Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are like a warm hug from the inside out, inviting you to snuggle up with a stack of these pillowy delights on an autumn afternoon. Bursting with cozy spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves—these cookies capture everything we love about fall in a single bite. They’re soft, they’re chewy, and they practically melt on your tongue. With each mouthful, you’ll taste the gentle sweetness of brown sugar and the comforting richness of pumpkin puree, all wrapped up in a tender cookie that balances moisture and texture perfectly. Whether you’re a pumpkin fanatic or just someone looking to try a new seasonal treat, these cookies will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds).
What makes these cookies extra special is how accessible they are for bakers of all skill levels. Labeled as “Beginner” in difficulty, they’re straightforward enough to whip up on a weeknight, yet impressive enough to bring to a holiday gathering or bake sale. You only need about 15 minutes to prepare the dough, 12–14 minutes in the oven, and just a brief five-minute rest before transferring them to a rack to cool completely. That means in under half an hour, you can transform your kitchen into a cozy bakery filled with the scent of autumn spices and sweet pumpkin. And if you’re feeling indulgent, folding in a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips adds that perfect hit of melty goodness.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SOFT AND CHEWY PUMPKIN COOKIES
To create these melt-in-your-mouth cookies, you’ll gather a handful of pantry staples and fall favorites that each play an important role in both flavor and texture.
- Unsalted butter
This provides richness and helps achieve that smooth, creamy base when you cream it with sugars. Softened to room temperature, it ensures an even mix and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Brown sugar
Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture, helping keep the cookies soft and chewy. Its molasses content enhances the warm, autumnal flavor.
- Granulated sugar
Balances sweetness and promotes a slightly crisp edge once baked, creating contrast between chewy centers and delicate edges.
- Vanilla extract
A splash of vanilla heightens the overall flavor, tying together sweet and spicy notes for a well-rounded taste.
- Canned pumpkin puree
The star ingredient for that moist, tender texture and beautiful golden hue. It infuses each bite with gentle pumpkin flavor.
- Egg
Acts as a binder, ensuring the dough comes together and lending structure so the cookies hold their shape.
- All-purpose flour
Forms the backbone of the dough, providing just enough gluten to support the cookies while keeping them soft.
- Baking powder
A leavening agent that adds lift, creating a tender, cakey interior without making the cookies too puffy.
- Baking soda
Works with the acidic pumpkin puree and brown sugar to help the cookies spread slightly and develop lovely edges.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and drawing out subtle spice notes.
- Ground cinnamon
Brings classic warmth and sweetness typical of pumpkin desserts.
- Ground ginger
Offers a subtle bite and depth, complementing the cinnamon.
- Ground nutmeg
Adds nutty, slightly sweet complexity that’s quintessentially fall.
- Ground cloves
A little goes a long way—this spice rounds out the blend with a warm, slightly peppery kick.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Fold these in for pockets of melted chocolate that pair perfectly with pumpkin’s mellow sweetness.
HOW TO MAKE SOFT AND CHEWY PUMPKIN COOKIES
Get ready to transform simple ingredients into irresistible pumpkin cookies. Follow these steps closely for consistent results, and remember that gentle mixing and precise baking times are key to achieving that ideal soft and chewy texture.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, while making cleanup a breeze.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Add the vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and egg. Mix until the wet ingredients are fully combined and the batter looks smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain to keep cookies tender.
6. If using, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating little pockets of chocolate.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them finish setting up.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SOFT AND CHEWY PUMPKIN COOKIES
These cookies are a delightful canvas for creative presentation and flavor pairing. Whether you serve them at a casual coffee date or a festive holiday gathering, here are some ways to elevate the experience and make every bite memorable.
- Warm with a glass of milk
Gently reheat your cookies in the microwave for 5–7 seconds so they’re slightly warm and gooey, then serve alongside a chilled glass of milk for a classic pairing.
- Cookie sandwich
Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a tangy-sweet twist. Use a piping bag to make it look elegant, then sprinkle with cinnamon for extra flair.
- Ice cream topping
Crumble cooled cookies over vanilla or your favorite spiced ice cream. The contrast of crunchy cookie bits with cold, creamy ice cream will be irresistible.
- Spiced latte dunk
Brew a pumpkin spice latte or chai tea, and offer it as a dipper beverage. Dunk each cookie halfway for a café-inspired treat at home.
HOW TO STORE SOFT AND CHEWY PUMPKIN COOKIES
Keeping these cookies fresh and flavorful is easy with a few simple steps. Proper storage will help maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out, so you can enjoy them throughout the week.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container. Place a sheet of parchment between layers to avoid sticking. They’ll stay soft for up to one week.
- Freeze for longer storage. Lay cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment. Thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Use a moisture-preserving pack. Tuck a small slice of fresh bread or a damp paper towel (sealed in a plastic bag) into the container to keep cookies from drying out—just ensure it doesn’t touch the cookies directly.
- Avoid refrigeration, as the cold air can make the cookies dry and firm. If you’re in a particularly hot or humid climate, use an airtight container with a desiccant packet (food-safe) instead of putting them in the fridge.
CONCLUSION
This thorough guide has walked you through every step of making soft and chewy pumpkin cookies that embody the essence of fall in every bite. From creaming the butter and sugars until they’re cloud-like, to folding in warm spices and optional chocolate chips, you now have the know-how to bake cookies that are tender, flavorful, and utterly addictive. These fall treats are beginner-friendly, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time, 12–14 minutes in the oven, and a brief cooling period before you can dive in. Each cookie clocks in at around 180 calories, making them a sensible indulgence for afternoon snacks or dessert. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll be able to recreate this recipe again and again, whether you’re baking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet moment with a mug of coffee.
Feel free to print this article or save it in your digital recipe collection so you can revisit it whenever the mood for pumpkin hits. You’ll also find a FAQ section below that addresses the most common questions about ingredient swaps, storage tricks, and tips for adjusting spice levels to suit your taste. If you try the recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your comments, questions, or feedback below. Whether you want to share a variation you discovered or need help troubleshooting, I’m here to chat and ensure your kitchen overflows with the sweet, spicy joy of homemade pumpkin cookies. Enjoy every chewy, comforting bite!
Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Description
These pumpkin cookies are a delightful blend of spices and sweetness, perfectly soft and chewy. Each bite offers a warm hug of autumn, enhanced with optional chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and egg. Mix until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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If using, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of allspice to the spice mix.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- If you enjoy nuts, chopped walnuts or pecans can be a delightful addition.
- Allowing the cookie dough to chill for 30 minutes can help in making thicker, chewier cookies.
