Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

If you are craving a cozy treat that feels like autumn wrapped in a bite, this Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. With their tender texture and just the right amount of spice, these cookies bring together the warmth of pumpkin and classic fall spices, creating an irresistible balance between soft and chewy that will keep you coming back for more. Whether it’s a chilly afternoon snack or a festive dessert, this recipe is a joyous celebration of all things pumpkin and perfectly satisfies that sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering the delicious taste, inviting aroma, and perfect softness that define this Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe. From the richness of butter to the warming spices, every element contributes something special.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and the perfect base for a tender cookie.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness and helps create a light texture.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that adds moisture, flavor, and a lovely autumn hue.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding softness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure so the cookies hold their shape without being tough.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just right for a perfect chewiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a subtle lift and aids in tenderizing the cookie.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Classic spice that offers warmth and fragrance.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of nutty sweetness for complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a gentle spicy kick that wakes up the senses.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Puts a delicate yet bold flavor note rarely found in everyday cookies.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): Introduces melty pockets of chocolate luxury, optional but highly recommended.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step sets you up for success because even the best dough needs the right environment for baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process is essential because it incorporates air, ensuring your cookies stay soft and chewy rather than dense.

Step 3: Mix in Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

To the creamed butter and sugar, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat these together until everything is smooth and fully combined. The pumpkin brings moisture and a lovely texture, while the egg and vanilla boost flavor and binding.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Getting these blended ahead of time helps distribute the spices evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here; you want to preserve tenderness, so stop once no dry flour streaks remain.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional)

If you’re going for a chocolatey twist, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips now. These little gems melt slightly during baking, adding bursts of indulgent flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Portion the Dough on Pans

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each to allow for gentle spreading while baking.

Step 8: Bake Until Edges are Golden

Pop your trays into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges with centers that are just set but still soft. Don’t worry if they seem a little delicate now—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool Cookies Properly

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool there for 5 minutes. This rest period allows them to finish setting without breaking. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch without overpowering the warm spices. If you’re feeling decadent, a drizzle of cream cheese glaze enhances the cozy pumpkin flavor perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of chai tea or spiced coffee to echo the cookie’s cinnamon and ginger notes. A cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla bean ice cream also pairs beautifully, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with a cinnamon-spiced cream cheese filling. These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe treats also work wonderfully crumbled over pumpkin spice lattes or mixed into a dessert charcuterie board with nuts and dried fruit for a cozy autumn spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and tasty for up to five days, making them perfect for prepping in advance.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these pumpkin delights later, freeze the cooled cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

Warm frozen or stored cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to revive their soft, chewy texture. You can also pop them in a low oven for a few minutes, which helps refresh their fresh-baked warmth and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree?

Canned pumpkin puree is your best bet for consistent moisture and flavor that works perfectly in this recipe. If you use fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s pureed very smooth and drained so it doesn’t add too much extra water to the dough.

What makes these cookies so soft and chewy?

The combination of pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and creaming the butter with sugars thoroughly creates a moist, tender cookie. The spices and proper baking time ensure they stay soft without becoming cakey or dry.

Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While chocolate chips add lovely sweetness and texture contrasts, these cookies are delicious on their own with spices and pumpkin doing all the flavor work.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

You can try substituting a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the chewy texture.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you find your cookies are spreading too thin. Also, ensure your butter isn’t too soft or melted when you start mixing.

Final Thoughts

There is something magical about these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bake up a batch that fills your home with irresistible autumn aromas and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me—once you try these, they’ll become a seasonal staple you can’t wait to share and savor with friends and family.

Print