It’s that time of year again—when pumpkin spice everything is the way to go! And these Pumpkin Delight Cookies are here to satisfy all your autumn cravings. 🍂 With warm spices, a soft, chewy texture, and a hint of cream cheese frosting, these cookies truly live up to their name! Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them at a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
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Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Perfect Fall Flavor: These cookies capture all the best fall spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—packed into every bite.
- Soft and Chewy: They’re wonderfully soft with a delightful chew that keeps you coming back for more.
- Simple to Make: Easy ingredients and quick prep time make these cookies a go-to for any occasion.
- Cream Cheese Icing Option: While these cookies are delicious on their own, adding a layer of cream cheese frosting takes them over the top.
The Taste of Pumpkin Delight Cookies
These cookies are the embodiment of cozy fall flavors! They have that rich, pumpkin-y base with a mix of spices that warms you from the inside. The texture is soft and tender, with just the right amount of chew, making them perfect for snacking. And if you opt to frost them with cream cheese icing, you’ll get a creamy, tangy finish that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pumpkin and spices.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Quick to Make: You’ll have these cookies baked and ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Classic Fall Flavors: Pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—everything you love about fall in cookie form.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, family dinners, or as a fun treat to give to friends.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for when those pumpkin cravings strike!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the optional cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Necessary Tools
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Add chocolate chips: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a pumpkin-chocolate combination.
- Try pecans or walnuts: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped nuts for some extra texture and nutty flavor.
- Use maple syrup: Replace the vanilla in the frosting with maple syrup for a sweet, fall-inspired twist.
- Swap for gluten-free flour: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
How to Make Pumpkin Delight Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden at the edges.
7. Cool Completely
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Optional: Cream Cheese Frosting
1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar and Vanilla
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
3. Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for decoration.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Delight Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but if you want to pair them with something, here are a few ideas:
- Hot Apple Cider: The spiced cider perfectly complements the warm flavors of the pumpkin cookies.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: A double dose of pumpkin is always a good idea!
- Chai Tea: The cinnamon and cardamom in chai tea are the perfect match for these cookies.
Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Delight Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the butter, cream cheese, and eggs come to room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend smoothly.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should stay soft and chewy, so pull them out as soon as the edges are set and the centers are still a little soft.
Storage Instructions
- At Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they are frosted, they’ll keep for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- In the Freezer: You can freeze the dough or baked cookies (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Just make sure to puree the cooked pumpkin well and strain any excess liquid to avoid soggy cookies.
Do I have to frost the cookies?
Not at all! These cookies are delicious plain, but the cream cheese frosting adds a little extra indulgence.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Delight Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate fall. They’re soft, spiced, and full of that cozy pumpkin flavor we all love! Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just to enjoy with a warm drink, they’re sure to bring smiles. And if you decide to go all out with the cream cheese frosting, well, let’s just say your taste buds are in for a real treat!
Have you tried these cookies? I’d love to know how they turned out! Leave a review below, and don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest for others to see!
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
More Pumpkin Recipes to Try
If you loved these cookies, check out these other pumpkin-inspired treats:
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars
There’s so much more to bake this season—so let’s get started! 🎃
