Imagine the coziest autumn day, captured in a single, delightful bite.

That’s the magic of these soft pumpkin cookies, a treat that feels like a warm hug.

They’re wonderfully cakey, perfectly spiced, and simply melt in your mouth.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

Beyond their incredible flavor, these cookies are a dream to make.

There’s no fussy chilling of the dough, which means you’re moments away from baking.

It’s the perfect recipe for when a sudden pumpkin craving strikes, which, let’s be honest, happens often this time of year.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to cookie bliss.

You likely have most of them in your pantry already, waiting for this very purpose.

• Unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
• Brown sugar – For a deep, molasses-like sweetness and moisture.
• Large egg – It helps bind everything together beautifully.
• Pumpkin puree – The star of the show, use canned for perfect consistency.
• Vanilla extract – A classic flavor that enhances the warm spices.
• Pumpkin pie spice – The essential blend that screams fall.
• Baking powder & baking soda – Our leavening duo for a perfect rise.
• Sea salt – Just a pinch to make all the flavors pop.
• All-purpose flour – Spooned and leveled for a light, accurate measure.
• Cream cheese frosting – An optional, but highly recommended, decadent finish.

The Heart of Fall Baking: Choosing Your Pumpkin

Not all pumpkin purees are created equal, and your choice truly matters here.

Opt for a trusted brand like Libby’s for a consistently thick and flavorful puree.

Avoid anything labeled “pumpkin pie mix,” as it’s pre-sweetened and spiced.

How to make Soft Pumpkin Cookies?

Preheat and Prepare

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, combine the soft butter and brown sugar.

Beat them together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and wonderfully pale.

Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg until it’s fully blended into the sugary butter.

Next, add the pumpkin puree and vanilla, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogenous.

Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt over the wet mix.

Give it a good mix, then add the flour and stir on low speed until just combined.

Scoop the Dough

This dough is soft, more like a thick, luxurious batter—that’s exactly right.

Use a two-tablespoon cookie scoop to drop rounded mounds onto your prepared sheets.

Bake to Perfection

Bake one sheet at a time for the most even heat distribution.

They’re done when the tops are set and the edges have the faintest hint of gold.

Cool Completely

Let the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for five minutes to firm up.

Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before even thinking about frosting.

Tips

If your dough seems too soft to scoop, a brief 15-minute chill will fix it right up.

For the best rise and texture, make sure your baking soda and powder are fresh.

And please, resist eating them warm if you’re frosting them; patience is a virtue here.

Frosting: The Icing on the Cookie

A swirled layer of cream cheese frosting transforms these cookies into pure decadence.

The tangy, creamy frosting is a stunning contrast to the spiced, cakey cookie beneath it.

For the best results, ensure both your cookies and frosting are completely cool before assembling.

How to Store and Keep Them Fresh

Unfrosted cookies will stay soft and delicious for up to three days in an airtight container.

Once frosted, they must be stored in the refrigerator due to the dairy in the frosting.

They also freeze magnificently for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature.

Delicious Variations to Try

Feel free to stir in a handful of chocolate chips or toasted pecans into the dough.

A drizzle of simple powdered sugar glaze is a lovely alternative to cream cheese frosting.

For a fun twist, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the frosting is absolutely divine.

So, preheat that oven and embrace the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice.

This recipe is your ticket to creating a truly unforgettable autumnal treat.

Happy baking!