Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Picture this: warm, pillowy-soft cookies that melt in your mouth, bursting with cozy fall spices and rich pumpkin flavor. These soft pumpkin cookies are everything you love about autumn wrapped up in one perfect bite.
Fun fact: pumpkin cookies have been a beloved American tradition since the 1800s when settlers first discovered the versatility of this orange superfood.
What makes these cookies truly special is their incredibly soft texture that stays fresh for days, making them perfect for busy families and meal prep enthusiasts alike.
What Are Soft Pumpkin Cookies?
Ever wondered why these delightful treats are called “soft” pumpkin cookies? Well, it’s not just marketing magic! These cookies get their signature pillowy texture from the moisture-rich pumpkin puree and a secret ingredient combination that keeps them tender for days.
Think of them as the cozy sweater of the cookie world – comfortable, warm, and exactly what you need when the leaves start falling. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these cookies are definitely the scenic route! Ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie?
Why You’ll Love This Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
The Perfect Fall Comfort Food
These soft pumpkin cookies deliver that signature autumn flavor you crave, with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger dancing perfectly with rich pumpkin puree. The texture is absolutely divine – soft and chewy with slightly crispy edges that give way to a pillowy center.
Budget-Friendly Home Baking
Making these cookies at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery. With simple pantry staples and affordable pumpkin puree, you can whip up dozens of cookies for less than $5. Compare that to $3-4 per cookie at specialty shops!
Irresistible Flavor Combinations
The magic happens with our perfect spice blend and optional cream cheese glaze that takes these cookies from good to absolutely incredible. Unlike our popular chocolate chip cookies, these beauties bring seasonal warmth that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn morning.
Ready to create some fall magic in your kitchen?
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Quick Overview
These soft pumpkin cookies are surprisingly simple to make and deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The key to their incredible softness lies in the pumpkin puree and our special technique of slightly underbaking them.
Total Time: 25 minutes Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 12-15 minutes Yield: 24 cookies
Key Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup melted butter, cooled
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy and uniform.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Make sure all spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Create the Cookie Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps the cookies tender. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are set but centers still look slightly underbaked.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their soft texture.
Step 7: Make Optional Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies or dip each cookie halfway for an elegant finish.
What to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies With
These versatile cookies pair beautifully with:
Hot Beverages: Pumpkin spice latte, chai tea, hot apple cider, or classic milk Dessert Combinations: Vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream Fall Treats: Apple slices, candied nuts, or a cheese board with mild cheeses Morning Options: Coffee, hot chocolate, or as a sweet addition to your breakfast spread
Top Tips for Perfecting Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Don’t Overbake
The secret to ultra-soft cookies is removing them when they still look slightly underdone in the center. They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Except for the butter (which should be melted and cooled), ensure your egg and other ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Chill the Dough
For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents excessive spreading.
Measure Flour Correctly
Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Packed flour leads to dense, dry cookies.
Store Properly
Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture and softness for up to one week.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of white bread to keep them soft.
Refrigerator Storage: Cookies will keep for up to 10 days when properly sealed.
Freezing Options: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. You can also freeze cookie dough balls for up to 6 months – just add 2 extra minutes to baking time.
Reheating: Warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that just-baked softness.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (without glaze) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Cholesterol | 18mg |
| Sodium | 95mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 25% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast and puree fresh pumpkin, but make sure to drain excess moisture. Canned pumpkin puree provides more consistent results.
Why are my cookies too soft or falling apart?
This usually happens when there’s too much moisture. Make sure your pumpkin puree isn’t watery and that you’re measuring flour correctly.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, but the centers can still look slightly underbaked. They’ll finish cooking on the hot pan.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
What’s the best pumpkin puree brand?
Libby’s is the gold standard, but any pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling) works great.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Definitely! Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra indulgence.
How can I make them more spiced?
Increase the cinnamon to 1.5 teaspoons or add a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth.
Pro Baker’s Secret Tips
Want to take your cookies to the next level? Try these professional techniques:
Brown Butter Upgrade: Brown half the butter for a nutty, complex flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Cake Flour Substitution: Replace 1/4 cup all-purpose flour with cake flour for extra tenderness.
Pudding Mix Hack: Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla pudding mix to the dry ingredients for bakery-style softness.
Double Vanilla: Use both vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste for deeper flavor complexity.
These soft pumpkin cookies truly capture the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, meal prepping treats for the week, or simply craving that perfect autumn comfort food, this recipe delivers every single time. The combination of seasonal spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and that signature soft texture makes these cookies absolutely irresistible.
Happy baking, and enjoy every cozy, delicious moment!
