 A Pumpkin-Spiced Morning Moment
There’s something magical about fall mornings when the kitchen fills with pumpkin scent and a tray of chewy cookies pulls you into the day. The first bite should feel like a warm hug—soft, a little fudgy in the center, and just enough spice to wake up your senses. These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are the kind of treat you reach for between meetings, after school, or when you’re hosting a cozy coffee date with a friend.
This recipe keeps the process friendly and doable: mix, scoop, bake, and savor. The result is a batch that stays soft for days, stays snackable for Pinterest-worthy photos, and tastes like autumn in every bite. Perfect for gifting or quick weeknight baking, it’s a chewy, comforting classic you’ll want to repeat all season long.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened) — adds moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin-lie flavor; if your puree seems watery, spoon off excess liquid before measuring.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted — helps create a chewy texture; substitute dairy-free butter or coconut oil if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar — molassesy sweetness keeps cookies tender and rich.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar — helps with a touch of crisp edge as they bake.
- 1 large egg — binds the dough and contributes to chewy centers.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — boosts warmth; for a fun twist, swap in maple extract.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour — standard structure; for gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder — gives a gentle lift and a soft center.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda — helps cookies spread just enough and stay chewy.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger — classic pumpkin-spice trio for warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt — brightens flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped pecans — add in for texture and a little extra sweetness if you like.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy, non-stick removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the spices until well combined. The spices should be evenly distributed so every bite tastes balanced.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now.
- Scoop dough into about 2-tablespoon mounds and place them on the prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. The dough will be soft but should hold its shape.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just set and the centers look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, staying chewy inside.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.
Serving Suggestions
These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies shine on their own with a glass of cold milk or a rich cup of coffee. For a little extra flair, try:
- Pair with a chai latte or cinnamon-spiced coffee for a cozy fall trio.
- Turn into a mini dessert board: cookies, a scoop of vanilla yogurt, and a handful of toasted pecans.
- Make an easy cookie sandwich by pairing with cream cheese frosting or mascarpone for a quick treat.
- Serve warm with fresh apple slices for a seasonal contrast of textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are a nostalgic nod to autumn that still feel fresh and modern. They’re forgiving, simple to scale up for a crowd, and endlessly shareable—perfect for Pinterest with their cozy vibe and comforting bite. Bake a batch, snap a few photos, and let the scent do the talking as friends sniff their way to the cookie jar.
Print
Irresistible Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Ultimate Fall Treats
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies deliver cozy fall flavorsoft meltinyourmouth bites you can bake in minutes Click to savor the season now Treat yourself today
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 calories
- Sugar: 6 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g