Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies are a type of dessert that infuses the classic fall spice blend, known as pumpkin pie spice, into a cookie dough. This blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a warm, fragrant flavor profile that reminds you of pumpkin pie without the pie crust. The cookies are often made with pumpkin puree, which enhances the flavor and texture, giving them a soft and moist bite.
These cookies are ideal for anyone who loves the taste of pumpkin pie but prefers a quicker, less involved recipe. They offer all the comforting spice notes that make pumpkin pie so special, in a much more portable, easy-to-eat form.
To make Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies, you’ll need approximately 30-45 minutes from start to finish. This includes prep time and baking time. It’s a relatively quick recipe that doesn’t take long to put together, so you can enjoy these cookies in less than an hour. The bake time is around 12-15 minutes, depending on your oven, and it’s best to let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
The aroma that fills the kitchen when baking Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies is truly special. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a comforting atmosphere that transports you straight to autumn. The softness of these cookies makes them a favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth, while the pumpkin flavor adds a unique twist to the traditional spice cookie.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies
- Delicious Flavor: Pumpkin pie spice cookies offer a warm, cozy taste with the perfect balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The blend of spices makes each bite feel like autumn.
- Easy to Make: These cookies are simple to prepare with just a few ingredients. Even beginner bakers can easily whip them up for a tasty treat in no time.
- Perfect for Fall: Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, pumpkin pie spice cookies are a great way to celebrate the season. Their comforting flavors bring a festive touch to any occasion.
Ingredient Notes for Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies
- Unsalted Butter: Butter gives these cookies a rich flavor and soft texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your dough.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps create a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft.
- Egg: Eggs help bind the ingredients together, adding structure and moisture to the cookies.
- Pumpkin Puree: The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a subtle, earthy flavor to the cookies, making them perfect for fall. It’s key for a soft texture.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger brings warmth and depth to the flavor. It’s what gives the cookies their signature fall taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour forms the base of the dough. It provides structure and stability, helping the cookies hold their shape.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent makes the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light and airy texture.
- Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors, making the pumpkin pie spice more prominent.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor, complementing the warmth of the pumpkin pie spice.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
When baking pumpkin pie spice cookies, balance is key. A good mix of flour, spices, and sugar is essential. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. To make the cookies even more special, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before baking.
Experiment with textures! You can swap out part of the butter with applesauce for a lighter texture. Or, add some chopped nuts, like pecans, for extra crunch. These small changes can make your pumpkin pie spice cookies unique and add your personal flavor to the recipe.
Don’t forget about baking time! If you prefer chewy cookies, bake for a slightly shorter time. For crispier cookies, extend the baking time by a couple of minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking and losing that perfect texture.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies Variation
For a fun variation, you can add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for some crunch. Another option is to drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also swap out the pumpkin puree for mashed sweet potato for a slightly different flavor profile.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies
Serve these cookies with a cup of hot apple cider or a warm latte. Their spiced flavor pairs beautifully with these cozy beverages, making them ideal for a fall afternoon. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
For a festive presentation, dust the cookies with powdered sugar and serve them on a rustic wooden platter. They also make great gifts for friends and family during the holiday season. The warm, comforting aroma is sure to delight anyone who tries them.
Storage Options
Store your pumpkin pie spice cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
FAQs About Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies
Can I make pumpkin pie spice cookies without pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can still make pumpkin pie spice cookies without pumpkin puree by relying on the pumpkin pie spice blend for flavor. The cookies will still have the signature spice mix, but without the pumpkin’s moisture.
How do I store pumpkin pie spice cookies?
Store pumpkin pie spice cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. They should stay soft and delicious for up to a week.
Can I freeze pumpkin pie spice cookies?
Yes, you can freeze pumpkin pie spice cookies! Just wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Are pumpkin pie spice cookies hard to make?
Not at all! Pumpkin pie spice cookies are easy to make and don’t require complicated steps. Simply mix the ingredients, roll, and bake to enjoy a sweet treat.
Easy Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 minutes.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg and pumpkin puree to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix well to combine. Add the vanilla extract and mix again until everything is smooth.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Add extras (optional): If you’re using white chocolate chips or chopped pecans, gently fold them into the dough.
- Scoop the dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into equal-sized balls (about 1 tablespoon per cookie). Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Don’t worry if they seem soft—they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool and enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
