Fall brings the perfect excuse to bake delicious pumpkin cookies. With so many tasty recipes to choose from, you can satisfy your pumpkin cravings all season long.

These recipes offer easy ways to make soft, flavorful pumpkin cookies at home. From classic pumpkin spice to creative mix-ins like chocolate chips, there’s a pumpkin cookie recipe for every taste.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of freshly baked pumpkin treats.

1. Classic Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Pumpkin spice cookies are a fall favorite. These treats blend the rich flavors of pumpkin with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

To make them, cream shortening and sugar together. Mix in eggs and pumpkin puree.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.

Bake at 350°F until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool before enjoying. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with cozy autumn flavors.

2. White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies blend the warm flavors of pumpkin with sweet white chocolate chips. They’re a tasty twist on classic pumpkin cookies.

To make them, cream butter and sugar, then mix in pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla.

Add flour and spices, and stir in white chocolate chips.

Scoop the dough onto baking sheets and bake until golden.

The result is soft, chewy cookies with a nice fall flavor.

You can store these cookies at room temperature for a few days. They also freeze well if you want to make them ahead of time.

3. Cranberry Pumpkin Nut Cookies

Cranberry pumpkin nut cookies blend fall flavors in a tasty treat. You’ll love the mix of pumpkin, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts. These cookies are soft and packed with flavor.

To make them, cream butter and sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla.

Mix in flour, spices, baking powder, and baking soda. Fold in cranberries and nuts.

Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.

Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Let cool before eating. These cookies are great for holidays or any time you want a festive snack.

4. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Pumpkin snickerdoodles blend classic cinnamon-sugar cookies with fall flavors. These treats are soft, chewy, and packed with pumpkin goodness.

To make them, mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.

In another bowl, beat butter, sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients.

Chill the dough for better texture. Roll it into balls, then coat in cinnamon-sugar.

Bake until edges are set but centers are soft.

These cookies are perfect for autumn parties, game days, or Halloween events. Their warm spices and pumpkin flavor make them a seasonal favorite.

5. Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Pumpkin oatmeal cookies are a tasty fall treat. You’ll love how soft and chewy these cookies turn out. The secret is using pure pumpkin puree for moisture and binding.

Mix in old-fashioned rolled oats for great texture. Add cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract for extra flavor. Use both white and brown sugar to get the perfect sweetness.

Melt the butter before mixing it in. This helps create that ideal chewy texture.

Let the cookies cool completely before eating. They actually taste even better the next day!

6. Glazed Pumpkin Cookies

Glazed pumpkin cookies are a tasty fall treat. You’ll love their soft, chewy texture and warm spices.

These cookies mix pumpkin with cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices. The vanilla glaze on top adds extra sweetness.

To make them, combine flour, baking soda, and spices. Mix butter, sugar, and pumpkin separately. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then scoop onto baking sheets.

After baking, let the cookies cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over them while still warm.

The result is a perfect balance of pumpkin flavor and sweet icing.

7. Pumpkin Ginger Cookies

Pumpkin ginger cookies blend the best of fall flavors. You’ll love the mix of warm spices and pumpkin in these soft, chewy treats.

To make them, combine pumpkin puree with ginger, molasses, and other spices.

Roll the dough into balls and coat with sugar before baking.

These cookies bake up with crackly tops in just 10-13 minutes. Let them cool slightly before enjoying their sweet and spicy flavor.

For extra flair, top your pumpkin ginger cookies with browned butter frosting. This adds a nutty sweetness that complements the spices.

Try adding raisins to the dough for more texture. Whether plain or frosted, these cookies make a tasty autumn treat.

8. Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are a delicious treat for vegans and non-vegans alike. You’ll love how soft and chewy they turn out. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients that are easy to find.

To make the dough, mix melted vegan butter, sugar, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla.

Add flour, baking soda, and spices. Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips.

Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet.

Bake for 9-11 minutes at 350°F. The edges should be golden, while the centers remain soft.

Let the cookies cool before enjoying. You can store them in an airtight container for a few days. These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for fall but tasty year-round.

9. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Cookies

These cookies blend the best of pumpkin and cheesecake flavors. Start by making a pumpkin cookie dough with warm spices. Add a dollop of cream cheese mixture on top of each cookie before baking.

Use a toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin dough. This creates a pretty pattern and mixes the flavors.

Bake the cookies until the edges turn golden brown.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before moving them. The result is a soft pumpkin cookie with creamy swirls. The mix of pumpkin spice and tangy cream cheese is perfect for fall.

