Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

BY :

Sofia

Posted On :

August 29, 2025

Fall has arrived, and with it comes the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice! Nothing says autumn quite like a warm, gooey, and incredibly chewy pumpkin spice cookie. This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about embracing the cozy vibes of the season and creating a delightful treat that will transport you to a world of comforting flavors. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, spiced cookie, the perfect balance of sweet and spicy dancing on your tongue, leaving you wanting more. That’s the magic of these Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies. We’re not just making cookies; we’re crafting a quintessential autumn experience.

Beyond the delightful taste, these cookies are remarkably easy to make. Even if you’re a beginner baker, this recipe is designed to guide you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips. With just a few simple ingredients and readily available kitchen tools, you can create a batch of these delicious cookies that will impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on this delightful baking journey together. Prepare for a sensory explosion that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly evening. This recipe will quickly become your go-to autumn dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. Here’s what makes them so special:

Unbeatable Chewiness: The perfect balance of butter, sugar, and pumpkin puree creates an irresistible chewiness that sets these cookies apart. Each bite is a delightful textural journey.
Warm Pumpkin Spice Flavor: The classic combination of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg delivers a rich and comforting pumpkin spice flavor that truly embodies the essence of autumn. It’s the perfect blend of warm and inviting spices.
Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their baking adventures. The straightforward instructions and clear steps make it easy to follow.
Endless Customization Options: Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for a personalized touch. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create cookies that perfectly reflect your taste preferences. You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make wonderful gifts for friends, family, or colleagues. Their delicious flavor and charming presentation make them a thoughtful and delightful present. Imagine sharing these delightful cookies with your loved ones.
Crowd-Pleaser: These Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, regardless of their age or baking preferences. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion. It’s a recipe to conquer all palates!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

In a world of countless cookie recipes, these Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies stand out for several reasons:

Exceptional Flavor Profile: The perfectly balanced blend of spices and pumpkin creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a taste that will leave a lasting impression.
Superior Texture: The delightful chewiness of these cookies is a testament to the perfect combination of ingredients and baking techniques. This recipe consistently delivers cookies with a satisfying texture.
Versatility: Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee, milk, or hot chocolate, these cookies are incredibly versatile and adaptable to any situation.
Seasonal Delight: These cookies are the epitome of autumn baking, bringing a warm and inviting atmosphere to any gathering. They’re the perfect complement to the cozy autumn season.
Stress-Free Baking: The straightforward and easy-to-follow instructions ensure a stress-free baking experience. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll be able to create delicious cookies.
Memories in the Making: Baking these cookies can become a cherished family tradition, creating lasting memories and bonding moments in the kitchen. Share this delicious recipe with your loved ones!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

To make these incredible Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients and some helpful tools. Let’s dive into the specifics:

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy cookie dough. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal results. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt level in your cookies.
1 cup granulated sugar: Granulated sugar contributes to the sweetness and texture of the cookies. It’s a fundamental ingredient in almost all cookies!
1 cup packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor to the cookies. The packed measurement is important to ensure the correct amount of moisture is incorporated. Packed brown sugar provides a richer taste and a chewier texture.
2 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture and richness to the cookies. Use large eggs for consistent results. Room temperature eggs help with creaming the butter and sugar.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookies, adding a subtle sweetness and warmth. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor. Vanilla extract complements the pumpkin spice flavors beautifully.
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree: Pumpkin puree is the star of the show! Make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Using pure pumpkin puree guarantees that your cookies have a true pumpkin flavor.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookies. Gradually add the flour to avoid overmixing the dough. Using good quality all-purpose flour matters in the quality of your cookies.
2 teaspoons baking soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise and creates a light and airy texture. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal leavening. Fresh baking soda is key to properly leavened cookies.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is a key ingredient in the pumpkin spice blend, providing warmth and a distinctive flavor. Using ground cinnamon is essential for creating the perfect pumpkin spice flavor.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Ginger adds a spicy kick to the cookies, complementing the other spices. Freshly ground ginger will have a more intense flavor than pre-ground ginger. Ginger adds depth and complexity to the spice blend.
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Cloves provide a warm and slightly pungent flavor to the cookies. A small amount of cloves goes a long way in enhancing the spice profile. Cloves add a unique aroma and taste to the cookies.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and sweetness to the cookies. Freshly grated nutmeg will have a more intense flavor. Nutmeg contributes a subtle nuttiness and warmth.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness of the cookies and enhances the overall flavor. Don’t skip the salt!
Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries: Add your favorite mix-ins for a personalized touch. Chocolate chips, nuts, and dried cranberries are popular choices. These additions provide texture and flavor variations.

