Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

These delightful Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of soft and chewy, capturing the essence of fall with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Ideal for cozy gatherings or simply enjoying at home, these cookies are easy to whip up and pair wonderfully with warm beverages. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or a simple treat, these cookies will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and basic ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Fall Flavors: The combination of pumpkin pie spice and warm spices creates a comforting taste that embodies the season.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies in each batch, these treats are great for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
• Versatile Pairing Options: Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate for a cozy treat any time of day.
• Customizable Recipes: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to personalize your cookies even further!

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the right tools before starting. Having everything you need on hand will save you time and effort.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or whisk)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies, ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze by lining your baking sheet.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and energy when creaming butter and sugar together, achieving that light and fluffy texture effortlessly.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined with the butter-sugar mixture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Roll dough into balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on the lined baking sheet with enough space between each ball.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.

Step 8: Cool

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies!

Now that you’ve mastered this simple yet delicious recipe, you’ll be ready to enjoy these delightful treats all season long!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

These delightful Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee – Pair these cookies with a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Tea – Enjoy them alongside your favorite herbal or chai tea for a soothing afternoon snack.
• Hot Chocolate – Dip these cookies into rich hot chocolate for an indulgent dessert.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment – Combine with other festive cookies like gingerbread or oatmeal raisin for a colorful dessert platter.
• Fruit Slices – Serve with fresh apple or pear slices for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

For Special Occasions

• Birthday Parties – Decorate the cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles to make them festive and fun.
• Fall Gatherings – Present them on a themed platter alongside pumpkins and autumn leaves for a seasonal touch.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies come out soft and chewy every time, follow these simple tips.

• Chill the Dough – Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain the cookie’s shape.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature to create a smooth batter.
• Avoid Overmixing – Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender in texture.
• Watch the Baking Time – Remove cookies from the oven when they are lightly golden around the edges; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Store Properly – Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies can be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Cinnamon Applesauce – A warm side dish that enhances the spice notes of the cookies.
2. Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and sugar provide a crunchy texture contrast.
3. Caramel Dip – Sweet caramel dip adds richness and pairs perfectly with the lightness of the cookies.
4. Cream Cheese Frosting – A creamy topping that offers a tangy balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a refreshing and healthy accompaniment.
6. Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of pumpkin soup echoes the flavor profile of your cookies, making it perfect for fall gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies can be an enjoyable experience, but there are common mistakes that might affect the outcome.

• Boldly skip measuring ingredients: Not measuring accurately can lead to cookies that are too dry or too wet. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise measurements.
• Boldly overlook room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can prevent proper mixing. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Boldly ignore chilling the dough: Skipping this step can result in cookies that spread too much. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for better texture.
• Boldly bake on unprepared sheets: Baking directly on a bare sheet can cause sticking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
• Boldly underbake or overbake: Keep a close eye on the baking time. Cookies should be golden around the edges but soft in the center; overbaking makes them hard.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for quick warming.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies.

Can I use pumpkin puree in my Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies?

You can substitute a small amount of pumpkin puree for some of the butter, but it may alter the texture slightly. Experiment carefully!

How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk or using brown sugar instead of white sugar.

What is pumpkin pie spice made of?

Pumpkin pie spice typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. You can mix your own if you want a customized flavor!

How long will my Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they will last about one week at room temperature.

Can I decorate my Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to use icing or sprinkles for decoration after they cool completely.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. They are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. You can even customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts! Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of autumn with every bite.