Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to embrace the cozy vibes of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is my go-to for turning any gathering into a celebration. These cookies are soft, sweet, and bursting with that wonderful pumpkin flavor we all love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies make everyone smile.

What makes this recipe extra special is its simplicity and the joy it brings to both kids and adults alike. They are perfect for decorating with little ones or enjoying fresh out of the oven with a warm cup of tea. Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping roll the dough and sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of spices and pumpkin creates a warm, inviting taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for parties, holidays, or just because!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to bring our Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies to life! You might already have most of these in your pantry, which makes it even easier to whip up a batch.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks);
• 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.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for rolling);
• ½ tsp cinnamon (for rolling).
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened;
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened;
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (for frosting);
• ¼ tsp salt (for frosting);
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your pumpkin sugar cookies. Here are a few fun variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet twist.
• Nuts Galore: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor.
• Spiced Up: Increase the spices like cinnamon or add cloves for more warmth.
• Frosting Swap: Try a different frosting flavor like maple or almond instead of cream cheese.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the moment they hit the oven. A preheated oven is key to achieving that perfect soft texture!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until creamy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, leading to light and fluffy cookies.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Egg

Next, add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together at low speed until combined. The pumpkin not only adds flavor but also keeps our cookies moist!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures an even distribution of flavors in your cookie dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients in several additions. Make sure to beat at low speed after each addition while scraping down the sides of the bowl. This careful mixing helps avoid overworking the dough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough so you can shape it better without it sticking everywhere!

Step 7: Prepare Sugar Mixture

While your dough chills, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for rolling. This sweet coating adds an extra layer of flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Step 8: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, scoop about two tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in your cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper—remember to leave about an inch between each cookie!

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Press down slightly on each ball with your palm or a spoon before baking them in your preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be very lightly browned at the edges when done!

Step 10: Cool Down

After baking, let your pumpkin sugar cookies cool completely on wire racks before preparing the cream cheese frosting.

Step 11: Make Frosting

In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach a smooth consistency—this frosting is rich but oh-so-delicious!

Step 12: Frost Your Cookies

Now comes the fun part! Spread your cream cheese frosting generously over each cooled cookie. For an extra touch of fall goodness, sprinkle just a pinch more cinnamon on top before serving.

Enjoy these delightful Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies as they fill your home with warmth and joy this season!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Making these soft pumpkin sugar cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter and sugar cream together more smoothly, resulting in a fluffier cookie texture.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping them thick and soft.

• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies. They should be slightly puffed and just barely golden at the edges. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.

• Experiment with spices: While this recipe uses cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, feel free to add a pinch of cloves or allspice for an extra flavor kick that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Presenting your freshly baked pumpkin sugar cookies can be as fun as making them! Here are some creative ideas to showcase these delicious treats.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting adds a beautiful touch and enhances the flavor.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch and an appealing visual contrast.
• Drizzled white chocolate: A delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate over the frosted cookies elevates their look and adds a sweet twist.

Side Dishes

• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea complement the flavors of these cookies perfectly, making it a comforting pairing for cozy afternoons.
• Apple cider: A glass of fresh apple cider brings out the fall vibes while balancing the sweetness of the cookies with its tartness.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve your cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience that combines soft warmth with cold creaminess.
• Fruit salad: A simple fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like apples and pears adds freshness and balance to your cookie indulgence.

These serving suggestions will surely impress your family and friends during gatherings or cozy nights at home. Enjoy every bite of these delightful soft pumpkin sugar cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it, or even bake a batch and save them for later. Here are some handy tips for storing and enjoying your cookies longer.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they will last about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer.
• Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• For a warm treat, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

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

Absolutely! You can substitute pumpkin spice for the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Use about 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice to achieve that cozy flavor.

How do I make these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I add chocolate chips to my Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Yes! Adding chocolate chips is a delicious way to enhance these cookies. Simply fold in about a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the dough before rolling it out.

How long does it take to make this Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

The total time for making these cookies is around 42 minutes—30 minutes for preparation and chilling, followed by about 12 minutes of baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies as much as I do! The blend of pumpkin and warm spices creates such a comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy night in or bringing them to a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. Happy baking!