1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Fall Cookie Magic

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Create perfectly soft pumpkin cookies by combining classic sugar cookie dough with real pumpkin puree and fall spices. A delicious autumn twist on traditional sugar cookies.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:29 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A plate of golden orange cookies, sprinkled with sugar, sits in front of a decorative pumpkin. Pin it
A plate of golden orange cookies, sprinkled with sugar, sits in front of a decorative pumpkin. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my favorite fall cookie - Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! I love how these combine everything wonderful about classic sugar cookies with warm pumpkin spice flavors. They're perfectly soft and chewy with just the right amount of autumn spices. Whether I'm hosting a Halloween party or just craving something cozy they never disappoint.

Perfect Fall Flavors

What makes these cookies so special is how the pumpkin keeps them extra soft and moist while all those warm spices create the coziest flavor. You can enjoy them plain dust them with powdered sugar or add cream cheese frosting. They're simple but so perfect for fall.

What You'll Need

  • The Basics: Soft unsalted butter, both white and brown sugar, pure pumpkin puree, fresh egg, pure vanilla extract
  • The Dry Team: All-purpose flour, baking soda, warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, optional: ginger, cloves, extra sugar for rolling
A plate of orange pumpkin-shaped cookies dusted with sugar, set against a blurred background featuring a pumpkin and a colorful cup. Pin it
A plate of orange pumpkin-shaped cookies dusted with sugar, set against a blurred background featuring a pumpkin and a colorful cup. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let's Start Baking

Mix Your Base:
Cream butter and sugars add pumpkin egg and vanilla until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Whisk those spices and flour together mix into your wet ingredients.
Shape with Love:
Roll dough into balls coat in sugar place on your baking sheet.
Bake to Perfect:
Let them get just golden at the edges cool before moving.

My Best Tips

Always use pure pumpkin puree not pie filling. Play with the spices until they're just right for you. That sugar coating before baking gives them the perfect little crunch outside while staying soft inside.

Keep Them Fresh

These beauties stay perfect for 5 days in an airtight container. Want them later? Freeze the baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months. I love serving them with hot cocoa or coffee.

Quick Answers

  • Pumpkin pie spice works great
  • Cream cheese frosting is amazing on these
  • Chill dough to prevent spreading
  • Use 1-to-1 gluten-free flour if needed

Pure Fall Comfort

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are like autumn in cookie form. Whether you eat them plain topped with frosting or dusted with sugar they're the perfect way to celebrate the season. Grab your mixing bowl and let's bring some fall magic to your kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use pure pumpkin puree?

Pure puree contains just pumpkin. Pie filling has added sugar and spices that would alter recipe.

→ Can I adjust the spices?

Yes, increase cinnamon or add more cloves and ginger for spicier cookies.

→ How do I store these?

Keep in airtight container 5 days at room temp or freeze up to 3 months.

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, roll into balls, freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer bag.

→ Why roll in sugar?

Creates slight crunch on outside while keeping inside soft.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Soft sugar cookies with real pumpkin and warm autumn spices. Perfect balance of sweet and spice with a sugary crunch on the outside.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
27 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
03 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed.
04 1/2 cup pumpkin puree.
05 1 large egg.
06 1 tsp vanilla extract.
07 1 tsp baking soda.
08 1 tsp cinnamon.
09 1/2 tsp nutmeg.
10 1/2 tsp salt.
11 2 cups all-purpose flour.
12 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional).
13 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional).
14 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets.

Step 02

Beat butter and sugars 3-4 minutes until fluffy.

Step 03

Mix in pumpkin, egg, vanilla until smooth.

Step 04

Whisk flour, baking soda, spices, salt separately.

Step 05

Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients.

Step 06

Roll dough into 1-inch balls.

Step 07

Roll balls in sugar.

Step 08

Place 2 inches apart on sheets.

Step 09

Bake 10-12 minutes until edges golden.

Step 10

Cool 5 minutes on pan, then move to rack.

Notes

  1. Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
  2. Can adjust spices to taste.
  3. Sugar coating gives nice crunch.
  4. Keeps 5 days at room temp.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheets.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Wire rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat/Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 1 g