# Pumpkin Spice Cookies: The Perfect Fall Treat
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, nothing brings the warmth of autumn into your home quite like freshly baked Pumpkin Spice Cookies. This delightful treat captures the essence of fall, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices that families love. Whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or just enjoying a quiet afternoon with the kids, these cookies are sure to please. Let’s dive into the delightful world of pumpkin spice and explore how you can create your very own batch of refreshing Pumpkin Spice Cookies.
## The Magic of Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Imagine a kitchen filled with the inviting aroma of cinnamon and ginger as you embark on making these irresistible Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Not only are they a delicious addition to your family’s dessert collection, but they also make wonderful gifts for friends and neighbors. Each bite is a burst of nostalgia, calling to mind memories of pumpkin picking and warm sweaters. But first, let’s gather our ingredients to create this festive treat.
### Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Whisk Together Dry Ingredients:** In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
   
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and well-combined.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Stir in the large egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:** Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined.
5. **Chill the Dough:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
6. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. **Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating:** In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon for coating.
8. **Shape the Cookies:** Scoop out dough using a cookie scoop or spoon, roll into balls, and then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
9. **Bake Cookies:** Place the rolled dough on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookies are lightly golden.
10. **Cool Down:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now that you have your delicious Pumpkin Spice Cookies ready, it’s time to enjoy them with a warm beverage or perhaps share them with friends and family!
## Why Pumpkin Spice is a Family Favorite
Pumpkin spice flavors are a family favorite for many reasons. They evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, making them perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Children often enjoy helping in the kitchen, especially when it involves squishing pumpkin puree and rolling cookies, creating bonding moments that turn into cherished memories. As you mix the ingredients, you can sit together and reminisce about past autumn adventures, from visits to pumpkin patches to cozy family movie nights.
A great way to pair these cookies is with hot apple cider or homemade chocolate milk, making it a delightful post-activity snack. Explore more family-friendly recipes [here](https://www.cekerecipes.com/sitemap_index.xml) and discover other treats that can bring your family together!
## Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time
To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these tips:
- **Use Fresh Spices:** For the best flavor, try to use fresh spices. Buying whole spices and grinding them right before baking can elevate the taste.
  
- **Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough:** Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. It also enhances the flavors.
  
- **Watch the Baking Time:** Cookies can go from soft to golden brown quickly. Keep an eye on them during the last couple of minutes to avoid overbaking.
- **Store Properly:** Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week—if they last that long!
## FAQ Section
**Q: Can I substitute the pumpkin puree?**  
A: Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree or even applesauce in a pinch, but it may alter the flavor slightly. Store-bought pumpkin puree works best for this recipe.
**Q: How can I make these cookies more festive?**  
A: You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough, or even top them with a cream cheese frosting after they cool for an extra special treat.
**Q: Can I freeze these cookies?**  
A: Absolutely! After cooling, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Just let them thaw before serving.
**Q: What is the best way to enjoy Pumpkin Spice Cookies?**  
A: These cookies are wonderful on their own, but they pair perfectly with warm drinks like chai tea, apple cider, or coffee for extra coziness.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, Pumpkin Spice Cookies are the ultimate fall treat that brings the family together with warmth and delicious flavors. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shared with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. So gather your ingredients and make some magical memories with these delightful Pumpkin Spice Cookies today!

Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Delightful Pumpkin Spice Cookies that capture the essence of fall with rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices.
- Total Time: 72 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, mixing until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets.
- Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for coating.
- Shape the dough into balls and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and cookies are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining shape during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
