Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, especially when they’re infused with the warm, cozy flavors of fall. Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are the epitome of autumnal baking, combining the sweetness of sugar cookies with the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, making them an ideal treat for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, baking for a cozy night in, or simply enjoying the flavors of the season.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to bake the perfect batch of these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. From ingredient tips to baking techniques, we’ll cover it all to ensure your cookies turn out irresistibly soft and delicious every time. Let’s dive into the world of fall baking with this ultimate recipe!

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🛒 Ingredients for Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

These cookies use simple ingredients that come together to create a magical blend of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is essential for creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure to leave it at room temperature for about an hour before starting, so it’s easy to cream with the sugars.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly as they bake, giving them that classic cookie shape.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar adds not only sweetness but also moisture and a slight caramel flavor, contributing to the chewy texture of these cookies.
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree: Pumpkin puree is the star ingredient in these cookies, adding moisture, flavor, and a hint of natural sweetness. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
• 1 large egg yolk: The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the dough together without making it too cakey. This is key to achieving that perfect soft-batch texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, adding a warm, sweet undertone that complements the spices and pumpkin.

For the Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookies, creating a tender crumb that’s soft yet sturdy enough to hold its shape.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder helps the cookies rise slightly, ensuring they stay soft and fluffy rather than dense and heavy.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda works alongside the baking powder to give the cookies a light, airy texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients, ensuring the cookies aren’t overly sweet.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is a must-have spice for fall baking, providing warmth and a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that deepens the spice profile of the cookies.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Ginger brings a bit of zing and warmth, complementing the other spices and giving the cookies a more complex flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Cloves add a rich, spicy depth to the cookies, rounding out the flavor profile with a hint of boldness.

For Rolling the Dough:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Rolling the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a delightful crunch to the outside of the cookies, contrasting beautifully with their soft, chewy centers.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C): Preheating your oven ensures that the cookies bake evenly, achieving that perfect soft texture without overbaking.
2. Line a baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line your baking sheet. This not only prevents sticking but also promotes even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

1. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy.
2. Why is this step crucial? The creaming process incorporates air into the dough, which helps create the soft, light texture that makes these cookies so irresistible. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

1. Mix in the pumpkin puree: Add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree to the butter and sugar mixture. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor, making these cookies soft and giving them that signature pumpkin taste.
2. Add the egg yolk: Next, add 1 large egg yolk to the mixture, beating until fully combined. The egg yolk adds richness to the dough, helping to create that soft, chewy texture.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract: Finally, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined. Vanilla enhances the flavor of the cookies and complements the pumpkin and spices.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. These spices give the cookies their warm, autumnal flavor, making them taste like fall in every bite.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough instead of soft and tender.

Step 5: Form the Cookie Dough Balls

1. Scoop the dough: Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop the dough into 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls. The dough will be soft, so don’t worry if the balls aren’t perfectly round.
2. Roll in sugar: Roll each dough ball in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, coating them evenly. This step adds a sweet, crunchy coating to the outside of the cookies, providing a lovely contrast to their soft centers.
3. Place on the baking sheet: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly as they bake, so be sure to give them enough room.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The key to achieving soft, chewy cookies is to slightly underbake them. Don’t be tempted to leave them in the oven too long, as they will continue to set as they cool.
2. Cool on the baking sheet: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set without becoming too crisp.

🍂 Tips and Tricks for the Best Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

1. Use Canned Pumpkin Puree, Not Pumpkin Pie Filling: It’s important to use 100% pure pumpkin puree for these cookies, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor and texture of the cookies.
2. Don’t Skip the Sugar Rolling Step: Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking gives the cookies a delightful crunch on the outside, which contrasts beautifully with their soft, chewy centers. This step also adds an extra layer of sweetness that makes these cookies truly special.
3. Adjust the Spices to Your Liking: If you’re a fan of bold pumpkin spice flavor, feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a little extra cinnamon for more warmth, or increase the ginger and cloves for a spicier kick.
4. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of the soft, tender texture you’re aiming for.
5. Bake Just Until Set: The key to soft, chewy cookies is to bake them just until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t be tempted to overbake them. If in doubt, it’s better to slightly underbake than to overbake.
6. Store in an Airtight Container: To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for up to a week—if they last that long!
7. Freeze for Later: These cookies freeze beautifully, making them a great option for make-ahead treats. Simply place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.

🥂 Variations and Twists on Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

1. Add Chocolate Chips: For a fun twist, try adding a handful of chocolate chips to the cookie dough. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate is unexpectedly delicious, and the melty chocolate adds an extra layer of indulgence to these already amazing cookies.
2. Top with a Glaze: If you want to take these cookies to the next level, try drizzling them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and makes the cookies look extra festive.
3. Make Them Vegan: To make these cookies vegan, simply swap the butter for a plant-based butter substitute and replace the egg yolk with a flaxseed or chia egg. The result will still be soft, chewy, and delicious!
4. Add Nuts for Crunch: If you like a bit of crunch in your cookies, try adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough. The nuts add a nice contrast to the soft texture of the cookies and pair perfectly with the warm pumpkin spices.
5. Try Different Spices: While the traditional pumpkin spice blend is delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices. Cardamom, allspice, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a unique twist to these cookies.

🎉 Final Thoughts: Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies for Every Occasion

Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are the ultimate fall treat, combining the classic flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a soft, chewy texture that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking for a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The result is a batch of cookies that are soft, flavorful, and full of the comforting flavors of fall. Serve them at your next gathering, share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—however you enjoy them, these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are sure to become a new favorite.

So preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowl, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious cookies. Happy baking! 🍁🍪