Utensils:

Large bowl: For creaming the butter and sugar and combining the wet ingredients.
Medium bowl: For whisking together the dry ingredients.
Electric mixer (handheld or stand): To cream the butter and sugar efficiently. While you can do this by hand, an electric mixer makes the process much easier and faster.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
Whisk: For smoothly combining the dry ingredients.
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: For scraping down the sides of the bowls and ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Baking sheets: To bake the cookies.
Parchment paper: To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets. Parchment paper also makes cleanup a breeze.
Rounded tablespoon: For scooping the cookie dough onto the baking sheets.
Wire rack: For cooling the cookies completely.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, let’s bake some delicious Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for ensuring the cookies bake evenly. Make sure your oven is preheated before you start baking.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and make cleanup easier. Lightly grease the parchment paper if you’re concerned about sticking. Use two baking sheets so you can bake in batches.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a light and airy cookie dough. Use an electric mixer for best results. Creaming the butter and sugars incorporates air, leading to softer cookies.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time to ensure they’re fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well after each addition. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
Add the pumpkin puree and mix well to combine. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor to the cookies. Make sure the pumpkin puree is well combined to avoid streaks in the final product.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they’re evenly distributed. This step helps to prevent lumps in the final cookie dough.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined; there should still be a few lumps in the dough.
Stir in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or cranberries. Add your chosen mix-ins gently to avoid damaging them. If using chocolate chips, add them towards the end to prevent them from melting too much during baking.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. The cookies will spread during baking, so it’s important to leave enough space between them. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size cookies.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking time may vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 10 minutes. Slightly soft centers ensure chewy cookies.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy! Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes helps them set before transferring to a wire rack to avoid breakage. Allow them to cool completely before enjoying their chewy goodness.

**Important Note:** Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies while they’re baking. It’s always better to underbake slightly than to overbake, as overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly.

Tips and Variations for Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies to perfection:

For extra chewy cookies: Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar. Brown sugar contributes to the chewiness and moisture of the cookies.
For crispier edges: Bake the cookies for a few extra minutes. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
For a richer flavor: Use brown butter instead of regular butter. Brown butter adds nutty and caramel-like notes.
For gluten-free cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend is designed for baking cookies. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid based on the type of gluten-free flour blend used.
For vegan cookies: Replace the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Experiment to find the right consistency for vegan cookies.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for an extra layer of warmth and complexity. Cardamom and allspice complement the pumpkin spice mix beautifully.
Make it festive: Add sprinkles, chopped candied ginger, or white chocolate chips for a holiday twist. Customize your cookies to match seasonal celebrations and occasions.
Avoid overmixing the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
Don’t overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Remove them from the oven while the centers are still slightly soft.
Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent them from spreading too much.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

While these cookies are undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content. A typical Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookie (approximately 3 inches in diameter) will contain approximately:

Calories: Around 200-250 calories
Protein: Around 2-3 grams
Fat: Around 10-12 grams
Carbohydrates: Around 25-30 grams

These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the size of the cookies. Nutritional information can be adjusted by using healthier alternatives like whole wheat flour or reducing the amount of sugar.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of the key ingredients:

Pumpkin: A good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber. Pumpkin also contains antioxidants.
Cinnamon: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Cloves: Rich in antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.
Nutmeg: Contains antioxidants and may have mood-boosting effects.

Remember that moderation is key when enjoying these delicious cookies. They should be considered a treat rather than a staple in your diet.

FAQs

How long do Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies should last for about 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, it’s best to use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that will alter the flavor and texture of your cookies.

What makes these Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies so chewy?

The combination of softened butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree contributes significantly to the chewy texture. These ingredients retain moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming dry and crumbly.

Are these Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies gluten-free?

No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. However, you can easily adapt it to be gluten-free by using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Remember to adjust the amount of liquid as needed based on the gluten-free blend you choose.

Can I freeze the Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookie dough balls to a freezer bag for longer storage. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

In conclusion, these Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the warmth and comfort of autumn. The recipe is simple to follow, yet the results are extraordinary. From the perfectly balanced pumpkin spice flavor to the irresistible chewy texture, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different add-ins and variations to create your own signature cookie. Try this recipe today and share your baking experience with us in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on Pinterest and tag us! For more delicious autumn recipes, check out our recipe collection, especially our Pumpkin and Walnut Cake!