There’s something magical about a tray of soft, spiced pumpkin cookies fresh out of the oven, where each bite feels like the heart of autumn wrapped in a warm, chewy hug. As I stir together a velvety pumpkin purée with ribbons of golden sugar and swirl in notes of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, memories of crisp fall mornings and cozy kitchen counters come flooding back. I still remember the first time I tested this recipe: a spontaneous autumn afternoon that turned into an impromptu bake-off, filling the house with crackling chatter and the playful aroma of spices dancing. With each batch, the cookies take on a deeper amber hue, their edges crisping just enough to contrast the soft, pillowy centers that practically melt on the tongue. Whether you sneak one straight from the pan or plate them for sharing, these treats feel like a heartfelt welcome—one that invites everyone to slow down and savor a touch of homemade happiness.
These soft-baked pumpkin cookies are surprisingly easy, perfect for home bakers at any skill level. With just sixteen staple pantry ingredients and a straightforward process—15 minutes of prep, 12 minutes in the oven, and a quick 5-minute rest—you’ll have around 24 fall-hued cookies ready to dazzle. At approximately 150 calories each, they strike an ideal balance between cozy indulgence and sensible snacking, making them a wonderful companion for afternoon tea or a post-dinner treat. The optional semi-sweet or white chocolate chips add pockets of creamy sweetness, while a hint of sea salt sprinkled on top brings out the warm spice medley in every bite. These cookies are a fantastic addition to holiday dessert tables, festive cookie exchanges, or simply an evening curled up with a good book and a steaming cup of spiced cider. By blending ease, flavor, and that unmistakable seasonal charm, this recipe truly warms up your kitchen and hearts alike.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SPICED SOFT BAKED PUMPKIN COOKIE
Before we dive into the mixing bowl, let’s highlight the essential building blocks that make these spiced cookies truly shine. Each ingredient brings its own unique contribution to texture, flavor, and overall deliciousness—so having quality staples will ensure the best results.
- Canned pumpkin puree
Provides rich moisture and natural pumpkin flavor, while also lending that gorgeous autumnal hue. It binds the dough and keeps the cookies soft.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the batter, encourages gentle browning along the edges, and tenderizes the crumb for a delightfully soft bite.
- Vegetable oil
Adds fat for moistness and helps maintain a tender texture. Its neutral flavor lets the pumpkin and spices take center stage.
- Large egg
Acts as a binding agent and contributes structure, moisture, and a hint of richness to the dough.
- All-purpose flour
Forms the base of the cookie, providing structure and chewiness. Balances moisture from the pumpkin and oil.
- Baking powder
Leavens the cookies, creating a light, airy interior and ensuring they rise just enough without becoming cakey.
- Ground cinnamon
The star of the spice blend, offering warmth and a subtly sweet, woody note that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Salt
Enhances and balances the sweetness, deepens the spice flavors, and rounds out the overall taste profile.
- Baking soda
Reacts with the milk to give extra lift, contributing to that soft, slightly spongy texture.
- Milk
Activates the baking soda and adds a touch of creaminess, making the batter smooth and velvety.
- Vanilla extract
Deepens the flavor profile, amplifying the pumpkin’s natural sweetness and the spice blend.
- Semi-sweet or white chocolate chips (optional)
Melt into gooey pockets of indulgence, adding richness and a contrasting sweetness with every bite.
- Ground ginger
Introduces a bright, zesty warmth that enlivens the spice mix and complements the pumpkin.
- Ground nutmeg
Offers nutty, slightly sweet undertones that accentuate the autumnal flavor.
- Ground cloves
Contributes a bold depth and a hint of spiciness that rounds out the warm spice medley.
HOW TO MAKE SPICED SOFT BAKED PUMPKIN COOKIE
Now that your ingredients are prepped and measured, let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this recipe to life. The steps flow smoothly from mixing to baking, resulting in perfectly spiced, soft-baked pumpkin cookies every time.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures an even bake and prevents sticking, so your cookies come off easily.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and the large egg. Mix until smooth and well blended, using a wooden spoon or electric mixer on low speed to sift out any lumps.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until everything is just incorporated—avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
4. In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the milk. Pour this mixture into the batter along with the vanilla extract. Continue to mix everything together until you have a smooth, cohesive dough.
5. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, taking care not to break them up too much.
6. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. The cookies should feel slightly spongy when tapped.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, so they finish setting without becoming too crisp.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SPICED SOFT BAKED PUMPKIN COOKIE
Once you have a platter of these warm, spiced pumpkin cookies, the fun really begins! Serving them in creative ways can elevate your dessert game, make gatherings memorable, and even inspire a few “oohs” and “aahs.” Picture a cozy autumn table set with a platter of these golden beauties, steam rising from nearby mugs of hot drinks, and laughter filling the room as guests reach for their favorites. Whether you’re hosting a bake sale, treating your family after dinner, or surprising neighbors with a sweet gift, these serving ideas will help you showcase the cookies at their absolute best.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar right before presenting. A light snow of sugar adds a delicate, festive look and a hint of extra sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices.
- Pair alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or apple cider. The spicy, aromatic chai or the tart-sweet notes of cider echo the pumpkin cookie’s spice blend, creating a cozy, harmonious flavor pairing.
- Transform cookies into ice cream sandwiches. Place a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cooled cookies for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for warmer fall afternoons.
- Arrange in a rustic gift box lined with parchment and tied with twine. These cookies make a thoughtful homemade gift—just stack them neatly, slip them into a box, and watch the recipient’s face light up.
HOW TO STORE SPICED SOFT BAKED PUMPKIN COOKIE
Keeping these cookies soft and flavorful over several days is easy when you follow a few simple storage techniques. The key is to preserve moisture, prevent staleness, and, if desired, safely freeze them for longer-term enjoyment. Whether you plan to enjoy these cookies throughout the week or want to stash away extra dough for a rainy day, the methods below will ensure that every batch tastes just as delightful as the first.
- Room-Temperature Storage
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Place a slice of bread or a folded piece of parchment inside to help maintain moisture and keep the cookies soft for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration
If you prefer a slightly firmer texture or live in a warmer climate, refrigerate your cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, though you may want to let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing Baked Cookies
Lay cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze for 1–2 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment layers between cookies. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
- Freezing Cookie Dough
Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer the raw dough balls to a sealed container. When baking, simply add an extra minute or two to the bake time—no need to thaw. This makes spontaneous baking sessions a breeze.
CONCLUSION
From the first stir of autumn spices into creamy pumpkin puree to the triumphant moment of pulling perfect, warm cookies from the oven, this Spiced Soft Baked Pumpkin Cookie recipe brings fall flavors to life in the coziest way possible. We’ve covered every step—from the key ingredients that harmonize into a symphony of warmth, to detailed instructions that guide you through mixing, baking, and cooling. You’ve learned creative serving ideas to elevate your gatherings, and savvy storage tips to maintain that fresh-baked softness for days or even months. This article doubles as a complete roadmap for pumpkin cookie success, and you can easily print it out or bookmark it for later. Down below, you’ll even find a handy FAQ section to troubleshoot any baking questions that might pop up. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned cookie connoisseur, these soft, chewy delights are designed to bring a taste of fall to every bite.
I hope this guide inspires your next baking adventure and brings smiles to everyone who tries these cookies. If you give this recipe a whirl, please drop a comment to let me know how it turned out—did you sneak extra chocolate chips, or maybe add a handful of chopped nuts? If any questions or baking bumps come up, don’t hesitate to ask. Your feedback, tips, and experiences are always welcome—I love hearing your stories and helping you achieve cookie perfection. Happy baking!
Spiced Soft Baked Pumpkin Cookie
Description
Soft, chewy, and bursting with pumpkin and warm spices, these cookies are irresistible treats, perfect for snacking or sharing during the cozy season.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and the large egg. Mix until smooth and well blended.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, stirring until the ingredients are well incorporated.
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In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the milk and then add it to the batter along with the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you have a smooth batter.
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If desired, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies will be soft and slightly spongy to the touch.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- These cookies are best stored in an airtight container to maintain their softness.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
- These cookies pair exceptionally well with a cup of spiced tea or warm cider.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking by increasing or decreasing the amount of spices used.
