Pumpkin spice sugar cookies are the quintessential fall dessert, combining the warmth of pumpkin spice with the classic sweetness of sugar cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for any autumn celebration. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just to enjoy with your pumpkin spice latte, these cookies are a must-try.
If you love traditional sugar cookies, you’ll appreciate this twist. For a basic version, check out this classic sugar cookie recipe and learn how to add fall-inspired flavors to your favorite cookies!
Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
To make pumpkin spice sugar cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
- All-purpose flour – The base of the cookie.
- Butter – Provides richness and flavor.
- Powdered sugar – Creates a smoother dough.
- Eggs – Adds moisture and helps bind the dough.
- Pumpkin pie spice – The signature blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
- Pumpkin spice extract – Boosts the fall flavor without using pumpkin puree.
- Vanilla extract – Adds a depth of sweetness to the cookies.
The key to these cookies is the pumpkin pie spice, which elevates them beyond a typical sugar cookie. Just like the aromatic balance found in these Earl Grey Cookies, the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in pumpkin spice creates a deliciously fragrant treat.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
1. Preparing the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, pumpkin spice extract, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Tip: Don’t overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
2. Rolling and Cutting the Cookies
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes like pumpkins, leaves, or ghosts for a seasonal touch. Make sure to bake cookies of the same size together for even cooking.
- Tip: Dust your rolling pin with powdered sugar instead of flour to avoid over-drying the dough.
3. Baking the Cookies
Place your shaped cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should remain soft. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before decorating.
For a softer texture, similar to the moist crumb in this Pumpkin Banana Loaf, avoid overworking your dough and keep a close eye on baking times.
Decorating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Once your pumpkin spice sugar cookies have cooled, it’s time for the fun part: decorating! You can make a simple pumpkin spice royal icing by combining powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and water. This icing can be used to pipe intricate designs or simply drizzle over the cookies for a more casual look.
Decorating Tips:
- Use food coloring to tint the icing in fall colors like orange, red, and yellow.
- Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra flair.
- For a simpler option, dust the cookies with cinnamon sugar before baking.
For more ideas, check out this pumpkin spice coffee creamer recipe for a complementary fall flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overworking the Dough
Be careful not to overwork your dough. Overmixing or rolling the dough too many times can make your cookies tough. The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky.
Baking at the Wrong Temperature
Baking at too high or too low a temperature can cause your cookies to either burn or spread too much. Stick to a temperature of 350°F for the best results, and always keep an eye on your cookies during the final minutes of baking.
FAQs About Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Why Don’t These Cookies Use Pumpkin Puree?
Pumpkin puree adds too much moisture, which can make the dough difficult to handle. Using pumpkin spice extract and pumpkin pie spice gives you the flavor without altering the dough’s texture.
Can I Use Regular Sugar Instead of Powdered Sugar?
Powdered sugar helps create a smoother dough that doesn’t need chilling before rolling. While you can substitute granulated sugar, it may change the texture of the cookies.
Can I Freeze Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze both the dough and baked cookies. If freezing the dough, shape it into a disc, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Baked cookies should be cooled completely before freezing.
Conclusion: A Must-Make Fall Cookie Recipe
Pumpkin spice sugar cookies are the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to impress. They’re easy to make, delicious, and versatile for decorating.
Ready to try your hand at these autumn treats? Start with the basics and explore other fun ideas like these funfetti cut-out sugar cookies for even more cookie inspiration!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Easy Recipe for Soft
- Total Time: 42 minute
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin spice sugar cookies are the quintessential fall dessert, combining the warmth of pumpkin spice with the classic sweetness of sugar cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for any autumn celebration. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just to enjoy with your pumpkin spice latte, these cookies are a must-try.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Rolling and Cutting
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into desired shapes.
- Transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Baking the Cookies
- Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorating (Optional)
- Once the cookies have cooled, decorate with icing or dust with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of flavor.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin spice sugar cookies, fall cookie recipe, spiced sugar cookies, soft pumpkin cookies, baking fall cookies, easy pumpkin spice cookies, autumn cookies, sugar cookies