These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are soft and delicious, and they almost melt in your mouth. They take only 20 minutes to make and are perfect for Thanksgiving or winter holidays—or any time you have a craving.
These soft-baked cookies taste like mouthfuls of the most delicious pumpkin bread, in cookie form. They are made with just a few ingredients and are so perfect to share with the kids. I love this as a component on a cookie platter, a Thanksgiving dessert, or just something to bake (a few times!) during the fall.
These are a sweeter version of our Healthy Pumpkin Cookies with a more straight-up pumpkin flavor, and they’re one of my family’s current favorites.
They’re particularly pretty with sprinkles on top!
(You may also like Healthy Pumpkin Bread, Healthy Sugar Cookies, Jam Cookies, and favorite Cookies for Kids.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at what you need to make these Soft Pumpkin cookies—which are a great cookie recipe to bake with the kids (or for the kids!).
- Unsalted butter: Using softened unsalted butter allows you to control the salt in the recipe.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar blends into the butter and adds just enough sweetness. It also helps create the soft texture on the inside of the cookie.
- Egg: The egg helps the batter come together and become fluffy and moist.
- Pumpkin puree: You can use canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin puree.
- Vanilla extract: I add a little vanilla extract to balance the flavors in this cookie.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This pumpkin spice blend, which you can find in the regular spice aisle, adds classic pumpkin-baked-goods flavor.
- Baking soda and baking powder: This combination helps the cookies puff and rise.
- All-purpose flour: This keeps the batter light and moist.
- Sprinkles (optional): I love to add some sprinkles to the top of each cookie-batter ball before baking for color, though you can also top with Cream Cheese Frosting once the cookies are cooled.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at how to make this soft pumpkin cookie recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the specific amounts and times.
Step 1. Cream butter and sugar together by adding both to a bowl and mixing with a handheld electric mixer.
Step 2. Add the egg and vanilla and mix to combine the wet ingredients well.
Step 3. Add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix to combine into a soft but thick cookie dough.
Step 2. Place balls of batter onto the prepared sheet. Add sprinkles on top of each if desired. Bake. Cool on a wire rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
The combination of butter, pumpkin puree, and baking powder in this recipe is what makes it soft. Adding air to the batter, from either an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, helps, too.
Beating air into the batter helps, as does the combination of ingredients in a recipe.
You can use homemade pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin puree. I wouldn’t use pumpkin pie filling though, as that is much sweeter.
product we love
India Tree Natural Sprinkles
These plant-based sprinkles come in the prettiest colors and are perfect for baking with kids.
How to Store
Store cooled soft pumpkin cookies in a single layer (or in layers with parchment in between) an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place the container into the fridge for up to a week. These cookies are soft when they come out of the oven and are soft, with a sort of cake texture on the interior, when stored.
Best Tips for Success
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Add the butter and sugar to a medium bowl. Use a handheld electric mixer to blend on medium speed until well combined, about 30 seconds.
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Add the egg and vanilla and use the mixer to combine well.
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Add the rest of the ingredients and mix on low just to combine. Do not over-mix. Use a spatula as needed to get all the flour incorporated.
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Place 1-teaspoon balls of batter onto the prepared sheet about 2 inches apart. (I use a mini ice cream scoop to make this easier, as the batter is sticky. Otherwise use a teaspoon measuring spoon and push each one off with your fingers.)
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Add sprinkles on top of each if desired.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch and just lightly golden brown around the edges. Let cool completely on the pan before serving.
Top with Cream Cheese Frosting for an extra-special touch, if desired.
Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree.
Use cinnamon if you’re out of pumpkin pie spice.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 style of gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-free: Use vegan butter substitute.
Serving: 2cookies, Calories: 167kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 41mg, Sodium: 115mg, Potassium: 49mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 2214IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 23mg, Iron: 1mg
This post was first published November 2022.