Name: Irresistibly Soft Pumpkin Cookies Perfect for Fall Treats
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 74 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (browned); 3/4 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup white sugar; 1 large egg yolk (or flax egg for vegan option); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or artificial vanilla); 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey); 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (100% puree, not filling); 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon in a pinch); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (fresh preferred); 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or fine sea salt); 1/4 cup pumpkin pie sugar (customize to taste)

As the leaves turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of baking seasonal treats. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter—an irresistible way to embrace fall’s flavors. These cookies come together effortlessly, requiring no hand mixer, making it perfect for cozy evenings at home or unexpected visits from friends. The nutty aroma of browned butter pairs beautifully with a dash of pumpkin spice, creating a delightful, tender texture that will have you reaching for just one more. Plus, they’re the ideal crowd-pleaser or a sweet indulgence for yourself. Ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of autumn? Let’s get started!

Why Are These Pumpkin Cookies So Special?

Irresistible, Cozy Flavor: These cookies boast the warm, comforting essence of fall, blending pumpkin and brown butter for an unforgettable taste.
Easy, No-Fuss Recipe: You can whip these up without a hand mixer, making baking a breeze.
Perfectly Soft and Chewy: With slight crisp edges and a tender center, every bite offers delightful texture.
Versatile Delight: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for a personal twist, just like with my Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether for gatherings or cozy nights in, these cookies will impress everyone!

Pumpkin Cookies Ingredients

Fall in love with these soft pumpkin cookies made special with brown butter!

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; regular butter works if unsalted isn’t on hand.
Light Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and a chewy texture; dark brown sugar can be swapped in for a deeper flavor.
White Sugar – Balances sweetness and helps cookies spread; granulated sugar is essential.
Egg Yolk – Ensures cookies remain soft and rich; a flax egg can be used for a vegan alternative.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; artificial vanilla can substitute if necessary.
Maple Syrup – Adds a hint of warmth and sweetness; honey can be an excellent alternative.
Pumpkin Puree – The star ingredient providing moisture and flavor; ensure it’s 100% puree, not filling.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – Infuses spiced warmth; use cinnamon in a pinch or make your own blend.
Ground Cinnamon – Elevates the pumpkin flavor; fresh cinnamon yields the best taste.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cookies’ structure; whole wheat can be swapped but may alter texture.
Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise, contributing to their delightful softness.
Baking Powder – Provides extra leavening for lightness in the cookies.
Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; fine sea salt can be used in half the amount.
Pumpkin Pie Sugar – A mix of white sugar and pumpkin pie spice for added sweetness and flavor; customize spices to your taste.

These Pumpkin Cookies are sure to be a hit, so let’s get baking!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter

Step 1: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once it’s melted, increase the heat to medium and stir continuously for about 2 to 3 minutes until the butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to enhance the flavor of the pumpkin cookies.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled browned butter with 3/4 cup light brown sugar and 1/4 cup white sugar. Whisk until creamy, then add in 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup pumpkin puree. Mix until smooth to create a wonderful base for your soft pumpkin cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This mixture is key to achieving the perfect texture in your pumpkin cookies, so ensure they are well-mixed before combining with the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Form Dough
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid over-mixing as it can affect the texture. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and ensures your cookies will be beautifully soft.

Step 5: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prepares the perfect surface for baking your soft and chewy pumpkin cookies while ensuring they don’t stick. Having the sheets ready will make the next steps quick and efficient.

Step 6: Scoop Dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the chilled dough and roll each piece into a ball. For added flavor, roll the dough balls in a mix of pumpkin pie sugar. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 to 4 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 7: Bake
Bake the pumpkin cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set, but the centers still look a bit underbaked—they will continue to firm up while cooling. Allow them to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pumpkin Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to make these pumpkin cookies uniquely yours with exciting twists and easy substitutions that tantalize your taste buds.

Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a rich, decadent contrast to the warm spices.
Nuts Option: Nutty Crunch: Toss in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture. The added crunch complements the softness beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience.
Spice It Up: Custom Spice Blend: Swap out pumpkin pie spice with a homemade blend of nutmeg and ginger for a unique flavor kick. Experimenting with spices can transport your pumpkin cookies to new heights of warmth and coziness!
Swap Sweeteners: Natural Sweetening: Replace maple syrup with agave nectar for a subtle sweetness. This swap can add a different layer of flavor while keeping your cookies moist and delightful.
Cocoa Twist: Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies: Add 1/3 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich, chocolatey version of these cookies. The deep chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with pumpkin for a treat that’s hard to resist.
Gluten-Free Option: Easy Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these soft cookies at your gatherings.
Dairy-Free Delight: Coconut Butter: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. This will lend a subtle coconut flavor that harmonizes wonderfully with the pumpkin and spices.
Chewy Delights: Coconut Flakes: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded coconut for chewy, tropical-infused pumpkin cookies. The coconut adds a delightful texture and subtle sweetness, turning your autumn treat into a little slice of paradise.

