Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature, or softened coconut oil)
- 1¼ cups packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
Optional Frosting
- Cream cheese frosting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer with paddle attachment or using an electric hand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until well combined and fluffy, about 1 minute. This step ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg to the creamed mixture and mix to combine. Then add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until uniform. These ingredients add moisture and flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Mix to blend these spices and leaveners in. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix on low speed until just combined, scraping down the bowl sides as needed. The dough should be soft and resemble a thick, scoopable batter.
- Scoop Dough: Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space the dough balls about 2 inches apart for even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake one sheet at a time for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and the tops appear set. This indicates that the cookies are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Frosting: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread cream cheese frosting on top if desired, adding a rich, tangy complement to the warm spices.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree or canned 100% pure pumpkin for best flavor.
- The dough will be soft – do not overmix to keep cookies tender.
- Spacing cookies 2 inches apart allows them to bake evenly without sticking.
- Baking sheets should be cooled before adding more dough to ensure consistent baking.
- Cream cheese frosting is optional but adds a delicious finishing touch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American