5 Pumpkin Cookie Recipes for Fall Baking Fun

As the leaves turn color and the air gets a bit cooler, fall is the perfect time to bring the warmth of the season into your home with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies. Pumpkin, with its rich flavor and nutritional profile, is the star ingredient in these treats. Whether you're baking for a festive gathering, craving something sweet and seasonal, or looking for a creative way to introduce pumpkin into your diet, these 5 pumpkin cookie recipes are your ticket to fall baking fun.

1. Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing spells comfort more than the combination of pumpkin and chocolate chips. Here’s what you’ll need for this beloved classic:

• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of brown sugar
• ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• 1½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips

🔥 Note: For a slightly spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix.

2. Pumpkin Spice Butter Swirl Cookies

These cookies are an elegant treat that combines the convenience of dough with the complexity of swirls:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups of confectioners' sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup of canned pumpkin
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Blend butter and sugar until smooth, then add the egg and vanilla, beating until fully incorporated.
2. Whisk together the flour, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Add this to the butter mixture in parts, mixing well.
3. Divide dough into two. To one portion, mix in the canned pumpkin and cinnamon. Chill both.
4. Roll out both sets of dough, stack them, and roll into a log, chilling again before slicing and baking.

3. Ginger Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze

For those who love a little zing, these cookies are an explosion of flavors:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon of ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of dark brown sugar
• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Maple glaze: combine 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, and water as needed.

🍁 Note: To make these cookies dairy-free, use vegan butter or shortening.

4. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal and pumpkin are a winning combination, offering a soft, chewy texture:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• Optional: Add 1 cup of raisins or walnuts.

Instructions:

1. Cream together butter and sugars, then incorporate pumpkin, egg, and vanilla.
2. Combine dry ingredients and mix with the wet ingredients.
3. Fold in oats and optional ingredients, then bake until edges are golden.

🌾 Note: Make sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

5. Pumpkin Pecan Sandies

These cookies are buttery, crunchy, and full of fall flavors:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup of powdered sugar
• 1 cup of canned pumpkin
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of finely chopped pecans
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and powdered sugar, then add pumpkin and vanilla.
2. Combine flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt; mix with the wet ingredients.
3. Fold in pecans, shape into balls, and bake until lightly browned.

From classic to adventurous, these pumpkin cookie recipes offer a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, looking for a sweet escape, or just enjoying the season with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. Try them all or find your favorite; pumpkin's versatility will surely surprise you with its depth and richness in each bite.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

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Yes, you can! Just ensure you prepare the pumpkin by roasting and pureeing it to get a consistent texture similar to canned pumpkin puree.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

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Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will typically last for 3-5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper.

Can I make these recipes gluten-free?

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Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used 1:1 in baking. Note that the texture might change slightly, so test a small batch first.

Are these cookies suitable for children?

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Yes, pumpkin cookies are generally kid-friendly. However, ensure you use spices that children enjoy, like cinnamon, and possibly reduce the amount of strong flavors like cloves or ginger for sensitive palates.