Last Updated on August 12, 2025 by recipeinspire

The Best Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe: 7 Key Ingredients!

Are you ready for the ultimate autumn treat? What if I told you that a single recipe could capture the essence of fall in every bite? If you’re craving autumn flavors, look no further! The Best Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe perfectly embodies the warmth and comfort of the season with just 7 essential ingredients. Let’s dive in and explore how these delightful cookies can elevate your fall baking to an art form!

This recipe is part of our 15 Irresistible Pumpkin Cookie Recipes — The Ultimate Pumpkin Cookie Guide—explore 15 mouthwatering pumpkin cookie ideas that will elevate your dessert game! Check them all out →

Ingredients List

To bring these scrumptious cookies to life, you will need the following ingredients, complete with suggestions for substitutions that still keep the flavor intact:

1. Pumpkin Puree (1 cup) – The star of the show! Make sure to choose pure pumpkin puree for that rich, velvety texture. You can substitute with sweet potato puree if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
2. Brown Sugar (¾ cup) – This adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor. You can use coconut sugar as a healthier alternative.
3. Granulated Sugar (¼ cup) – For that slight crunch and sweetness. To reduce sugar, you could opt for a sugar substitute like erythritol.
4. Butter (½ cup, softened) – The fat that brings everything together. Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels. Vegan butter works wonderfully if you are going dairy-free!
5. Egg (1 large) – For binding. A flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, mixed and let sit) can replace it in a vegan version.
6. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – Provides the base. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
7. Baking Spices (1 teaspoon each of baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg) – These spices elevate the pumpkin flavor. Feel free to experiment with pumpkin pie spice for a cozy twist.

Timing

Peeking into your kitchen does not have to feel like a marathon! You can whip up these delightful cookies in just 90 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average cookie recipe. Here’s a breakdown:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time including cooling: 90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out soft and chewy!

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pumpkin puree. Beat together until the mixture is creamy and the sugars are dissolved (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 3: Add the Egg

Add your egg to the mixture, and continue to beat until fully incorporated. Your dough should be smooth and fluffy at this stage.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined, taking care not to overmix!

Step 6: Portion the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake

Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly undercooked. This will ensure a soft, chewy texture!

Step 8: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is crucial for maintaining that perfect chewy center.

Nutritional Information

Each cookie (based on a yield of 24 cookies) contains approximately:

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sugar: 9g

Remember that nutritional values can vary based on ingredient substitutions!

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Feel free to get creative! Here are some ways to modify the recipe for healthier or specialty diets:

• Reduce Sugar: Try using only brown sugar, or use half the sugar and substitute with unsweetened applesauce for added moisture.
• Butter Swaps: For a lighter version, swap half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt.
• Gluten-Free: The use of almond flour or oat flour can yield a fantastic gluten-free option without sacrificing taste.

Serving Suggestions

Delight your taste buds with these serving ideas that enhance your pumpkin cookie experience:

• Glaze or Frosting: Drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and water, or a cream cheese frosting, for added sweetness and visual appeal.
• Serve Warm: Serve your cookies straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
• Pair with a Drink: These cookies pair wonderfully with hot apple cider or a spiced chai latte — enhancing those autumn flavors!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some pitfalls to avoid based on experience and data insights:

1. Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined!
2. Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Use proper measuring techniques, especially for flour. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level off instead of scooping directly.
3. Underbaking: The cookies should look slightly undercooked when you take them out; they will continue to cook while cooling.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To maintain the freshness and flavor of your pumpkin cookies:

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, place cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough in balls for up to 3 months. Simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!

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Conclusion

In summary, The Best Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall with just 7 essential ingredients. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or tailor it to fit your dietary needs, these cookies invite warmth and comfort into your home.

Now, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and indulge in the smells of fall! Be sure to share your baking experiences, explore more delicious recipes, and leave your feedback below!

FAQs

Q1: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make your dough ahead of time, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, or freeze it for a later date.

Q2: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree to control flavors and sweetness, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices.

Q3: How can I make these cookies spicier?
For extra flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg or add in ginger or allspice to taste!

Feel free to reach out with more questions or tips as you embark on your autumn baking journey. Happy baking!