DESSERTS

Amazing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies: 1 Perfect Recipe

by basmer

3 de September de 2025

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Pumpkin Sugar Cookies have officially arrived, and my kitchen smells like pure autumn bliss! I remember the first time I tried making these, hoping to capture that cozy fall feeling in a bite, and oh boy, did they deliver. The aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin baking is just intoxicating, and biting into one of these soft, chewy cookies is like getting a warm hug. They’re the perfect treat for any fall baking adventure. Let’s get these delicious cookies into your oven!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with these cookies for so many reasons:

They are incredibly soft pumpkin sugar cookies, with just the right amount of chewiness.
The real pumpkin purée gives them a wonderfully moist texture and subtle earthy flavor.
These are truly easy pumpkin sugar cookies, perfect even for beginner bakers.
The warm spice blend makes them the quintessential taste of fall.
They’re versatile enough for any fall occasion, from Halloween parties to Thanksgiving dessert tables.
The simple dough is a joy to work with, making the whole process a breeze.
Get ready for that amazing aroma filling your home as they bake!

Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Gathering these Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Ingredients is the first delicious step to baking up a batch of pure fall magic. I love having everything measured out before I start mixing!

1 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling, about ¼ cup) – This sweetness is balanced by the pumpkin and spices.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base that gives our cookies structure.
½ tsp baking powder – Our leavening agent for a little lift.
½ tsp salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
½ tsp ground cinnamon – The classic cozy spice!
14 tbsp unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s softened, not melted, for the best creamy texture.
2 tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract adds a lovely depth of flavor.
1 egg yolk – This helps bind the cookies and adds richness.
½ cup 100% pure pumpkin purée – The star ingredient! Make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling.

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create the most delightful pumpkin sugar cookies you’ve ever tasted. I find that being organized makes the whole process so much more enjoyable, and these instructions are designed to help you achieve that perfect texture every time.

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp ground cinnamon. Give it a good mix until all the dry ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: In a separate, larger bowl, use your electric mixer to cream together the 14 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar. Beat them on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Now, add the wet ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix in the 1 egg yolk, then the 2 tsp vanilla extract, and finally, the star of the show, the ½ cup 100% pure pumpkin purée. Continue mixing until everything is thoroughly incorporated and the color is a lovely soft orange.
Step 5: It’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients! With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture from Step 2 into the wet pumpkin mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything gets mixed in. You want a cohesive pumpkin sugar cookie dough.
Step 6: For the best texture, it’s crucial to chill the dough. Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes while your oven finishes preheating. This step really helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Step 7: Once the dough is chilled, scoop it into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in extra granulated sugar for that signature sparkle and sweet crunch. Place the sugar-coated balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Gently press down on each ball with your hand or the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly.
Step 8: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. I like to rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is how you achieve those wonderfully chewy pumpkin sugar cookies!

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make these fall favorites absolutely perfect. Following these tips will help ensure your cookies are a hit!

Always measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense cookies.
Don’t skip the chilling step! This is crucial for managing the dough and getting those lovely, slightly thick cookies.
For an extra pop of flavor, try adding a bit of orange zest to the dough along with the pumpkin. It brightens everything up beautifully.
Bake them just until the edges are lightly golden; they will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet.

What’s the secret to perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

The secret to achieving wonderfully chewy pumpkin sugar cookies lies in the balance of ingredients and proper chilling. Using softened butter and not overmixing the dough are key. The pumpkin purée itself also contributes to that delightful chewiness. For more baking tips, check out these last recipes.

Can I make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pumpkin sugar cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and store it, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator. This makes baking day even easier.

Why are my Pumpkin Sugar Cookies flat?

Flat cookies usually happen for a couple of reasons. First, if your butter is too soft or melted, the cookies will spread excessively. Second, not chilling the dough adequately means it’s too soft to hold its shape during baking. Proper chilling is key, similar to how chilling is important for marinades.

Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider. For an extra festive touch, consider topping them with a simple pumpkin sugar cookie frosting. A cream cheese frosting or a basic buttercream tinted with a bit of orange food coloring works wonderfully. You could also opt for a light, sweet glaze for elegantly glazed pumpkin sugar cookies, perfect for a holiday cookie platter. They’re a fantastic addition to any fall gathering or a cozy afternoon treat!

Nutrition Facts for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for these delicious fall treats, per cookie:

Calories: 140
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Protein: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 60mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, consider these 3 foods you should eat less of to stay healthy.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Proper storage is one of my favorite pumpkin sugar cookie baking tips for keeping these treats fresh and delicious. Make sure your cookies have cooled completely on a wire rack before you even think about storing them. Once they’re cool to the touch, transfer them to an airtight container. I find that layering them between sheets of parchment paper or wax paper helps prevent them from sticking together, especially if you’ve added any frosting.

For everyday enjoyment, these cookies will stay wonderfully soft and chewy at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you need to keep them longer, the freezer is your best friend! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you want to warm them up slightly, a few seconds in the microwave can bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

What are Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are a delightful variation of classic sugar cookies that incorporate pure pumpkin purée and warm autumn spices like cinnamon. They offer a wonderfully soft and chewy texture, with a subtle pumpkin flavor that’s perfect for fall. My favorite part is how the pumpkin makes them so tender!

Can I decorate these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies are a fantastic canvas for creativity. You can opt for a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a classic buttercream pumpkin sugar cookie frosting, or even a delicate glaze. For holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving, consider using cookie cutters to create fun shapes and then decorating them with colorful icing and sprinkles for festive pumpkin sugar cookie decorating. You might also enjoy making easy banana bread cookies.

How do I get the best flavor from my Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

To maximize flavor, use high-quality ingredients, especially pure pumpkin purée and good vanilla extract. Don’t shy away from the spices; they are key to that quintessential fall taste. I also find that letting the dough chill properly really helps the flavors meld together beautifully before baking.

What if I don’t have pumpkin purée?

While pure pumpkin purée is ideal for that authentic flavor and texture, you could try substituting with mashed sweet potato or even butternut squash purée in a pinch. However, be aware that the moisture content might differ, so you may need to adjust the flour slightly. The pumpkin is what really makes these cookies special, though! For a different flavor profile, try these easy lemon chicken recipes.

Variations of Pumpkin Sugar Cookies You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are so many fun ways to switch up these delicious cookies! I love experimenting with different flavors and techniques to keep things exciting.

Flavor Boost: For an even more robust fall flavor, try making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies by adding an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. A little orange zest in the dough also adds a lovely brightness.
Cut-Out Fun: Roll out the chilled pumpkin sugar cookie dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and use your favorite cookie cutters to create festive shapes. These cut-out pumpkin sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles for holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Glazed Goodness: Skip the frosting and whip up a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk or orange juice. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies for a lighter, sweeter finish.
Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. You can also experiment with vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) to make them dairy-free and egg-free.