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–+ servings
Multiple pumpkin cookies with icing drizzled on top.
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Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

You'll love these cakey, soft pumpkin cookies. They're loaded with fall spices and so easy to make!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 51 minutes
Servings 34 cookies
Calories 134kcal
Author John Kanell

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer with paddle attachment
  • Large baking or cookie sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • 1½ tablespoon-sized triggered cookie scoop

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed (220g)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (240g)

For the Icing:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
  • ¼ cup whole milk (60mL)
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

For the Cookies:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or an electric hand mixer), combine the butter, light brown and granulated sugars. Beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until well combined.
  • Add the egg and vanilla, then mix on low for 1 minute, until lightened in color and fluffy. Add the pumpkin and mix on low for about 30 seconds to combine. With a rubber spatula, scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl and mix again until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Scrape the bowl down one last time and use a spatula to fold in any remaining flour. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • After the dough has been chilling for 15 minutes, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Use a 1½ tablespoon-sized triggered cookie scoop to portion the cookies to be about 1½-inches in diameter. Scoop the cookies directly onto the prepared pans, leaving about 2 inches of space in between each cookie.
  • Bake the cookies for about 11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Let cool on the sheet tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the icing:

  • In a medium mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar. Add the milk, melted butter, vanilla and and salt and whisk the mixture until it is completely smooth. Cover and set aside until ready to use.
  • Once the cookies are competely cool, drizzle or dip the tops of each in the icing.

Video

Notes

  • Measure your flour correctly! Adding too much flour to the pumpkin cookie recipe is the most common mistake. The best and easiest way to measure flour is by using a scale. If you don't have one, then fluff your flour with a spoon, sprinkle it into your measuring cup, and use a knife to level it off.
  • Use room temperature ingredients. Set the refrigerated ingredients out about an hour beforehand so they can warm to room temperature. This makes them easier to incorporate into the cookie dough.
  • Use pure canned pumpkin: The only ingredient on the can should be pumpkin. Do not use pumpkin pie filling, which has added spices and sugar.
  • Chill the pumpkin cookie dough. The batter is quite loose after it is mixed. The 30-minute chilling time is so important so the cookies do not spread too much while baking.
  • Use a cookie scoop so the cookies are equal in size. This promotes even baking, and makes it easier to scoop out the dough!.
  • Let the cookies cool completely before icing. If they are still warm, the icing will melt and run off the cookies.
  • Use leftover pumpkin puree in one of these delicious pumpkin recipes like pumpkin dip, pumpkin scones, or pumpkin pancakes!

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1237IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg