Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie Recipe

Why Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Are a Fall Favorite

Pumpkin sugar cookies have taken the baking world by storm, offering a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie. These soft, chewy treats are infused with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices, making them perfect for the fall season and beyond. Since this recipe was first shared in 2014, it has become a crowd favorite, often being one of the most shared recipes online. If you're a fan of pumpkin, this is the ultimate recipe to try.

What makes these cookies stand out? They combine the best elements of a traditional sugar cookie with the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin. The result is a treat that's both comforting and indulgent. Whether enjoyed alone or with a glaze, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

To create these delicious cookies, you'll need a few essential ingredients:

• Butter and Vegetable Oil: These provide flavor and moisture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use puree, not canned pie filling.
• Granulated and Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor.
• Eggs: Help with structure and texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough.
• Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar: Leavening agents for a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances the flavors.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: Create a warm, spiced flavor profile. You can also use pumpkin pie spice if preferred.

Pro Tip: Using a combination of butter and vegetable oil gives the best texture—butter adds flavor, while oil keeps the cookies moist and soft.

Homemade Spice Mix vs. Pumpkin Pie Spice

For the dough, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves works well. However, for the glaze, pumpkin pie spice is ideal. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can substitute it using the same measurements. Feel free to add a bit of ginger if you prefer a more traditional pumpkin pie flavor.

Glaze vs. Frosting: Which One to Choose?

A simple spiced glaze made from powdered sugar, water, and pumpkin pie spice is perfect for these cookies. It hardens nicely, locks in moisture, and allows for easy stacking. If you want more spice, you can adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Creating these cookies is straightforward:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine butter, oil, pumpkin, sugars, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Form the cookies: Scoop the dough into balls and press them onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each with a cup dipped in granulated sugar.
5. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 8–9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Cool and glaze: Allow the cookies to cool slightly before applying the glaze. Spread 1 1/2 teaspoons of glaze on each cookie while they’re still warm.
7. Let set: Let the glaze harden for 2–3 hours before serving.

Pro Tip: For an extra touch, try using cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream. Dust with pumpkin pie spice for a beautiful finish.

Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Once cooled completely, store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They stay soft and fresh for several days. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months, layered with parchment paper between each layer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use both butter and oil?
Using a combination of butter and oil provides the best texture—butter adds flavor, while oil keeps the cookies moist.

Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes! Both the dough and baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Additional Sugar Cookie Recipes to Try

If you love pumpkin sugar cookies, you might enjoy these other variations:

• Copycat Swig Sugar Cookies
• Frosted Sugar Cookies
• Classic Sugar Cookies
• Lemon Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
• Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
• Sugar Cookie Blossoms
• Sugar Cookie Bars

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. Give them a try and see why they’ve become such a beloved treat.