Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, this Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with pumpkin flavor. They’re perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or even a mid-week pick-me-up. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and I promise both kids and adults will be reaching for seconds!

Baking these cookies fills your home with the most delightful aroma—think cinnamon and spices wafting through the air. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you’ll whip up these cookies in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves them! These cookies are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for sharing: Great for potlucks or gatherings where you want to impress without stressing.
• Deliciously spiced: The blend of cinnamon and nutmeg adds just the right warmth to each bite.
• Make-ahead friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for later baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully to create the most delicious pumpkin sugar cookies. Gather these items, and let’s start baking!

• 1 cup (2 sticks) 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! Feel free to get creative with flavors and toppings. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add chocolate chips: For an extra sweet twist, mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Use different spices: Experiment with cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
• Try different frostings: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a maple glaze for a different taste experience.
• Make them smaller: Roll smaller balls of dough for bite-sized cookies that are perfect for snacking.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Cream

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s nice and creamy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, helping your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 2: Blend in the Pumpkin

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

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Combining dry ingredients separately ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture in a few additions. Beat gently after each addition while scraping down the sides of the bowl. This helps achieve a well-mixed dough without overworking it. Once mixed thoroughly, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes; this helps firm up the dough.

Step 5: Prepare Sugar Mixture

While your dough chills in the fridge, mix together some granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will create a lovely sweet coating on your cookies before baking!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

After chilling the dough, scoop about 2 tablespoons of it and roll into a ball. Then roll each ball in your cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place them onto lined baking sheets with about an inch of space between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake Them Up!

Gently press each cookie down slightly using your palm or a spoon before placing them in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until their edges are just barely browned. This will keep them soft in the center!

Step 8: Cool Down & Frost

Once baked, remove your pumpkin sugar cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks before frosting. In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth—then add powdered sugar until you reach that perfect frosting consistency.

Step 9: Frost & Enjoy!

Spread that luscious cream cheese frosting on top of each cooled cookie! For an added touch of fall goodness, sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired.

Now gather your loved ones around these delightful treats because everyone will want to dig in! Enjoy every soft bite of your Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baking should always be a joyful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the softest, most delicious pumpkin sugar cookies!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures that everything blends smoothly, resulting in a light and fluffy dough. Cold ingredients can lead to a denser cookie texture.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps to firm it up. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they maintain their beautiful shape.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. The edges should be slightly browned, but the centers may look underbaked. They’ll continue to set while cooling, giving you that soft texture you desire.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices or add your favorites! A pinch of allspice or clove can bring a delightful warmth and complexity to your cookies.

• 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 prevent sticking.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These delightful pumpkin sugar cookies are not just tasty but also visually appealing! Here are some creative ways to present them:

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the frosted cookies adds extra sweetness and a festive flair.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped pecans or walnuts can lend a crunchy texture and complement the softness of the cookie beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider: This warm beverage is perfect for fall and pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside these cookies creates a delicious contrast in texture and temperature.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples and pears balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Spiced Tea: A cup of spiced tea enhances the warm flavors in your pumpkin cookies and makes for an inviting pairing during chilly evenings.

Enjoy making these delicious Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! They are sure to become a cherished recipe in your fall baking repertoire. Happy baking!

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 for special occasions or just to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350F.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• If you prefer, use the microwave: heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I modify the Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust spices according to your taste or add chocolate chips for an extra treat. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

How should I store my Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

What makes these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies special?

These cookies combine the warm flavors of fall spices with creamy pumpkin puree, resulting in a soft texture that’s perfect for any occasion.

Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different frostings like vanilla buttercream or even a simple glaze if you prefer something lighter.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these soft pumpkin sugar cookies! They are not only delicious but also bring a cozy touch to any gathering. There’s something truly special about sharing homemade treats, and I’m excited for you to try this recipe. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share with friends and family!