The BEST Pumpkin Spice Cookies

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If there’s one cookie recipe you need in your fall baking lineup, this is it. These pumpkin spice cookies are soft, chewy, packed with warm spices, and just sweet enough to make you reach for a second (and third). They capture everything we love about the season in one perfect bite.

Pumpkin spice is more than just a seasonal trend—it’s a nostalgic blend that signals comfort, warmth, and home. When you pair it with the richness of real pumpkin and just the right cookie texture, the result is irresistible. These cookies check all the boxes: easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect with a hot drink.

What makes these cookies stand out is their soft and chewy texture, not cakey like many pumpkin cookies tend to be. That’s thanks to a carefully balanced ratio of pumpkin puree and fats, plus a chill step that locks in the structure. You get a cookie that’s thick and moist with just a hint of crisp on the edges.

They’re also full of spice—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a touch of clove for a kick. These are the flavors that define the season, and they shine in every bite. And while you could dress them up with white chocolate chips or glaze, they’re perfect just the way they are.

This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for spontaneous weeknight baking, last-minute get-togethers, or stocking the cookie jar. No mixer required, no complicated steps, just real ingredients and serious flavor.

Whether you’re baking for a school event, a fall party, or just your own cravings, these pumpkin spice cookies deliver. They stay soft for days and make your kitchen smell like a cozy café. Once you make them, they’ll be a permanent part of your fall tradition.

Servings

Makes about 24 cookies

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with both sugars until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
4. Cover and chill dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Scoop dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop and place on baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set and centers look slightly underdone.
8. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

• Chill the dough to prevent spreading and keep cookies thick.
• Add white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Chewy, soft cookies with bold pumpkin spice flavor
• No mixer needed
• Perfect fall treat for any occasion
• Quick to make and easy to store
• Cozy, café-worthy aroma while baking

These pumpkin spice cookies are everything a fall cookie should be: soft, chewy, and spiced to perfection. With simple ingredients and a short chill time, they’re the ultimate go-to for fast, flavorful autumn baking.