Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, delightful treat to celebrate pumpkin season, you’ve come to the right place! This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is a cherished favorite in my home, adored by both kids and adults alike. These cookies are not just delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

What makes these cookies so special is their soft, cake-like texture combined with warm spices that evoke the essence of fall. Imagine biting into a freshly baked cookie topped with creamy frosting—it’s pure joy! Whether you’re serving them at a get-together or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are bound to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love helping roll the dough and sprinkling the sugar/cinnamon mixture!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be refrigerated ahead of time, allowing you to bake when you’re ready.
• Deliciously Flavorful: With pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies embody the spirit of fall.
• Frosting on Top: The cream cheese frosting adds an irresistible touch that takes these cookies over the top!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably have in your pantry already. Let’s gather everything we need to make these delightful Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies!

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ⅓ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

For Rolling

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with these fun variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise inside each cookie!
• Use Different Spices: Swap out cinnamon and nutmeg for your favorite fall spices like allspice or cloves.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use vegan butter instead!
• Decorate Festively: Top with colorful sprinkles for a fun twist at parties or holiday events.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect soft texture.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies a light and fluffy texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined at low speed. The pumpkin not only adds flavor but also keeps your cookies moist!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in a few additions. Beat at low speed after each addition. Scraping down the sides helps ensure everything is well mixed. Once combined, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough for easier handling.

Step 6: Prepare Rolling Mixture

While your dough chills, prepare your rolling mixture by mixing together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This will give your cookies extra sweetness and flavor on the outside.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Then roll each ball in your sugar/cinnamon mixture before placing them on lined baking sheets—remember to leave about an inch between each cookie!

Step 8: Bake Away!

Press each ball down slightly using a spoon or your palm. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are just lightly browned. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect soft center!

Step 9: Cool & Frost

Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before preparing the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

Step 10: Frost Your Cookies

Finally, mix in powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Spread this luscious frosting over each cooled pumpkin cookie. To finish them off beautifully, sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baking should be a joyful experience, and these tips will help you create the best soft pumpkin sugar cookies imaginable!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your butter, egg, and cream cheese to room temperature ensures a smoother dough and frosting, leading to a more consistent texture in your cookies.

• Don’t skip the chilling step – Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while keeping the cookies soft and chewy.

• Measure your flour correctly – Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents adding too much flour which can make your cookies dry instead of soft and tender.

• Keep an eye on baking time – Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at 10 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake; you want them just slightly browned at the edges for that perfect soft texture.

• Store properly – Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator if you want them to last longer. This helps maintain their softness!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Serving these delightful pumpkin sugar cookies is all about making them look as good as they taste! Here are some fun ways to present them.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle – A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting adds an extra touch of sweetness and enhances that warm fall flavor.

• Chopped nuts – Finely chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and pair beautifully with the creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider – A warm cup of spiced apple cider complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly, creating a cozy autumn experience.

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your cookie makes for an indulgent dessert option that balances the spiciness of the pumpkin.

• Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pears and apples provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookies.

• Coffee or Tea – Pairing your cookies with a nice cup of coffee or tea elevates snack time, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet afternoons.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful soft pumpkin sugar cookies with family and friends this season!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious cookies any time of the day. You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you prefer softer cookies, place a slice of bread in the container with them to retain moisture.

Freezing

• Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

• For warm cookies, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in an oven set at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices in this Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Yes! You can replace the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice. Use about 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for a wonderful flavor.

How long do these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can last up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What is the best way to frost these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on each cookie using a knife or spatula for even coverage.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies as much as I do! With their soft texture and warm spices, they truly capture the essence of fall. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!