Pumpkin Spice Cookies: A Cozy Fall Treat You’ll Love

Pumpkin spice cookies are a fun, flavorful twist on classic fall desserts we all know and love. The roots of pumpkin spice cookies trace back to early American settlers, who baked pumpkin into breads and pies using ingredients readily available during the harvest. The spice blend we now know and love—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice—has its origins in European holiday baking. Over time, this nostalgic flavor profile found new life in modern desserts, eventually giving rise to the cozy, crave-worthy pumpkin spice cookies we adore every fall.

The beloved pumpkin spice blend? That cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice actually traces its roots to European holiday baking traditions. Fast forward to the late 20th century, and pumpkin spice suddenly became a seasonal superstar. From pumpkin spice lattes to muffins and beyond, it quickly found its way into just about every fall recipe.

Today, pumpkin spice cookies are a go-to fall treat. With the earthy sweetness of real pumpkin and the nostalgic warmth of classic spices, every bite tastes just like autumn. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving something cozy, these cookies are hard to resist.

Crafting these pumpkin spice cookies is surprisingly simple, making them a perfect treat not just for Thanksgiving, but anytime you’re craving that cozy fall flavor. With warm spices and sweet pumpkin in every bite, they’re a delicious reminder of autumn—no matter the season. Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering or just want a quick dessert fix, this easy pumpkin spice cookie recipe is sure to become a year-round favorite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 40 cookies
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Instructions
 

  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.

Notes

Use Pure Pumpkin Purée: Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the flavor and texture.
Chill the Dough (Optional but Helpful): If your cookie dough feels too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies instead of soft and fluffy ones.
Adjust the Spice Level: Love bold flavors? Feel free to add an extra pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Prefer it mild? You can tone down the cloves or allspice.

Flavorful add-ins:

These simple upgrades are just right for cookie swaps during the holidays, special events, or even when you’re just in the mood for something sweet. Honestly, no matter how you decide to dress them up, pumpkin spice cookies have that warm, inviting vibe that everyone seems to love. They really are a hit!

White Chocolate Chips: The creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with the warm spices and adds a melty, rich bite.

Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: For a little crunch and nutty depth, toss in a handful of your favorite chopped nuts.

Maple Glaze Drizzle: Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over cooled cookies for a bakery-style finish.

Cream Cheese Filling: Turn your pumpkin spice cookies into sandwich cookies with a sweet cream cheese frosting in the middle—like pumpkin spice whoopie pies!

Cranberries or Raisins: For a chewy, tart contrast, add dried cranberries or raisins. They play well with the spice mix and make your cookies feel extra festive.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Sugar Coating: Roll your dough balls in a mix of sugar and extra pumpkin pie spice before baking for a slightly crispy, spiced exterior.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. Add a slice of bread or a piece of parchment between layers to keep them from sticking and to help retain moisture.

Refrigeration: Not necessary unless your cookies have cream cheese frosting or filling. In that case, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing Baked Cookies: Let cookies cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Freezing Cookie Dough: You can freeze the raw cookie dough, too! Scoop dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.