoons per ball.
* Place dough balls on a silicone or parchment paper-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF:
* Place 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl for rolling the cookies.

Step 9: Roll and Bake Cookies

Roll each dough ball in sugar:
* Place cookies 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet; fit about 8 cookies per sheet.
* Bake for 15-19 minutes or until edges have a faint golden color. Keep remaining dough balls refrigerated while baking.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes:
* Move them to a cooling rack to cool completely before enjoying.

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These pumpkin sugar cookies are delicious on their own, but serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some creative ways to serve your cookies.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee – Pair with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy treat.
• Tea – Enjoy with herbal or spiced tea for a soothing combination.
• Hot Chocolate – The sweetness of hot chocolate complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Fruit Slices – Add fresh apple or pear slices for a refreshing contrast.
• Cheese Board – Serve alongside mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an interesting flavor profile.
• Nuts – Include roasted almonds or walnuts for added crunch and nutrition.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Parties – Decorate with festive sprinkles for a fun presentation.
• Gift Baskets – Package in a decorative box as a homemade gift during the holidays.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

To achieve the ultimate pumpkin sugar cookies, follow these tips to perfect your baking process.

• Chill the Dough – Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes creates chewier cookies.
• Use Fresh Spices – Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor significantly compared to pre-ground varieties.
• Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on baking time; remove cookies when edges are golden but centers are still soft for optimal texture.
• Experiment with Toppings – Try adding chocolate chips or nuts into the dough for extra flavor and texture.
• Store Properly – Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Pumpkin sugar cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here’s a list of delightful options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is perfect alongside warm cookies.
2. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle caramel sauce over cookies for a sweet, indulgent touch.
3. Spiced Whipped Cream – Add flavored whipped cream with cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of taste.
4. Yogurt Parfait – Combine layers of yogurt, granola, and fruit to create a balanced dessert option.
5. Cheesecake Bites – Small bites of cheesecake provide a rich contrast to the lightness of the cookies.
6. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of cookie sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pumpkin sugar cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes is essential for achieving chewy cookies. This step helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading during baking.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can affect the cookie’s texture. Always measure your ingredients using proper measuring cups and spoons for best results.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven. Baking them too long can lead to dry cookies. Aim for a faint golden color around the edges.
• Ignoring pumpkin moisture: Excess moisture from pumpkin puree can make the cookies soggy. Use the paper towel method to absorb extra liquid before mixing into your dough.
• Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugars, leading to dense cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350ºF and warm cookies on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this pumpkin sugar cookies recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some commonly asked ones.

Can I make these pumpkin sugar cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

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

Look for faint golden edges; they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

What can I use instead of butter in this pumpkin sugar cookies recipe?

You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.

Can I customize this pumpkin sugar cookies recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin sugar cookies are not just delicious but also versatile. Their chewy texture and rich flavor make them perfect for any occasion. You can customize them easily by adding your favorite mix-ins. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the joy of baking with these delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! With their irresistibly chewy texture and rich pumpkin flavor, these cookies are the ultimate sweet treat for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a warm beverage. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Each bite delivers a burst of autumnal goodness, making them a favorite among friends and family. Plus, the process of making these cookies can be a fun and engaging activity to share with loved ones. Get ready to impress everyone with your baking skills!

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups 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 unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree

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Instructions

1. Chill the dough for 30 minutes in the fridge.
2. Prepare pumpkin puree by draining excess moisture using paper towels.
3. Mix flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl.
4. Cream together butter and sugars until fluffy.
5. Beat in the pumpkin puree until well combined.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until fully incorporated.
7. Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls and refrigerate again for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F and roll each ball in sugar before baking on lined sheets for 15-19 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg