Name: Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Baking Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 160 min
Yield: 24-36 cookies
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup milk, plus more as needed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor)

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies: Prepare to be enchanted! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie, bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of autumn. These aren't just any cookies; they're a delightful fusion of classic sugar cookie sweetness and the irresistible allure of pumpkin spice. They are so good, you might just find yourself making them all year round!

The sugar cookie, a beloved treat with roots tracing back to 17th-century Pennsylvania Dutch settlements, has always been a blank canvas for creativity. Adding pumpkin spice elevates this humble cookie to a whole new level of seasonal indulgence. Pumpkin spice itself, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, has become synonymous with fall, evoking feelings of cozy sweaters, crackling fireplaces, and festive gatherings.

What makes these Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies so incredibly popular? It's the perfect combination of textures – a slightly crisp edge giving way to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. The warm spices complement the sweetness beautifully, creating a flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect baking project for a cozy afternoon or a fun activity with the kids. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the intoxicating aroma of autumn and bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies!

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup milk, plus more as needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor)

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that the spices and baking soda are properly incorporated throughout the dough, resulting in a consistent flavor and texture in every cookie.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be pale and airy. Creaming the butter and sugar properly is crucial for creating a tender cookie. The air incorporated during this process helps to leaven the cookies and gives them a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla: Beat in the pumpkin puree until well combined. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a subtle pumpkin flavor to the cookies, while the egg acts as a binder and contributes to the overall structure of the dough. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile and adds a touch of sweetness.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop mixing. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2 hours. Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together and develop more fully. The cold dough is also easier to handle and roll out.

Rolling and Baking the Cookies:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and make cleanup easier.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a rolling pin to evenly flatten the dough. If the dough is sticking, add a little more flour to the surface.
Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. I love using pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters for these, but any shape will work! Re-roll scraps of dough and cut out more cookies until all the dough is used.
Place Cookies on Baking Sheets: Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents the cookies from sticking together during baking.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies.
Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cookies on the baking sheets allows them to firm up slightly before being moved, which prevents them from breaking.

Preparing the Frosting:

Cream Butter and Powdered Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This may take a few minutes. Start on low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from flying everywhere, then increase the speed as the mixture comes together.
Add Milk and Vanilla: Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.
Add Cinnamon (Optional): If desired, stir in the ground cinnamon for added flavor. This will enhance the pumpkin spice flavor of the cookies.

Frosting and Decorating the Cookies:

Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the prepared frosting. You can use a knife, spatula, or piping bag to apply the frosting. Get creative with your frosting techniques!
Decorate (Optional): If desired, decorate the frosted cookies with sprinkles, colored sugar, or other decorations. I love using orange and brown sprinkles to complement the pumpkin spice theme.
Let the Frosting Set: Allow the frosting to set completely before serving or storing the cookies. This will prevent the frosting from smudging.

Conclusion:

These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are more than just a recipe; they're an invitation to embrace the cozy flavors of autumn. From the warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen to the satisfyingly soft and chewy texture, every bite is a little slice of fall heaven. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe, and here’s why: it's incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting. But the best part? It's versatile! While these cookies are delightful on their own, a simple dusting of powdered sugar elevates them to a sophisticated treat. For a richer experience, try topping them with a cream cheese frosting infused with a hint of maple syrup. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, sandwich two cookies together with a generous dollop of pumpkin spice buttercream. Imagine that! A double dose of pumpkin spice goodness! Serving suggestions are endless. These cookies are perfect with a steaming mug of coffee or tea on a crisp afternoon. They make a wonderful addition to a holiday dessert platter, a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day. Consider crumbling them over vanilla ice cream for a quick and easy dessert parfait. You could even use them as a base for mini pumpkin spice cheesecakes! The possibilities are truly limited only by your imagination. And speaking of imagination, feel free to experiment with variations! If you're not a fan of cream cheese frosting, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk (or even pumpkin puree!) works beautifully. Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty crunch. A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful salty-sweet contrast. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own! I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season and share the warmth and joy of fall with your loved ones. These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you're baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply a sweet craving. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure! I promise you won't be disappointed. This recipe is designed to be foolproof, even for novice bakers. And the reward – those soft, chewy, perfectly spiced cookies – is well worth the effort. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies for yourself. Once you've baked a batch (or two!), I'd absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you come up with your own creative twists? What did your family and friends think? Please share your photos, comments, and feedback in the comments section below. Your insights are invaluable, and I can't wait to see what you create! Happy baking!