These variations are not just about substitutions; they’re about creating memories around the kitchen. Whether you toss in some chocolate chips or go for a nutty crunch, each twist helps you create your signature version of these delicious cookies! And if you’re inspired by flavor variations, you might also enjoy my delightful Cinnamon Roll Cookies for another delicious take on a classic treat. Happy baking!

Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies

Measure Ingredients Accurately: Ensure you measure your ingredients precisely for consistent results. A kitchen scale can be a lifesaver for this soft pumpkin cookies recipe.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes; this step helps maintain the cookies’ chewy texture and prevents spreading too much while baking.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye as they bake. Remove the cookies when the edges are set but centers are soft; they’ll finish cooking while cooling.
Customize Flavor: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients, like chocolate chips or nuts. They add an exciting contrast to these soft pumpkin cookies.
Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy for up to a week.
Pumpkin Purity Matters: Always use 100% pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture—avoid any canned options that include added spices or preservatives.

Make Ahead Options

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly and refrigerate to keep it fresh and prevent drying out. If you’re looking to prep even further ahead, unbaked dough balls can be frozen for up to 2 months—just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll always have a delicious fall treat on hand, ready to impress family and friends!

What to Serve with Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the cozy taste of pumpkin cookies paired with delightful sides and drinks to elevate your autumn experience.

Frothy Coffee: The rich aroma of coffee enhances the nutty butter flavor, making it a perfect afternoon delight to enjoy with your cookies.
Warm Spiced Cider: Sip on this seasonal favorite; its hints of cinnamon and clove perfectly complement the pumpkin spice notes in the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla provides a contrasting coldness and smooth texture that beautifully balances the warm cookies.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A sweet drizzle brings an additional layer of richness. As it melts over warm cookies, it’s an experience in every bite.
Chai Latte: The creamy spiciness of chai pairs wonderfully, creating a warm and enchanting treat for those chilly evenings.
Maple Pecan Pie: Rich and nutty, this decadent dessert resonates with the flavors of fall and makes for an impressive finish.
Honeyed Yogurt: Creamy yogurt sweetened with honey offers a light and tangy twist that balances the cookie’s sweetness. Enjoy it for breakfast the next day!
Chocolate-Covered Almonds: For a crunchy treat, the chocolate pairs harmoniously with both the cookie’s flavor and texture in a crunchy, chocolatey contrast.
Pumpkin Beer: A chilled glass of pumpkin beer enhances the flavors of the cookies and adds a festive element to your gathering.

These delightful pairings will create an inviting table, perfect for enjoying your soft and chewy pumpkin cookies in style.

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep your cooled pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their chewy texture.

Fridge: If you prefer them cold, these cookies can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough—just scoop, wrap tightly, and freeze!

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin puree, opt for a can that clearly states “100% pure pumpkin” on the label. Avoid any products labeled as “pumpkin pie filling,” as they contain added sugars and spices that may alter the texture and flavor of your cookies. If you’re making homemade puree, select a sugar pumpkin, as they are sweeter and have a smoother texture.

How should I store my pumpkin cookies to keep them fresh?
Very! To keep your soft pumpkin cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer them cold, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, just be sure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out. This way, you can enjoy their delightful chewy texture.

Can I freeze my pumpkin cookies for later?
Absolutely! To freeze your baked pumpkin cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste. You can also freeze unbaked dough; just scoop, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If you find that your cookies spread excessively, it could be due to a few reasons. Make sure you chill the dough for 30 minutes as recommended, as this helps prevent spreading. Additionally, check that you haven’t over-measured your flour—using a scale can help with this! If your cookies still spread, try adding a bit more flour next time. Cooler dough will help your cookies maintain their shape.

Are these pumpkin cookies suitable for those with allergies?
Yes! While the recipe contains common allergens like eggs and gluten, there are easy substitutions. For a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes). If necessary, you can also replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Always ensure your other ingredients don’t contain allergens, especially for friends or family with dietary restrictions.

Can I customize the spices in the recipe?
Very much so! Feel free to get creative with your spice choices. If you love the flavor of nutmeg or ginger, add a pinch for a unique twist. You can also adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to suit your preference. Experimenting with spices can lead to delightful new flavor profiles that make these cookies your own!