Description
These chewy pumpkin cookies are a quick and easy fall treat, packed with warm spices and real pumpkin for a soft, comforting texture. Perfect for beginners, busy families, or anyone craving a cozy autumn dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 baking blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- Optional: 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: Sea salt flakes for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Add pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves (if using).
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly soft. For crispier edges, bake up to 13 minutes.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top while warm, if desired.
Notes
For chewier cookies, use only the egg yolk and melted butter. Measure pumpkin puree carefully and blot if watery. Do not overmix the dough. Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or sea salt flakes are optional for extra flavor. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, see recipe variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: pumpkin cookies, chewy cookies, fall dessert, easy pumpkin recipe, beginner baking, autumn cookies, Thanksgiving dessert, soft cookies, pumpkin spice, kid-friendly cookies