The Perfect Melt-in-your-mouth Pumpkin Cookies Recipe For Fall

Autumn’s whispers call for these heavenly melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin cookies that melt hearts instantly.

Crisp leaves and cozy sweaters perfectly complement such delectable treats.

Soft, pillowy textures promise pure comfort in every single bite.

Warm spices dance through each morsel, creating memories of grandma’s kitchen.

Subtle sweetness and gentle pumpkin notes blend seamlessly in this irresistible recipe.

Baking these cookies fills your home with an enchanting aroma that welcomes cool evenings.

Grab a mug of hot apple cider and savor these delightful seasonal treasures.

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies

  • Savor Quick Comfort
  • Customize with Ease: Transform this recipe to match your mood – swap chicken for shrimp, adjust spice levels, or throw in extra veggies for a personalized touch that keeps everyone excited.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Watch faces light up as this cheesy, saucy pasta hits the table – it's a guaranteed winner for families, friends, and picky eaters alike with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum taste! This recipe uses just one pan, making cleanup a breeze and letting you spend more time enjoying your delicious meal instead of scrubbing pots and pans.

Ingredients Needed For Pumpkin Cookies

For the Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and texture of the cookies.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
For the Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that create the signature autumn flavor profile of the pumpkin cookies.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and signature pumpkin flavor to the cookies.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the cookie texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor.
For the Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, tender cookie texture.
  • Butter: Offers richness and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
For the Optional Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk or Water, Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon: Creates a smooth, sweet topping that complements the pumpkin spice flavor.

How To Prepare Pumpkin Cookies Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together these dry buddies:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Cloves

Set this magical powder mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Sweet Base

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 4: Add Moisture Magic

Toss in these wet ingredients and blend until they’re best friends:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until everything looks smooth and combined.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined. Don’t go crazy with mixing – we want tender cookies!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie blob.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the sheet into the oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a gentle golden color and the cookies look set.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the cookies chill on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Optional Glaze Finish

Whisk together in a small bowl:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk or water
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of cinnamon

Drizzle or dip the cooled cookies into this sweet glaze.

Let it set before serving.

Helpful Tips For Pumpkin Cookies

  • Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, moist texture.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the cookie's delicate crumb.
  • Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie treat.
  • Enhance flavor by adding chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips to the dough for extra crunch and depth.
  • Prevent cookies from spreading too much by chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, ensuring a perfect, uniform shape.

Flavorful Twists For Pumpkin Cookies

  • Chocolate Chip Crunch: Replace half the pumpkin puree with chocolate chips and add chopped pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and swirl into the cookie batter before baking for a tangy, rich texture.
  • Maple Pecan Coating: Swap the vanilla glaze with a maple-flavored glaze and sprinkle crushed pecans on top for a rustic autumn feel.
  • Coconut Caramel Version: Fold shredded coconut into the dough and drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for a tropical-inspired treat.

Ideal Pairings For Pumpkin Cookies

  • Cozy Coffee Companion: Brew a warm mug of cinnamon-spiced coffee or creamy chai latte that perfectly complements the pumpkin cookie's rich flavors. The spices will dance together, creating a heartwarming autumn experience.
  • Festive Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside candied pecans, caramel apple slices, and a small dish of whipped cream. This elegant presentation turns simple cookies into a stunning seasonal treat.
  • Sweet Gifting Inspiration: Package cooled cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with twine and autumn leaf tags. These homemade delights make charming gifts for teachers, neighbors, or weekend hostess presents that spread seasonal joy.

Proper Storage Advice For Pumpkin Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.
  • Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Keep glazed or unglazed cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture and softness.
  • If using glaze, wait until completely set and hardened before stacking cookies to prevent sticking and smudging.

FAQs

  • Why is pumpkin puree important in these cookies?

Pumpkin puree adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a rich autumn flavor to the cookies, making them soft and tender with a distinct seasonal taste.

  • Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s well-strained and has a similar consistency to canned puree to maintain the cookie’s texture.

  • How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.

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Melt-in-your-mouth Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x
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Description

Warm autumn spices elevate these melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin cookies to seasonal perfection. Delicate crumbs and rich pumpkin flavor invite sweet moments of comfort and joy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsps ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy cookie removal.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color.
  4. Incorporate pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until the ingredients are completely smooth and uniform.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to maintain a tender cookie texture. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
  6. Portion dough using rounded tablespoons, spacing cookies approximately 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading during baking.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350F, watching for lightly golden edges and set centers as indicators of doneness.
  8. Let cookies rest on baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  9. Prepare optional glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk, vanilla extract, and a hint of cinnamon until silky and pourable.
  10. Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or dip in glaze, allowing the topping to set before serving.

Notes

  • Try gluten-free flour blends to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring a similar texture and taste.
  • Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and a nutty flavor profile that complements the pumpkin spice.
  • Reduce sugar content by substituting some granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie version that still maintains delicious sweetness.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread to keep them soft and prevent them from drying out, maintaining their melt-in-your-mouth texture for several days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

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Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education

Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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