These pumpkin sugar cookies are soft, tender, and filled with cozy fall flavor. Made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a simple sugar coating, they’re an easy treat for autumn baking, Halloween parties, and Thanksgiving gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works
Pumpkin puree keeps the cookies soft and moist, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice add warm seasonal flavor. Rolling the dough in sugar gives the cookies a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the centers tender.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar, for rolling
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Cover and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes.
5. Shape the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll each one in granulated sugar.
6. Bake
Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft.
7. Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
- Use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling.
- Chill the dough so the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Don’t overbake; the centers should remain soft.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm pumpkin spice flavor. They’re simple enough for everyday fall baking and festive enough for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and autumn gatherings.