10. Pumpkin Pecan Cookies

Pumpkin pecan cookies blend the warm flavors of fall with a delightful crunch. These treats combine pumpkin puree, pecans, and spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.

The cookies have a soft, pillowy texture with a zesty bite from the pecans. They’re easy to make and perfect for celebrating pumpkin season.

To bake these cookies, mix flour, spices, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter, sugar, pumpkin, and vanilla.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in chopped pecans.

Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 11-13 minutes.

For extra flair, drizzle cooled cookies with white chocolate.

11. Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Pumpkin molasses cookies blend the flavors of fall into a chewy, spiced treat. You’ll love the combination of pumpkin, molasses, and warm spices in these cookies.

To make them, mix butter and sugar until fluffy. Add pumpkin, molasses, vanilla, and an egg.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and spices like cinnamon and ginger.

Mix the wet and dry ingredients. Scoop the dough onto lined baking sheets.

Bake at 350°F for about 9 minutes until golden. Let cool before enjoying.

These cookies have a soft texture and rich flavor. They’re perfect for autumn gatherings or as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.

History of Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin cookies have a rich history that spans centuries. They’ve evolved from simple recipes to become a beloved fall treat in many cultures.

Origins and Evolution

Pumpkin cookies trace their roots back to Native American cooking. These early versions were made by mashing pumpkins and mixing them with cornmeal. The dough was then shaped into small cakes and baked on hot stones.

European settlers later added their own twists. They used wheat flour, sugar, and spices to create sweeter, more cake-like cookies.

By the 1800s, pumpkin cookies had become a common treat in American homes.

The 20th century saw the rise of canned pumpkin. This made baking pumpkin cookies easier and more popular. New recipes popped up, ranging from soft and cakey to chewy and crisp.

Cultural Significance

Pumpkin cookies have become a symbol of fall in many places. In the U.S., they’re often linked to Halloween and Thanksgiving celebrations. Families bake them together as a fun autumn activity.

These treats have also spread to other countries. Each culture adds its own spin, using local spices and ingredients.

In some places, pumpkin cookies are now part of holiday traditions.

Pumpkin cookies have gained popularity in recent years due to the pumpkin spice trend. They’re now found in cafes, bakeries, and grocery stores during fall months.

Many people see them as a comforting, nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories.

Benefits of Pumpkin in Baking

Pumpkin adds nutrition and flavor to baked goods. It makes cookies, cakes, and breads moist and tasty.

Nutritional Value of Pumpkin

Pumpkin packs a healthy punch in baked treats. It’s full of vitamins A and C to boost your immune system. Pumpkin also gives you fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.

Adding pumpkin to cookies cuts down on fat and calories. You can use less oil or butter.

Pumpkin’s natural sweetness means you need less sugar too.

The bright orange color comes from beta-carotene. This helps keep your eyes and skin healthy.

Pumpkin seeds are also good for you. They have protein, healthy fats, and minerals.

Texture and Flavor Enhancements

Pumpkin makes baked goods soft and moist. It adds a smooth, velvety texture to cookies and cakes.

You’ll get treats that stay fresh longer.

The mild, sweet taste of pumpkin goes well with spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring out its flavor. Pumpkin also pairs nicely with chocolate chips or nuts.

Pumpkin gives baked goods a golden color. This makes your cookies look warm and inviting. The natural orange hue means you don’t need food coloring.

Using pumpkin lets you make tasty fall treats year-round. It’s great in oatmeal cookies, muffins, and quick breads.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Pumpkin Cookie

Making tasty pumpkin cookies starts with good ingredients and the right baking methods. Pick fresh, quality items and follow key steps for soft, flavorful cookies.

Selecting the Right Ingredients

Choose canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The puree gives a pure pumpkin taste without added spices.

Pick unsalted butter so you can control the salt. Fresh spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger boost flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and a deep taste.

For mix-ins, try chopped pecans or chocolate chips. They add crunch and sweetness.

Use all-purpose flour for a good texture. If you want healthier cookies, swap half the flour for whole wheat.

Baking Techniques and Tips

Don’t overmix the dough. This can make tough cookies.

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step helps the cookies keep their shape.

Use a cookie scoop for even sizes.

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This stops sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Space cookies 2 inches apart. They will spread as they bake.

Bake until the edges are light golden. The center should look set but soft.

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then move them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without getting too crisp.