There’s something magical about a cookie that manages to feel like a warm hug on a chilly day—and these Chewy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies do exactly that. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of cozy spices and rich pumpkin flavor, all wrapped up in a tender, chewy texture. I still remember the first time I made these cookies for a weekend brunch with friends: as the dough came together, the kitchen was filled with sweet whispers of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Watching my mixer hum away, I felt like a mad scientist conjuring a fall potion—only this potion tasted unbelievably good. By the time the timer dinged, I was practically drooling as I carefully lifted each golden-edged cookie onto a cooling rack, anticipating that first warm taste.
The moment I bit into that soft center, I knew these cookies were destined to become a seasonal staple. The pumpkin puree lends a gentle, earthy sweetness, while the solid coconut oil guarantees a chewy crumb without a trace of dairy. What I love most is how forgiving the recipe is—you can gather the ingredients in just 15 minutes of prep time, pop the cookies in the oven for 12 minutes, and before you know it, you’ve got 24 little rounds of autumnal joy ready to share. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, craving a comforting treat after a long day, or simply want to experiment with vegan baking, these cookies rise to the occasion with effortless charm. I can’t wait for you to dive into this recipe and make your kitchen smell like a pumpkin spice paradise!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEWY VEGAN PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIES
Every ingredient in this recipe has its moment to shine, working together like a well-rehearsed orchestra to create cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with fall flair. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component matters:
- Coconut oil
Adds moisture and richness while keeping the cookies entirely dairy-free. The solid form helps achieve that coveted chewy texture without becoming greasy.
- Pumpkin puree
Brings natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable autumn flavor. It also helps bind the dough for a tender bite.
- Brown sugar
Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness and extra chewiness, ensuring each cookie stays perfectly soft at the center.
- Almond milk
A vegan-friendly liquid that helps the dough come together smoothly and adds just the right amount of moisture.
- Vanilla extract
Enhances the spice blend with its warm, floral aroma, lifting the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
- All-purpose flour
The backbone of the dough, creating structure and stability so the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Cornstarch
Works behind the scenes to tenderize the crumb, giving each bite a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Baking soda
A gentle leavening agent that helps the cookies spread just enough, producing soft centers with lightly golden edges.
- Ground cinnamon
The star spice in pumpkin baking, offering warmth and sweetness that define the classic “pumpkin spice” character.
- Ground nutmeg
Adds a cozy, nutty undercurrent that complements the sweetness and rounds out the spice profile.
- Ground ginger
Contributes a bright, slightly sharp zing that balances the richness of the sugar and pumpkin.
- Ground cloves
A little goes a long way—this spice delivers a bold, aromatic punch that heightens the fall flavor experience.
- Salt
Enhances all the other flavors, making the spices pop and keeping the sweetness in check.
HOW TO MAKE CHEWY VEGAN PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIES
Bringing these cookies to life is a breeze, even if you’re new to vegan baking. Follow these straightforward steps to transform simple pantry staples into spiced, chewy delights that will have your home smelling like autumn in no time:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the solid coconut oil and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, almond milk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed until everything is well incorporated and the batter is smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Sifting ensures an even distribution of spices and a lump-free dough.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a gentle hand will keep your cookies tender and soft.
6. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may look soft, but they’ll firm up as the cookies cool.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and set.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEWY VEGAN PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIES
There’s nothing quite like the moment you share these cookies with loved ones, and serving them can be just as fun as baking them. Whether you’re hosting a cozy tea party or simply indulging in a solo treat, here are some inspired ways to enjoy these chewy pumpkin spice delights:
- With a steaming mug of chai latte
The warm spices in the cookies pair beautifully with the cardamom and cinnamon notes in chai. Pour your favorite dairy-free milk into a spiced tea blend, and savor each bite with a sip.
- Sandwiched with vegan cream cheese frosting
Spread a thin layer of tangy, dairy-free cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an indulgent little dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.
- Styled on a rustic platter for fall gatherings
Arrange the cookies in a circular pattern on a wooden board or tiered serving tray, and tuck in some roasted pumpkin seeds or autumn leaves as garnish for a festive touch.
- Drizzled with melted vegan dark chocolate
Melt a few tablespoons of dairy-free dark chocolate chips and use a fork to drizzle over chilled cookies. Allow the chocolate to set before serving for a decadent finishing touch.
HOW TO STORE CHEWY VEGAN PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIES
Maintaining that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor and chewiness is easier than you might think. With the right storage methods, these cookies can stay delightful for days—or even weeks—after baking. Here’s how to keep them at their best:
- Airtight container at room temperature
Place fully cooled cookies in a single layer (or separate layers with parchment paper) inside a sealed container. Store on the counter for up to one week, where they’ll remain soft and flavorful.
- Freeze for longer preservation
Arrange cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored for up to three months; simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Use parchment paper separators
When stacking cookies in a container, insert sheets of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their shape and texture.
- Revive with a quick warm-up
If your cookies start to lose a bit of that fresh chewiness, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes. This little toasting trick brings back the soft interiors and crisp edges.
CONCLUSION
Baking these Chewy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies is like wrapping your kitchen in a cozy fall blanket. From the moment you gather solid coconut oil, pumpkin puree, and fragrant spices to the glorious first bite of a still-warm cookie, every step feels like a celebration of autumn. This recipe is beginner-friendly, taking just 15 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to bake, yielding 24 cookies at roughly 120 calories each. Whether you’re serving them alongside a spiced latte or drizzling them with vegan dark chocolate, you’ll find that their tender centers and lightly crisp edges never fail to impress. Feel free to print this article and save it for later—your future self will thank you when the leaves start falling again. Don’t forget, you can also scroll down to find a FAQ below to answer any lingering questions!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this deep dive into one of my favorite fall treats. If you try these cookies, I’d love to hear how they turn out—drop a comment, share your tweaks, or ask any questions if you need help along the way. Your feedback and kitchen stories always brighten my day, and they might even inspire new recipes for all of us to explore. Happy baking, and may your home be filled with warmth, spice, and the chewy delight of homemade goodness!
Chewy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Description
Experience the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice in these deliciously chewy vegan cookies. Perfectly spiced and satisfying, they’re a great treat for autumn gatherings!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the solid coconut oil and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until light and fluffy.
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Add the pumpkin puree, almond milk, and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing well until everything is well combined and smooth.
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In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure your cookies remain tender.
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Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers will still appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For added texture, consider adding chopped nuts or vegan chocolate chips to the dough.
- Make sure the coconut oil is solid to achieve the desired chewy texture.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preference for a stronger or milder pumpkin spice flavor.
- These cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or as a comforting treat during chilly days.
