Fall baking season is here, and pumpkin cookies are a perfect treat to welcome the cooler weather.

These sweet, spiced delights combine the best flavors of autumn into soft, chewy bites. Whether you prefer cakey or crisp cookies, there’s a pumpkin recipe to satisfy your cravings.

You’ll find ten delicious pumpkin cookie recipes in this article to try at home.

From classic soft pumpkin cookies to creative variations with mix-ins like chocolate chips or oatmeal, these recipes offer something for every taste.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting scent of pumpkin spice as you bake up these seasonal favorites.

1. Classic Pumpkin Spice Cookies

These cookies are a fall favorite. You’ll love their soft texture and warm, cozy flavors.

They’re easy to make and perfect for chilly autumn days.

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Mix shortening and sugar, then add eggs and pumpkin.

In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.

Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.

Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes. They’re done when they’re lightly golden and firm to the touch.

Let them cool before enjoying with a cup of hot cider or coffee.

2. Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Treats

You’ll love these soft and chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. They’re perfect for fall baking.

Start by browning butter in a pan until it turns golden and smells nutty. This adds extra flavor to your cookies.

Mix the browned butter with sugar, pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, spices, and baking soda.

Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together.

Fold in chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Chill the dough for about an hour before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape.

Bake at 350°F until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool slightly before enjoying your chewy pumpkin treats.

3. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Pumpkin snickerdoodles blend classic cinnamon-sugar cookies with fall flavors. To make these treats, you’ll cream butter with sugar, then mix in pumpkin puree and spices.

Roll the dough into balls and coat them in a mixture of sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Place them on lined baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.

Bake at 350°F until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.

These cookies have a soft, chewy texture and a warm, spicy flavor that’s perfect for autumn. They’re great with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee.

4. Frosted Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Frosted pumpkin sugar cookies bring together the best of fall flavors. You’ll love the soft, chewy texture and sweet pumpkin taste. These cookies are perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday parties.

To make them, mix butter, sugar, pumpkin puree, and spices. Add flour and other dry ingredients to form the dough.

Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Bake until golden brown.

Once cooled, top the cookies with cream cheese frosting. The tangy frosting pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin spice flavors.

Sprinkle with cinnamon for an extra festive touch.

These cookies are sure to become a new fall favorite. They’re easy to make and taste great.

5. Pumpkin Oatmeal Raisin Delights

These cookies mix the best of fall flavors with classic oatmeal raisin. You’ll love the warm spices and chewy texture.

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

Mix in flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Fold in raisins and nuts if you like.

Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.

Bake at 350°F for 14-16 minutes until lightly browned. The pumpkin keeps these cookies soft and moist.

They’re perfect with a glass of milk or cup of coffee. Make a big batch to share with friends and family this autumn.

6. Pumpkin Cranberry Biscotti

Pumpkin cranberry biscotti is a perfect fall treat. These crunchy cookies blend the flavors of pumpkin and cranberry for a tasty snack.

You can enjoy these biscotti with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The pumpkin adds moisture and a subtle autumn flavor, while cranberries provide a tart contrast.

To make them, mix pumpkin puree into your biscotti dough along with warming spices like cinnamon. Fold in dried cranberries before shaping and baking.

After the first bake, slice the logs and bake again to achieve that signature crunch.

The result is a crisp cookie ideal for dunking in hot beverages.

These biscotti keep well, making them great for gifts or snacking throughout the season. Try them for a festive twist on traditional Italian cookies.

7. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Almond Bites

These tasty treats are perfect for those avoiding gluten. You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make them.

Mix almond flour, pumpkin puree, and your choice of sweetener. Add some pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor.

Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes until the edges turn golden.

Let the bites cool for a few minutes before moving them to a rack. These soft, chewy pumpkin bites are great for snacking or sharing with friends.

8. Vegan Pumpkin Ginger Cookies

These cookies blend the warm flavors of pumpkin and ginger in a delightful vegan treat. You’ll need pumpkin puree, molasses, and a mix of spices to create the perfect fall flavor.

Start by creaming vegan butter with sugar. Add pumpkin puree and molasses, mixing well.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and spices.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and flatten slightly.

Bake at 350°F for 11-14 minutes until the tops are set.

Let the cookies cool on the pan before transferring to a rack. These soft, spiced cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a warm drink.

9. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Cookies

These cookies combine two favorite flavors – pumpkin and cream cheese. You’ll love the swirled design and taste of these treats.

To make them, mix up your pumpkin cookie dough. Then prepare a simple cream cheese mixture. Drop spoonfuls of each onto your baking sheet.

Use a toothpick to swirl the two batters together. This creates a pretty marble effect.

Bake until the edges are lightly golden.

The result is a soft, chewy cookie with pumpkin spice flavor and tangy cream cheese swirls. They’re perfect for fall gatherings or as an afternoon snack with coffee.

10. Spiced Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin whoopie pies are a tasty twist on classic cookies. They’re soft, cake-like treats with a creamy filling.

To make them, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, and eggs. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Drop spoonfuls of batter onto baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until set.

For the filling, beat butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread between two cooled cookies.

These spiced pumpkin whoopie pies are perfect for fall gatherings or as a special treat for yourself.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Pumpkin offers many health benefits and can be a great addition to baked goods. It’s packed with nutrients and adds a tasty autumn flavor to cookies and other treats.

Nutritional Value

Pumpkin is low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function. Pumpkin also contains vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

The bright orange color comes from beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. This compound may help protect your cells from damage and lower your risk of certain diseases.

Pumpkin seeds are also nutritious. They’re high in magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats. Eating pumpkin seeds may support heart health and help control blood sugar levels.

Pumpkin in Baking

Using pumpkin in baking can boost the nutritional value of your cookies and other treats. It adds moisture and flavor while reducing the need for oil or butter.

Pumpkin puree works well as an egg substitute in vegan recipes. It helps bind ingredients together and keeps baked goods moist.

Try adding canned pumpkin to pancake batter or quick bread recipes. You can also mix it into oatmeal or yogurt for a healthy breakfast boost.

When baking with pumpkin, pair it with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These combos not only taste great but may offer extra health perks too.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies

Making tasty pumpkin cookies is easy when you know a few key tricks. The right ingredients and baking methods can take your cookies from good to great.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

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

Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Old spices can be weak and dull.

Brown sugar adds moisture and a nice caramel flavor. Try dark brown sugar for even more richness.

Butter should be soft but not melted for the right texture.

Add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and crunch. White chocolate chips pair well with pumpkin.

Baking Techniques

Don’t overmix the dough. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together.

This keeps your cookies soft and tender.

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This stops the cookies from spreading too much.

Use a cookie scoop for even sizes. This helps them bake at the same rate.

Leave space between cookies on the baking sheet. They will spread as they bake.

Check cookies early and often. Pumpkin cookies can burn quickly.

Take them out when the edges are lightly browned. They’ll keep cooking on the hot pan.