Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie Recipe

I’m so ready to share these Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with you! There’s something magical about the warm spices and soft, chewy texture that just screams fall. Don’t you love when your kitchen fills with that unmistakable aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg? These cookies strike the perfect balance between traditional sugar cookies and seasonal pumpkin treats. And trust me, they pair wonderfully with your favorite hot beverage on a crisp autumn evening. Want to know my secret for getting that perfect spice blend?

Why You’ll Love these Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

When autumn leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen. These cookies aren’t just another dessert—they’re a seasonal experience wrapped in buttery, spiced perfection.

I’m convinced you’ll adore how these cookies strike the perfect balance between soft centers and slightly crisp edges. The combination of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon creates that unmistakable fall flavor that pairs beautifully with your favorite hot beverage.

What makes them truly special? The pumpkin spice extract. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates these from ordinary sugar cookies to autumn delights. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—cut them into leaves, pumpkins, or any shape that speaks to your seasonal spirit.

What Ingredients are in Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies?

These delicious autumn-inspired cookies require a blend of pantry staples and a few special ingredients that capture the essence of fall in every bite.

• 2½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing, and don’t skimp on the pumpkin spice extract—it’s what gives these cookies their distinctive autumn flavor that regular sugar cookies just can’t match.

How to Make these Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Creating these delightful autumn treats is straightforward, and the warm, spicy aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake? Absolutely worth the minimal effort. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) – this temperature is perfect for achieving that slightly crisp edge while maintaining a soft center. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2½ to 3 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. These dry ingredients create the warm, spiced foundation that makes these cookies scream “fall.”

In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup (227g) of softened unsalted butter with 1¾ cups of powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy – about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The powdered sugar, rather than granulated, gives these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply divine. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, then mix in 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice extract and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined. For the fluffiest cookie dough texture, a KitchenAid stand mixer makes the creaming process effortless while ensuring thorough ingredient incorporation.

Now comes the magic moment when it all comes together. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined – overmixing is the enemy of tender cookies, so go easy here. Once you have a cohesive dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness, then cut into your favorite autumn shapes. Pumpkins? Leaves? Simple rounds? The choice is yours. Place these shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes. The secret to perfect sugar cookies is taking them out when they look almost done – the edges should be just barely starting to turn golden, but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet as they cool. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, they’re ready for decorating with pumpkin spice icing for an extra flavor boost.

What to Serve with Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Pairing your freshly baked pumpkin spice sugar cookies with the right accompaniments can transform a simple sweet treat into a memorable autumn experience. I’m all about creating those perfect fall moments, and these cookies deserve the best companions.

A steaming mug of chai tea latte complements the spice notes beautifully, while hot apple cider brings out the cookies’ warmth. For coffee lovers, a vanilla-infused cold brew offers a delightful contrast to the sweet, spicy cookies.

Want something really indulgent? Try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream with a drizzle of caramel sauce. The cold, creamy texture against the soft, warm cookie? Pure heaven. Milk works too—sometimes the classics just can’t be beaten.

Leftovers and Storage for these Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

When you’ve baked more cookies than your family can devour in one sitting, proper storage becomes essential for maintaining that perfect spicy-sweet flavor and soft texture. I recommend storing your pumpkin spice sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a piece of bread in the container—my little trick to keep them perfectly soft.

Need longer storage? These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about an hour. Can’t you just imagine pulling out a stash of autumn cookies in the dead of winter? Talk about a seasonal pick-me-up when you need it most.

Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Substitutions and Variations

Three simple ingredient swaps can transform these pumpkin spice cookies to suit almost any dietary need or flavor preference. For gluten-free friends, I recommend substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—the cookies maintain their wonderful texture with barely any difference in taste. Don’t have pumpkin spice extract? No problem. Simply double the pumpkin pie spice in the recipe and add a dash of maple extract for that cozy autumn warmth.

Vegan bakers, you can swap butter for coconut oil (same amount) and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). The cookies turn out slightly chewier, which some folks actually prefer. Feeling adventurous? Try adding mini white chocolate chips or crushed pecans for delightful texture variations that complement the spices perfectly.

Final Thoughts

After spending countless hours perfecting this pumpkin spice sugar cookie recipe, I’m convinced that these treats deserve a permanent spot in your fall baking rotation. The combination of warm spices, soft texture, and sweet icing creates the perfect autumn bite.

What I love most about these cookies is their versatility. You can make them for a casual family dessert, package them as gifts, or serve them at your next fall gathering. Wouldn’t they be adorable on a Thanksgiving dessert table?

The key to success is respecting those room temperature ingredients and not rushing the process. Trust me, your patience will be rewarded with cookies that capture the essence of fall in every bite. These little spiced delights might just become your new autumn tradition. If you enjoy baking, you might also consider trying a chocolate cake recipe with vanilla buttercream for a classic dessert option any time of year.