🍂 Easy Pumpkin Spice Thanksgiving Cookies (Cozy Flavors) – Warm Your Home with These Fall Favorites!
These melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin spice cookies blend cinnamon, nutmeg, and real pumpkin puree for cozy fall flavors. Perfect with your anchor Thanksgiving sugar cookies!
Need a cookie that captures fall's warm, cozy essence? These pumpkin spice treats combine real pumpkin with a cinnamon-nutmeg blend for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Pair with your Quick & Easy Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies for a balanced sweet spread. Bake while planning your feast and enjoy the comforting aroma!
As Thanksgiving approaches, these cookies become the centerpiece of your cozy kitchen. Their spiced pumpkin flavor evokes autumn harvests and family gatherings. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort.
What makes these cookies special? The use of real pumpkin puree (not pie filling!) creates a moist, tender texture while the spice blend - cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of allspice - warms your home with fall's essence. Perfect for mid-morning snacking while finalizing your feast plans.
The recipe's simplicity lets the pumpkin shine. No complicated techniques required - just mix, chill, and bake. And the best part? They pair beautifully with our anchor Quick & Easy Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies for a balanced holiday spread.
Ready to transform your kitchen into a fall haven? Let's dive into the details of these irresistible cookies that'll become your new autumn tradition.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt (for spice blend)
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1 tsp salt. Set aside.
- Step 2: Beat Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, beating well.
- Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with pumpkin puree. Mix until just combined.
- Step 4: Chill Dough: Cover dough and refrigerate for 1 hour to prevent spreading during baking.
- Step 5: Portion & Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Drop dough by tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden.
- Step 6: Spice Coating: While cookies cool, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gently toss cooled cookies in spice blend for extra flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
🍂 Real Pumpkin Flavor
Canned pumpkin puree adds moisture and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the spices better than artificial flavoring.
⏰ Quick Preparation
Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish with minimal steps - perfect for busy holiday bakers who still want homemade quality.
👥 Customizable Spice Level
Adjust cinnamon/nutmeg ratios to match your spice preference - from mild to robust fall flavor.
🌟 Cozy Aroma
The nutmeg and ginger create a warm, comforting scent that fills your kitchen like a cozy autumn morning.
Pumpkin Spice Thanksgiving Cookies
Cozy fall flavors with real pumpkin
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1 tsp baking powder
- - 1/2 tsp baking soda
- - 1 tsp salt
- - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- - 1 large egg
- - 1 tsp vanilla extract
- - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- - 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- - 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- - 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- - 1/4 tsp salt (for spice blend)
👨🍳 Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl.
💡 Use a sifter to remove lumps for even mixing.
Beat Butter & Sugars: Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
💡 Ensure butter is at room temperature for proper aeration.
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, alternating with pumpkin puree.
💡 Add spices to the wet dough - don't mix them into the dry ingredients.
Chill Dough: Refrigerate for 1 hour to prevent spreading.
💡 Chilling also firms the dough for easier handling.
Portion & Bake: Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden.
💡 Cookies will look slightly underbaked in center - they'll set as they cool.
Spice Coating: Toss cookies in spice blend while still warm.
💡 This adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Canned Pumpkin Puree
Provides moisture and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the spices better than pie filling.
Substitutions: Use mashed cooked pumpkin (1 cup) or butternut squash puree.
Ground Cinnamon
The primary spice for warmth and depth. Look for Ceylon cinnamon for a milder flavor.
Substitutions: Substitute with pumpkin pie spice (use 1 1/2 tsp).
Unsalted Butter
Ensures precise salt control. The butter's fat content affects texture - avoid margarine.
Substitutions: Use European-style butter for richer flavor.
Brown Sugar
Adds molasses depth and helps cookies stay moist after baking.
Substitutions: Use coconut sugar for a caramel note or increase white sugar by 1/4 cup.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cookies
🍂 Spice Balance
Taste the spice blend before baking - adjust cinnamon/nutmeg for your preferred warmth level.
❄️ Chilling Technique
For cleaner shapes, chill dough for 1 hour. For rustic cookies, chill only 30 minutes.
🍪 Baking Test
Check for doneness at 10 minutes - cookies should have golden edges but soft centers.
✨ Presentation
Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm for extra visual appeal.
Variations & Customizations
Mini Versions
Use a tablespoon to make bite-sized cookies. Bake 6-8 minutes for a softer center.
Spiced Chocolate
Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the dough. Top with cinnamon-sugar before baking.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch to replace all-purpose flour.
Nutty Twist
Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best S S e r d With:
- **Steamed Milk with Cinnamon**: Enhances the spiced flavors with a creamy texture
- **Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwiches**: Perfect with leftover turkey and cranberry sauce
- **Pumpkin Spice Latte**: A warm beverage that complements the cookie's flavors
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a spiced chai tea or a light amber ale to balance the sweetness.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Form dough balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
Warm in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore crispness.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: Common issue! This usually happens when the dough is too warm. Make sure to chill it for the full hour to firm up the butter.
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes! Use 1 cup of mashed fresh pumpkin that's been steamed and drained. The moisture content should be similar to canned puree.
Q: How to fix undercooked centers?
A: If your cookies are golden but the centers are still soft, return them to the oven for 1-2 additional minutes. The residual heat will continue cooking them.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You may need to add 1-2 tablespoons of xanthan gum for binding.
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin spice cookies are more than just a treat - they're a fall tradition waiting to be created. With their warm spices and cozy aroma, they'll become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you're pairing them with your anchor Quick & Easy Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies or enjoying them with a spiced latte, these cookies bring comfort and joy to your kitchen.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this cookie recipe as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish first, followed by complementary sides, finishing with a dessert completion pin.
