Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to celebrate pumpkin season, you’ve come to the right place! This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is all about capturing that warm, cozy feeling we love this time of year. Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy cookie that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with the sweet scent of cinnamon and spices. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dessert or a family gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone—both kids and adults alike!

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll find yourself making these cookies again and again. Trust me; they won’t last long once they’re out of the oven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, these cookies come together quickly—perfect for any baking novice!
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cookies! These pumpkin sugar cookies are sure to please both young and old.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for later baking. Perfect for busy schedules!
• Deliciously spiced flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates an irresistible flavor that screams fall.
• Frosted perfection: Top them with creamy frosting for an extra special touch that everyone will adore!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup 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
• 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
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to add a rich twist.
• Try different spices: Experiment with pumpkin spice mix instead of individual spices for a unique flavor profile.
• Make them dairy-free: Substitute the butter with dairy-free alternatives and use vegan cream cheese for frosting.
• Include nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a satisfying crunch and extra flavor.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly from the moment they go in.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until everything is well combined. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor that makes these cookies absolutely divine!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure that each cookie has an even distribution of flavors.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in a few additions. Beat on low speed after each addition until everything comes together nicely. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl! Once mixed, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Sugar Mixture

While your dough chills in the refrigerator, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This will be used to roll your cookie dough balls for added sweetness.

Step 7: Form Cookie Dough Balls

After chilling, scoop out about two tablespoons of dough at a time and roll it into balls. Then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Place your dough balls on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving about one inch between each cookie. Gently press them down using your palm or a spoon before popping them in the oven. Bake for about 10–12 minutes until just slightly browned around the edges.

Step 9: Cool & Frost

Once baked, let your pumpkin sugar cookies cool completely on wire racks before preparing the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully combined.

Step 10: Frost & Enjoy!

Spread generous amounts of cream cheese frosting on top of each cooled cookie. For an extra touch of fall magic, sprinkle them with additional cinnamon before indulging!

These Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Enjoy every bite as you celebrate this cozy season!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will ensure your pumpkin sugar cookies come out perfectly every time!

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to handle. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature allows them to blend together more smoothly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.

• Adjust Baking Time for Your Oven: Every oven is a bit different. Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking them. They should look soft but set around the edges.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice quantities based on your taste preferences! A little extra ginger or nutmeg can add a delightful twist.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These soft pumpkin sugar cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for various occasions! Here are some fun ideas for serving them up.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of Cinnamon Sugar: Dust some additional cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the frosted cookies for extra flavor and sweetness.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and enhance the autumnal vibe.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: For those who enjoy a touch of chocolate, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top before serving.

Side Dishes

• Apple Cider: A warm glass of apple cider complements the flavors of pumpkin perfectly, making it an excellent beverage choice.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Spiced Tea: A cup of spiced chai or herbal tea pairs beautifully with these sweet treats, enhancing their cozy flavor.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples and pears adds a light contrast to the rich cookies.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to gather your ingredients and dive into baking! Your friends and family are sure to love these soft pumpkin sugar cookies. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them to enjoy later, making your baking experience even more delightful.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for 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 them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in an oven preheated to 350F for about 5 minutes until soft.

FAQs

Got questions? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!

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

Yes! You can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Use about 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for this recipe.

How do I make my Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cloves or using fresh grated ginger. Also, using high-quality vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?

If you’re looking for an alternative, you can whip together powdered sugar with softened vegan butter and a splash of almond or coconut milk for a delicious dairy-free option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies as I do! With their soft texture and delightful flavors, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family during this cozy season. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!