Pumpkin spice cookies are a modern twist on centuries-old autumn baking traditions that celebrate the harvest season. The use of pumpkin in desserts dates back to early American colonial times, when settlers baked pumpkin into pies and breads using native ingredients. The warm spice blend—typically cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice—has roots in European spice mixtures used in festive baked goods. Pumpkin spice as a flavor profile surged in popularity in the late 20th century, eventually becoming a seasonal favorite in everything from coffee to baked treats. Pumpkin spice cookies emerged as a cozy, flavorful dessert that captures the essence of fall, combining the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the nostalgic warmth of traditional spices.

Crafting these pumpkin spice cookies is effortless, granting you the opportunity to relish their delectable taste not just on Thanksgiving but throughout the entire year.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 40 cookies
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tsp pumpkin spice or 1½ tsp nutmeg and 1½ tsp ginger
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 3 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree

Method
 

  1. To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Set the prepared sheet aside for later use.
  2. In a spacious bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin spice, ground cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and baking powder. Once mixed, set the bowl aside for now.
  3. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pumpkin puree until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl, stirring with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix the batter; just blend until the ingredients are incorporated.
  4. Using approximately 1½ tablespoons of dough, form balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Shape the balls nicely to ensure they become well-rounded cookies after baking. Flatten the balls gently with your palms since these cookies do not spread while baking.
  5. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the top of the cookies remains soft, and the edges turn lightly brown. Once done, take the baking sheet out of the oven and allow the cookies to rest for 15 minutes before transferring them to cool completely.