Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve found it with this Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe! These cookies are not only soft and chewy but also bursting with warm spices and a hint of pumpkin flavor. They are perfect for sharing during family gatherings, school events, or cozy nights at home. Trust me, both kids and adults will absolutely love these sweet bites!

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings back memories of baking with my loved ones during the chilly autumn months. The aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin filling the kitchen is simply irresistible. Plus, they are super easy to whip up, making them ideal for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies, especially when they’re soft, sweet, and packed with pumpkin goodness!
• Make-Ahead Delight: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh whenever you need a sweet treat.
• Versatile Flavor: These cookies are delicious on their own or topped with creamy frosting—perfect for any dessert table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make these scrumptious cookies! You probably have most of these in your pantry already.

For the Cookies

• 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

For the Sugar Coating

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with flavors and toppings. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some chocolate chips for a rich twist on your classic pumpkin cookie.
• Try Different Spices: Swap out cinnamon or add cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
• Change Up the Frosting: Use a maple or buttercream frosting instead of cream cheese for a different taste.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Cream

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until creamy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful soft texture.

Step 2: Mix in Pumpkin Goodness

Now it’s time to add in the star ingredient! Stir in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Remember to mix at low speed so you don’t splash any batter around.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in several additions. Beat lightly after each addition to keep everything well mixed without overworking the dough. Once combined, cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps enhance flavor and makes rolling easier.

Step 5: Prepare Sugar Mixture

While your dough is chilling, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for rolling. This extra touch adds a delightful sweetness to your cookies’ exterior!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

After chilling, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Next, roll each ball in the sugar-cinnamon mixture before placing them on lined baking sheets. Make sure to leave about an inch between each cookie so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake Away

Gently press down each cookie ball slightly using your palm or a spoon. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until you see very slight browning at the edges. The key here is not to overbake them; you want that soft center!

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked, let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare that delicious cream cheese frosting.

Step 9: Whip Up Frosting

In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until you achieve that perfect creamy consistency.

Step 10: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cooled cookie. If you’re feeling fancy (and I know you will be!), sprinkle additional cinnamon on top for an extra touch.

Now sit back and enjoy your homemade Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! These delightful treats are sure to bring smiles all around.

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful pumpkin sugar cookies is a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure they’re soft, flavorful, and perfectly festive!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter cream more easily with the sugar, leading to a smoother cookie texture. It also allows for better incorporation of the pumpkin puree and egg.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating your dough for at least 30 minutes is essential. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances their soft texture.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking can lead to a dry cookie.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg according to your preference. These spices add warmth and depth to the flavor of the cookies.

• Store properly: Once cooled, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will help them stay soft and delicious!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These soft pumpkin sugar cookies are not just tasty but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can make them even more delightful for your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting adds an aromatic touch that enhances both flavor and appearance.
• Candied pecans: Chopped candied pecans provide a sweet crunch that beautifully contrasts with the softness of the cookie.
• Pumpkin seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds make for a lovely garnish that adds texture and emphasizes that delicious pumpkin flavor.

Side Dishes

• Apple cider: The sweet and spicy notes of apple cider complement the flavors of pumpkin perfectly. Serve it warm or chilled for a refreshing drink option!
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding a creamy element.
• Hot cocoa: Rich hot cocoa brings in comforting flavors that mesh well with fall-inspired treats like these cookies.
• Cheese platter: A small cheese platter featuring mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast, making it an intriguing pairing for dessert lovers.

Enjoy these soft pumpkin sugar cookies at gatherings, during cozy evenings at home, or as a delightful treat any time you crave something sweet!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough in advance or store the baked cookies for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookie dough, scoop and roll the balls as directed, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• To bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to your baking time when using frozen dough.

Reheating

• If you want to enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350F.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes.
• Allow them to cool slightly before serving with frosting if desired.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use a different type of flour for this Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, so adjustments may be necessary.

How should I store leftover Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them or consider freezing the dough before baking.

What makes these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies so soft?

The combination of butter and pumpkin puree keeps these cookies moist and tender. Chilling the dough also helps maintain their softness during baking!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough after mixing in the dry ingredients for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! They’re not just desserts; they’re a little piece of fall that brings warmth and smiles. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home, this recipe is sure to impress everyone who tries it. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!