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, holidays, or just a cozy night at home, this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe will become your go-to treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices makes every bite a delightful experience.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly chewy, striking a balance between cakey and dense.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even as part of your holiday baking lineup.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends or family; they’ll be begging you for the recipe!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Silicone mat or parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together, ensuring a light texture.
• Cookie scoop: Helps portion uniform dough balls for consistent baking results.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 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

Wet Ingredients

• 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:
1. Place the pumpkin puree on a few paper towels on a plate.
2. Fold the paper towels over the puree so it’s completely enclosed.
3. Allow it to sit for a few minutes; the excess moisture will soak into the paper towels.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small mixing bowl:
1. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
2. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until creamy.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin

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

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the dry ingredients:
1. Mix on low speed or by hand with a spatula until fully combined; expect thick dough.

Step 7: Form Dough Balls

Use a cookie scoop to form balls:
1. Roll between hands into round shapes (about 3 tablespoons each).
2. Place dough balls on a silicone or parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF while waiting for the dough to chill.

Step 9: Roll in Sugar

Place 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl for rolling:
1. Roll each chilled ball in sugar before placing them on a lined baking sheet.
2. Space cookies about 2 inches apart; fit around 8 per sheet.

Step 10: Bake

Bake cookies for 15-19 minutes or until edges are faintly golden:
1. Keep remaining dough balls chilled while you bake in batches.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These pumpkin sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Hot Apple Cider: The warmth and spices in hot apple cider complement the flavors of the cookies beautifully.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enjoying these cookies with a creamy pumpkin spice latte amplifies the fall vibes.
• Chai Tea: The rich spices in chai tea pair wonderfully with the soft texture of pumpkin sugar cookies.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookie Tray: Include your pumpkin sugar cookies alongside other varieties like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin for a colorful dessert spread.
• Cheese and Fruit Board: Pair your cookies with slices of mild cheese and seasonal fruits for a balanced treat.

For Special Occasions

• Halloween Treats: Decorate with orange and black icing or sprinkles to make them festive for Halloween.
• Thanksgiving Dessert Table: Present these cookies as part of your Thanksgiving dessert lineup for a seasonal touch.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Perfecting your pumpkin sugar cookies is easy with just a few tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure you get the best results.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps enhance chewiness and prevents spreading during baking.
• Use Fresh Spices: Opt for fresh spices instead of pre-ground ones for more vibrant flavors in your cookies.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies due to excess flour.
• Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven for that chewy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin sugar cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Bold Cream Cheese Frosting: A rich cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly.
2. Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and airy, whipped coconut cream provides a dairy-free option that pairs well with these soft cookies.
3. Nutty Granola: Sprinkling nutty granola over whipped cream can create a delicious contrast in textures when served together.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies, making it an excellent side dish.
5. Caramel Sauce Dip: Offer warm caramel sauce as a dip for an indulgent treat that enhances every bite of cookie.
6. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate makes an irresistible pairing, adding richness to the pumpkin flavor.

Enjoy creating delicious moments with these pumpkin sugar cookies!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking pumpkin sugar cookies, avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to flat cookies. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Using too much pumpkin puree: Overloading on pumpkin can make cookies overly moist. Measure carefully and use the paper towel method to remove excess moisture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Improperly measuring flour can result in dry or dense cookies. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurements.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can develop gluten, making cookies tough. Mix just until everything is combined for a tender texture.
• Baking at incorrect temperature: Baking at a temperature that is too high or low can affect cookie texture. Always preheat your oven to 350ºF for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Freeze cookies in single layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container.
• They can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe that you might find helpful.

Can I make these pumpkin sugar cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to create delicious gluten-free pumpkin sugar cookies.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?

Make sure to chill your dough before baking. This helps maintain their shape during baking.

What can I use instead of butter?

You can substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for dairy-free options.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly, pumpkin sugar cookies remain fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin sugar cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious and versatile. You can customize them by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even drizzling with icing. Try this recipe today and enjoy these delightful treats!