Description

Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect fall treat with a soft, chewy center, warm pumpkin spice flavor, and a sparkly spiced sugar coating. They offer the texture of a classic bakery cookie while keeping all the cozy charm of pumpkin season. Ideal for bake sales, gatherings, or quiet moments with coffee or chai.

Ingredients

Scale

For the spiced sugar:

1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

For the cookies:

3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (122 g) canned pumpkin puree (reduced to 1/4 cup after drying)
1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Make spiced sugar: Mix granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl.
Dry pumpkin puree: Spread pumpkin puree on a plate. Blot with paper towels until reduced to 1/4 cup.
Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar for 1–2 minutes until fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Mix in egg yolks and vanilla, then beat in the dried pumpkin puree.
Add dry to wet: Slowly mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined.
Scoop and roll: Scoop 2 tbsp portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat in the spiced sugar.
Bake: Arrange on sheets 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes. Let cool on a tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Cool and enjoy: Let cookies cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Drying the pumpkin puree prevents cakey texture and keeps cookies chewy.

Add nutmeg or cardamom to the spiced sugar for extra warmth.

Dough balls can be frozen and baked later with just a few added minutes.

These cookies make excellent fall ice cream sandwiches!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes per batch
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American