Welcome to a delightful journey into the heart of autumn baking with these irresistible Soft Pumpkin Cookies. As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin and warm spices filling your kitchen. These cookies are a quintessential fall treat, blending the rich, earthy notes of pumpkin with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps you reaching for just one more.
What makes these cookies truly special is their versatility. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering, a festive holiday party, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cider, they fit the bill perfectly. Topped with a luscious cookie frosting, they elevate from a simple snack to an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress. In this post, we’ll guide you through every step to create these delightful fall treats that embody the essence of the season.
So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of pumpkin flavor with a recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious. These cookies are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of pumpkin recipes, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy they bring!
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American
Category: Dessert, Fall Baking
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
What You’ll Need
Creating the perfect batch of Soft Pumpkin Cookies requires a handful of key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that signature soft texture and robust pumpkin flavor. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and why each component matters:
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show, providing moisture and a deep, earthy taste that defines these fall treats.
- Flour: Forms the base structure, ensuring the cookies hold together while remaining tender.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and contributes to the chewy softness.
- Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings that quintessential autumn warmth to every bite.
- Butter: Delivers richness and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds to the soft, cakey consistency.
- Cream Cheese (for frosting): The base for a tangy, creamy cookie frosting that complements the spiced cookies.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and provides a smooth finish.
Gather everything you need to bake delicious soft pumpkin cookies this fall
INGREDIENTS
- – 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- – 1 large egg
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – 1 tsp baking soda
- – 1/2 tsp salt
- – 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- – 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- – 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- For the Frosting:
- – 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- – 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- – 2 cups powdered sugar
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
PREPARATION
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, using an electric mixer.
- Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft texture.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top of each cookie for a delightful finish.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 180 per cookie
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Choosing the Right Pumpkin Puree
When baking Soft Pumpkin Cookies, always opt for pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the balance of flavors in your pumpkin recipes. Look for cans labeled “100% pure pumpkin” to ensure you’re getting the authentic, unadulterated pumpkin flavor that makes these cookies shine.
Achieving the Perfect Soft Texture
The hallmark of these cookies is their tender, cakey bite. To achieve this, avoid overbaking—pull them out of the oven when the centers are still slightly underdone, as they’ll set while cooling. Additionally, the moisture from the pumpkin puree plays a huge role in keeping these fall treats soft for days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Customizing Your Spices
Feel free to tweak the spice blend in these pumpkin cookies to suit your taste. If you’re a fan of a bolder kick, add a pinch of ginger or allspice. For a milder profile, reduce the cloves or nutmeg. Experimenting with spices can make your batch of cookies uniquely yours while still embracing the spirit of fall baking.
Frosting Variations
While the cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, there are endless possibilities for cookie frosting. Try a maple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a touch of maple syrup, or go for a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar for a lighter touch. These variations can add an extra layer of excitement to your easy pumpkin dessert.
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your Soft Pumpkin Cookies as fresh as the day you baked them, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If frosted, refrigerate them to prevent the frosting from melting, and they’ll last up to a week. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months and frost them after thawing.
Serving Ideas for Every Occasion
These pumpkin cookies are incredibly versatile for any event. Serve them at a Halloween party with a spooky-themed frosting design, or package them in cute bags as thoughtful gifts during the holiday season. Pair them with hot chocolate or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall treats experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make these cookies without frosting?
Absolutely! These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are delicious on their own, with the natural sweetness of pumpkin and spices shining through. Skipping the frosting also makes them a bit lighter if you’re looking to cut back on sugar. If you still want a touch of sweetness, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey works beautifully.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree in this recipe. Simply roast or steam a small pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and puree it until smooth. Be sure to strain out any excess water to avoid soggy cookies. Using fresh pumpkin can enhance the pumpkin flavor, but it does require more prep time compared to canned options.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
If your pumpkin cookies are spreading too much during baking, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheet. This helps firm up the butter and prevents excessive spreading. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh, as it affects the structure of the cookies.
Savor the taste of fall with these tender soft pumpkin cookies!
Conclusion
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of everything we love about autumn. With their tender texture, warm spices, and optional creamy cookie frosting, they’re bound to become a staple in your fall baking routine. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy pumpkin recipe offers a delightful way to embrace the season’s flavors.
I’d love to hear how your batch turns out, so feel free to share your thoughts or any creative twists you’ve added in the comments below. For more inspiration, check out other pumpkin recipes on the blog or explore additional frosting recipes at this link. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the cozy scents of fall!
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