Pumpkin Cookies
These pumpkin cookies are soft, tender treats infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, showcasing the natural sweetness of pumpkin. The dough is mixed until smooth, then baked until golden edges appear, resulting in aromatic cookies with a slightly chewy center and a delicate crumb. Perfect for fall, they invite customization with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a tender base for the cookies.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated, filling your kitchen with a sweet, inviting aroma.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined, creating a vibrant, orange-hued batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to evenly distribute the spices.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give room for spreading.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft to the touch.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them develop their final tender texture.
- Once cooled, enjoy these fragrant, spiced pumpkin cookies on their own or with your favorite toppings like cream cheese glaze or powdered sugar for an extra treat.
Notes
Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to customize your cookies and add extra texture and flavor.