Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies bring together the soft, chewy sweetness of classic sugar cookies with the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. These cookies are dotted with the perfect mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving them that unmistakable autumn vibe in every bite. They’re soft around the edges and just a little crisp on the outside, making them a real crowd-pleaser.
One of my favorite things about making these cookies is how simple it is to add that pumpkin spice twist to a familiar recipe. It’s like giving a comforting hug during chilly days. I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a sweet, slightly crunchy finish. It’s one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell like fall instantly, which I absolutely love.
These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee. I often bring a batch when I visit family or neighbors because they’re easy to transport and always disappear fast. Whether you’re baking to celebrate the season or just because you want a little pumpkin spice cheer, these cookies hit the spot every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the salt level and adds rich flavor. If you prefer, you can swap for coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but it may change the texture slightly.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This mix is key for that autumn feel. If you don’t have it ready-made, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves yourself. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour keeps these cookies tender yet sturdy. For gluten-free baking, try a gluten-free blend but watch the texture to adjust baking time.
Glaze: Powdered sugar and milk make a simple sweet topping. If you want a dairy-free glaze, try using almond or oat milk. You can also leave out the glaze for a less sweet treat.
How Do You Get the Perfect Soft yet Slightly Crisp Cookie?
The trick is to cream butter and sugar well to create a fluffy base, then avoid overmixing once the flour goes in. Flattening the dough balls a bit before baking helps cookies spread evenly.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes — watch for lightly golden edges while the center stays soft.
- Cool cookies on the sheet first to let them set, then transfer to a rack to cool fully.
- Don’t skip cooling before glazing — warm cookies can melt the icing, making it runny instead of smooth.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar much easier and fluffier.
- Baking sheets – sturdy, flat trays ensure even baking of your cookies.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent sticking and make cleanup quick.
- Cooling rack – lets your cookies cool evenly and keeps bottoms from getting soggy.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps portion dough evenly for uniform cookies.
- Whisk – perfect for mixing the glaze ingredients to a smooth consistency.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add white chocolate chips – they melt nicely and add a sweet, creamy contrast to the spice.
- Use maple extract instead of vanilla – it pairs wonderfully with pumpkin spice for a richer fall flavor.
- Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts – add a nice crunch and nutty taste that complements the spices.
- Swap pumpkin pie spice for chai spice blend – for a warming twist with cardamom and black pepper.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For The Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or as needed for consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decorations:
- Coarse sugar or pumpkin spice for sprinkling
- Colored icing for pumpkin designs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the dough and shape the cookies, 10-12 minutes for baking, and another 20-30 minutes for cooling and glazing. Altogether, expect around 45-60 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cookie Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes around 3-4 minutes with a mixer. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until blended. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.
2. Shaping and Baking the Cookies:
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to roll dough balls and place them about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball slightly using your palm or the bottom of a glass to help them bake evenly.
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers stay soft. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Making and Applying the Glaze:
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to create a smooth, spreadable glaze. Once cookies are fully cooled, spread the glaze on top of each cookie using the back of a spoon or a small spatula. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or a dusting of pumpkin pie spice if you like some extra sparkle and flavor.
Allow the glaze to set before serving. Optionally, you can use colored icing to decorate pumpkins or other festive shapes for special occasions.
4. Storing Your Cookies:
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a week and taste great with a warm drink like tea or coffee.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened, room temperature butter for creaming to get that light and fluffy texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight, then let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just let the dough warm slightly at room temperature before scooping and baking for best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If glazed, make sure the icing is fully set before storing to avoid sticking.
Can I Skip the Glaze or Use a Different Topping?
Definitely! The glaze adds sweetness and a pretty finish, but these cookies taste great on their own. You can also sprinkle cinnamon sugar before baking or decorate with icing for a personalized touch.
