9 Pumpkin Cookies That Taste Like Autumn
Hey, pal! When the leaves turn golden and the air gets that crisp, cozy vibe, I start craving pumpkin cookies that scream autumn in every bite. I’ve spent countless fall afternoons baking these treats, filling my kitchen with that warm, spiced aroma that makes you want to curl up with a blanket.
These 9 pumpkin cookie recipes are my go-tos for capturing the essence of the season—think soft, chewy, and packed with pumpkin goodness. Grab your mixing bowl, and let’s bake some fall magic!
1. Classic Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Cuisine: American Party Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 20
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Why It Works
These pumpkin spice cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with that iconic fall flavor. I bake them every October, and my kitchen smells like a pumpkin patch in the best way. Ever wondered why pumpkin spice just gets autumn?
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened for creaminess.
- ¾ cup brown sugar for rich sweetness.
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée for moisture.
- 1 egg for structure.
- 2 cups flour for texture.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves).
- ½ tsp baking soda for lift.
Instructions
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin purée; add egg.
- Mix in flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet, flatten slightly.
- Bake at 375°F for 10–12 mins until golden.
Personal Note: I made these for a fall picnic, and they vanished before I could grab seconds. Pro tip: Dust with powdered sugar for extra flair.
2. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cuisine: American Party Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 24
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Why It Works
These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies blend cozy pumpkin with gooey chocolate. I whip them up when I want a crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug. Who can resist chocolate and pumpkin together?
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, melted.
- ¾ cup sugar for sweetness.
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée for fall vibes.
- 1 egg for binding.
- 2 cups flour for structure.
- 1 cup chocolate chips for decadence.
- 1 tsp cinnamon for warmth.
Instructions
- Mix melted butter, sugar, pumpkin, and egg.
- Stir in flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of baking soda.
- Fold in chocolate chips, drop dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 mins until set.
Pro Tip: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. These beat store-bought cookies any day.
3. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Cuisine: American Party Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 18
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Why It Works
These pumpkin oatmeal cookies are chewy, hearty, and perfect for a cozy afternoon. I baked them during a rainy fall day, and they made the gloom disappear. Ever tried a cookie that feels like breakfast and dessert?
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened.
- ¾ cup brown sugar for depth.
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée for moisture.
- 1 egg for structure.
- 1 ½ cups flour for texture.
- 1 cup rolled oats for chewiness.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice for flavor.
Instructions
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin; add egg.
- Mix in flour, oats, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 12–15 mins until golden.
Personal Note: My friend called these “healthy-ish” and ate half the batch. Add raisins for extra chew if you’re feeling fancy.
4. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Cuisine: American Party Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 24
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Why It Works
These pumpkin snickerdoodles take the classic cookie up a notch with pumpkin and cinnamon sugar. I make them for fall gatherings, and they’re always a hit. Why settle for regular snickerdoodles when you can have pumpkin ones?
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened.
- ¾ cup sugar for sweetness.
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée for autumn flair.
- 1 egg for binding.
- 2 cups flour for structure.
- 1 tsp cream of tartar for tang.
- 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar for coating.
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and pumpkin; add egg.
- Mix in flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda.
- Roll dough into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Bake at 400°F for 8–10 mins until puffy.
Sarcasm Alert: Store-bought cookies? Pfft, these snickerdoodles laugh in their plastic packaging.
5. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies
Cuisine: American Party Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 20
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 32 mins
Why It Works
These pumpkin cream cheese cookies are soft, tangy, and oh-so-cozy. I baked them for a book club, and they stole the show. Ever had a cookie that feels like a mini cheesecake?
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened.
- ¾ cup sugar for sweetness.
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée for flavor.
- 1 egg for structure.
- 2 cups flour for texture.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice for warmth.
Instructions
- Cream butter, cream cheese, sugar, and pumpkin; add egg.
- Mix in flour, pumpkin pie spice, and baking powder.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet, flatten slightly.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 mins until soft.
Personal Note: These disappeared faster than my willpower at a bakery. Drizzle with glaze for extra decadence.
6. Pumpkin Maple Cookies
Cuisine: American Party Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 22
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Why It Works
These pumpkin maple cookies blend pumpkin with sweet maple syrup for a fall twist. I make them when I want something a little different but still cozy. Why not add a touch of maple magic?
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, melted.
- ½ cup maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée for moisture.
- 1 egg for binding.
- 2 cups flour for structure.
- 1 tsp cinnamon for spice.
- ½ tsp baking soda for lift.
Instructions
- Mix butter, maple syrup, pumpkin, and egg.
- Stir in flour, cinnamon, and baking soda.
- Drop dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 mins until golden.
Pro Tip: A maple glaze on top takes these to the next level. Trust me, you’ll want seconds.
7. Pumpkin White Chocolate Cookies
Cuisine: American Party Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 20
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Why It Works
These pumpkin white chocolate cookies are sweet, creamy, and perfect for fall. I baked them for a friend’s birthday, and they were the star of the dessert table. Who knew white chocolate and pumpkin were such a dream team?
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened.
- ¾ cup brown sugar for depth.
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée for flavor.
- 1 egg for structure.
- 2 cups flour for texture.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips for sweetness.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice for warmth.
Instructions
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin; add egg.
- Mix in flour, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda.
- Fold in white chocolate chips, scoop onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 mins until set.
Personal Note: My sister swears these are better than any coffee shop treat. She’s not wrong.
8. Pumpkin Molasses Cookies
Cuisine: American Party Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 24
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 32 mins
Why It Works
These pumpkin molasses cookies are chewy, spiced, and perfect for autumn nights. I make them when I want a cookie with a little extra depth. Ever tried molasses in a cookie? It’s a game-changer.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened.
- ½ cup brown sugar for richness.
- ¼ cup molasses for depth.
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée for moisture.
- 1 egg for binding.
- 2 cups flour for structure.
- 1 tsp ginger for spice.
Instructions
- Cream butter, brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin; add egg.
- Mix in flour, ginger, and baking soda.
- Roll dough into balls, coat in sugar if desired.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 mins until crackly.
Rhetorical Question: Why go for plain cookies when molasses brings this much fall flavor?
9. Pumpkin Pecan Cookies
Cuisine: American Party Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 20
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Why It Works
These pumpkin pecan cookies add a nutty crunch to that classic pumpkin vibe. I baked them for a fall potluck, and they were gone in minutes. Who doesn’t love a cookie with a little texture?
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened.
- ¾ cup sugar for sweetness.
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée for autumn taste.
- 1 egg for structure.
- 2 cups flour for texture.
- ½ cup pecans, chopped for crunch.
- 1 tsp cinnamon for warmth.
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and pumpkin; add egg.
- Mix in flour, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- Fold in pecans, scoop dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 mins until golden.
Sarcasm Alert: Boxed cookies? Nah, these pecan-packed treats laugh at those sad imposters.
FAQ: Pumpkin Cookie Recipes
- Can I freeze these cookies?
Yup! Freeze the dough or baked cookies—just wrap tightly. - Are these beginner-friendly?
Totally. Simple ingredients and easy steps make them foolproof. - Which is kid-friendly?
Chocolate chip and white chocolate ones are usually kiddo favorites. - Can I make them healthier?
Swap some sugar for maple syrup or use whole wheat flour. - What’s the coziest cookie?
IMO, pumpkin snickerdoodles win for that cinnamon-sugar vibe, but pick your fave.
Final Thoughts
These 9 pumpkin cookie recipes capture the heart of autumn in every bite. From classic pumpkin spice to pecan-packed treats, they’re perfect for cozy nights, fall parties, or just because. I’ve baked these through many crisp seasons, and they always bring a smile. So, fire up the oven, put on a fall playlist, and whip up some pumpkin magic. Which one’s calling your name? Let me know—I’m pumped to hear! 🙂
