Soft Pumpkin Spice Butter Cookies

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Autumn Perfection

There’s something undeniably magical about soft pumpkin spice cookies. They capture the very essence of fall: warm spices, cozy aromas, and a gentle sweetness that melts on your tongue. Unlike traditional dense pumpkin cookies, these buttery delights are tender, soft, and delicate, with just the right hint of pumpkin flavor and autumn spices.

Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just an afternoon treat with tea or coffee, these cookies are easy to bake yet elegant in flavor. Their texture is dreamy, a true melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Why These Cookies Work

• Butter-forward flavor: The base is rich and creamy.
• Pumpkin puree: Moistens the dough naturally and adds a subtle flavor.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger balance the sweetness perfectly.
• Sugar balance: Granulated and brown sugar create tenderness plus a light caramel flavor.
• Soft bake: Just enough time in the oven for slightly crisp edges but ultra-soft centers.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Optional: pinch of cinnamon sugar for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
3. Add the egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree, mixing until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Scoop dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your palm.
7. Optional: sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top of each cookie.
8. Bake 12–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Centers may look soft.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Tips for Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies

• Use unsweetened pumpkin puree: Sweetened varieties can make cookies too soft or alter sweetness.
• Do not overbake: Slightly underbaked centers ensure soft texture.
• Room temperature butter and egg: Helps achieve creamy dough that bakes evenly.
• Customize spices: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
• Optional frosting: Drizzle with cream cheese glaze for festive presentation.

Pumpkin Spice Butter Cookies

Soft, melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin spice butter cookies perfect for fall and holiday treats.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Total Time 29 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Fall

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup pumpkin puree unsweetened
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets.
2. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree, mix well.
4. Whisk dry ingredients and gradually combine with wet mixture.
5. Scoop dough onto prepared sheets and flatten slightly.
6. Bake 12-14 minutes until edges lightly golden.
7. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Notes

Optional: sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra flavor.