Spiced Pumpkin Cookies: A Cozy Fall Treasure

As autumn leaves crunch underfoot, the aroma of baked pumpkin cookies wafts through the air, stirring nostalgia and anticipation. These cookies aren’t just sweet treats; they’re a symphony of spices and memories, perfect for chilly mornings or festive gatherings.

What makes this recipe truly special is its subtle twist on classic pumpkin cookies—think a hint of cardamom mingling with cinnamon, giving each bite a fragrant surprise. The dough is surprisingly forgiving, making it an ideal project for cozy weekends spent kneading and shaping. Once baked, their tender texture and flavorful warmth linger long after the oven cools.

Let’s dive into the comforting world of pumpkin-spiced goodness, where every bite feels like a warm hug from fall itself. These cookies are simple to make but feel like a special occasion, especially when paired with a cup of cinnamon-spiced chai or a splash of vanilla milk.

Pumpkin-Spiced Cookies

These pumpkin-spiced cookies are tender and melt-in-your-mouth, made by mixing pumpkin puree into a spiced dough and baking until golden. They feature a soft texture with a slight chewiness and a fragrant aroma of cinnamon and cardamom, resulting in visually appealing, golden-brown cookies with a cracked surface.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom for fragrant flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with a slight gloss.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and whisk until fully incorporated, resulting in a fluffy, homogeneous base.
4. Mix in the pumpkin puree until the batter is smooth and evenly colored, giving a vibrant orange hue that hints at fall flavors.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the sifted flour, cinnamon, cardamom, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing just until combined and the dough comes together softly.
7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake in the oven for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a cooling rack.
10. Place the cookies on a wire rack and allow them to cool completely, revealing their cracked, rustic surface and tender texture.
11. Once cooled, serve your pumpkin-spiced cookies alongside a warm beverage for a cozy treat.

These pumpkin cookies are a reminder that seasonal ingredients can transform simple baked goods into heartfelt treats. They’re perfect for unexpected guests or those quiet moments of indulgence when you want a little warmth in every bite.

Enjoy the comforting aroma filling your kitchen and cherish these small pieces of autumn. Sometimes, it’s the simplest recipes that leave the sweetest memories to savor long after the last crumb disappears.