Fluffy Melt-in-your-mouth Pumpkin Cookies Recipe for Fall Magic

Soft, pillowy pumpkin cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture will make your taste buds dance with autumn delight.

These delectable treats bring warmth and comfort to any gathering.

Packed with rich seasonal spices, each cookie delivers a burst of cozy flavor.

The delightful aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen as they bake to golden perfection.

Perfectly balanced between cake-like softness and a tender crumb, these cookies offer a sublime fall experience.

Crisp edges and a velvety center make them irresistible to everyone who tries them.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these heavenly seasonal delights.

What to Have for Baking Pumpkin Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that add depth and classic fall flavor to the pumpkin cookies.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Butter: Creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and adds a creamy flavor.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy cookie.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, vibrant orange color, and signature pumpkin taste.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, warm flavor that complements the spices.

• Powdered Sugar: Can be used for dusting the cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch.

Baking Directions for Tender Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Salt

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy, creamy dream.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Mix until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined – no overmixing allowed!

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.

Space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread their delicious wings.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the cookies look set.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool completely before devouring these melt-in-your-mouth treats.

Tips for Chewy and Soft Pumpkin Cookies

• Experiment with different warm spices like cardamom or allspice to give your cookies a unique flavor twist.
• Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a more tender cookie.
• Add an extra tablespoon of pumpkin puree to ensure ultra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that stay fresh longer.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness and prevent them from drying out.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious treats.

Pumpkin Cookie Flavors and Fun Add-Ins

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pumpkin Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose plant-based sugar for dairy-free option.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Bites: Substitute flour with almond or coconut flour, use erythritol instead of sugar, and reduce carbohydrate content.
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Add sugar-free or dark chocolate chips to the original recipe for extra richness and flavor complexity.

Ways to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Style

• Cozy Autumn Dessert Plate: Pair these soft pumpkin cookies with a warm mug of spiced apple cider or chai tea for a delightful seasonal treat.
• Festive Frosting Finale: Drizzle cream cheese glaze or sprinkle powdered sugar on top to elevate the cookies' sweet, spicy flavor profile.
• Holiday Gift Packaging: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, perfect for homemade edible gifts during fall gatherings or thanksgiving celebrations.
• Decadent Sandwich Twist: Create mini cookie sandwiches by spreading a thin layer of maple buttercream or caramel between two cookies for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Storing Pumpkin Cookies for Later Enjoyment

• Store cookies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain their soft texture.
• Scoop unbaked cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually recommended for consistent moisture and flavor in these cookies.

• How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly browned and the tops look set, typically after 10-12 minutes of baking.

• Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough in tablespoon-sized balls for up to 3 months. Just add 1-2 extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.

• What if I don't have all the spices listed in the recipe?

You can substitute with pumpkin pie spice blend, which contains most of the warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in one convenient mix.

Pumpkin Cookies that Melt in Your Mouth

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple mixing and basic kitchen tools, making it accessible for beginners and enjoyable for experienced home cooks.
• Seasonal Comfort Delight: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these cookies capture the cozy essence of autumn, bringing nostalgic flavors to your kitchen.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whips up in under 30 minutes from start to finish, these soft pumpkin cookies are ideal for unexpected guests, potlucks, or sudden sweet cravings.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Universally loved by kids and adults, these moist cookies offer a kid-approved dessert that's not too sweet and perfect for sharing during family gatherings.

Melt-in-your-mouth Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Seasonal spices dance through Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies, bringing autumn’s warmth to your kitchen. Fragrant and tender, these treats invite sweet memories with each delightful bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1 cup (245 grams) pumpkin puree
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Create a fragrant dry mixture by whisking together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with a pinch of salt.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
4. Incorporate pumpkin puree, a single egg, and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, blending until the ingredients are harmoniously combined.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
6. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, positioning each dollop approximately 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges and a set center that indicates perfect doneness.
8. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for a few minutes to stabilize, then transfer to wire cooling racks to complete the cooling process and develop their delicate texture.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother cookie texture.
• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and spice levels.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and check ingredient compatibility.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 125 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1.1 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg