These delightful Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are the perfect addition to your fall baking lineup. With their soft and chewy texture, they capture all the cozy flavors of autumn with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Ideal for gatherings or simply enjoying with your favorite warm beverage, these cookies are both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Autumn Flavors: Enjoy the warm spices that evoke the essence of fall.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps ensure success for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet snack at home.
- Chewy Texture: The cookies stay soft and chewy, making them an enjoyable treat any time.
- Makes a Lot: This recipe yields 24 cookies, so thereβs plenty to share (or keep for yourself!).
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delicious cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows enough space to mix ingredients without spilling.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents warping in the oven.
Ingredients
For the Base
- Β½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ΒΎ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dry Ingredients
- 1Β½ cups all-purpose flour
- Β½ teaspoon baking soda
- Β½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a nice texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Ensure everything is well mixed for consistent flavor throughout.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies tender.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls (about one tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet with space between each ball. This allows room for spreading during baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their soft texture while cooling down properly.
Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies as a perfect treat this fall!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
These delightful Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying during the fall season. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Warm Beverage
- Coffee or Latte: The rich flavors of coffee or a creamy latte pair beautifully with the spices in these cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate complements the sweetness of the cookies, making for a cozy treat.
- Tea: Herbal teas, especially chai, can enhance the spice notes and provide a warm contrast.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Assorted Cookies: Combine with other fall-themed cookies like snickerdoodles or oatmeal raisin for variety.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Serve alongside mini cheesecakes topped with caramel for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Fruit Tart: A fresh fruit tart balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a refreshing element.
For Festive Gatherings
- Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a decorating station for guests to add their own icing or sprinkles for fun personalization.
- Gift Boxes: Package these cookies in festive boxes as gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Letting the dough chill for about 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavors, making your cookies even more aromatic and tasty.
- Donβt Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are lightly golden; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are similar in size for even baking.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Adding chocolate chips or nuts can bring additional texture and flavor to your cookies.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
If youβre looking to create an inviting spread alongside your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies, here are some excellent side dish options.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup offers a savory complement to sweet cookies, enhancing that fall vibe.
- Apple Crisp: This warm dessert made with baked apples and a crumbly topping pairs wonderfully with spiced treats.
- Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses that wonβt overpower the cookieβs flavor, along with dried fruits and nuts.
- Caramel Dip: Serve sliced apples with caramel dip; this adds sweetness and pairs nicely with spiced flavors.
- Cinnamon Roll Casserole: A breakfast option that echoes cookie flavors but offers a different textureβperfect for brunch gatherings!
- Fall Salad: A salad featuring roasted squash, cranberries, and nuts provides a fresh contrast to sweet things on your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your success.
- Boldly skip the butter softening: Using cold butter can result in dense cookies. Always soften the butter to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Boldly overlook ingredient measurements: Accurate measurements are key. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise quantities to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
- Boldly ignore the oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat your oven thoroughly before placing the cookies inside.
- Boldly rush the cooling process: Cooling on a wire rack is essential for proper texture. Let them cool completely for the best taste and chewiness.
- Boldly forget the spacing: Placing cookie dough balls too close can cause them to spread into each other. Leave enough space on the baking sheet for even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will remain fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor.
Reheating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies.
How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies chewier?
To achieve chewier cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk or using brown sugar instead of all white sugar. This adds moisture and enhances chewiness.
Can I use pumpkin puree in my cookies?
While traditional recipes donβt use pumpkin puree, you can experiment with it! Substitute a small amount (1/4 cup) but reduce other liquids slightly to maintain texture.
What can I substitute if I donβt have vanilla extract?
You can replace vanilla extract with almond extract or even maple syrup. Each will add unique flavors to your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies!
How long do Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.
Can I customize my Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for added flavor and texture. Get creative with spices too!
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their inviting flavors make them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or spices for a unique twist. Try this recipe, and enjoy every bite of fall!

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm embrace of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies. Bursting with cozy flavors from cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any autumn gathering or a quiet moment with your favorite warm beverage. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can achieve success. This recipe yields 24 delicious cookies that are great for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Whether you pair them with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or herbal tea, they promise to add a touch of sweetness to your day.
Ingredients
- Β½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ΒΎ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1Β½ cups all-purpose flour
- Β½ teaspoon baking soda
- Β½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Shape the dough into small balls (about one tablespoon each) and place them on the baking sheet with space between each ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Chill the dough for about 30 minutes to prevent spreading. Use freshly ground spices for enhanced flavor. Experiment by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.