The first chilly breeze of fall always makes me crave something warm and sweet. Chewy pumpkin cookies feel just right. The tender centers, coated in spiced sugar, fill the kitchen with cozy aromas. I love how the pumpkin spice whispers of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in every bite. These cookies are a favorite because they bring comfort and warmth to even the dreariest day. Also, they are easy enough to bake on a quiet afternoon. If you want a treat that feels like autumn in each bite, these chewy pumpkin cookies will become a must in your kitchen too.
Table of Contents
Why These Pumpkin Cookies Work
These chewy pumpkin cookies work thanks to a few key tricks. First, drying the pumpkin puree removes extra moisture that would make them cakey. This step helps keep the texture soft but chewy. The proper balance of butter and flour is also important, giving structure without making the cookies dense. Rolling the dough in spiced sugar creates a crisp edge that contrasts beautifully with the tender middle. As a result, you get cookies that feel comforting, homemade, and just right for fall. This recipe works every time, perfect for bakers of any level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need simple ingredients for these chewy pumpkin cookies.
Key Ingredients
Softened unsalted butter gives richness.
Packed light brown sugar adds a deep sweetness.
Egg yolks help the cookies stay chewy and tender.
Pure vanilla gives a warm note.
Libby’s canned pumpkin puree is best for texture.
All-purpose flour provides structure.
Pumpkin pie spice brings that cozy fall flavor.
Baking soda, baking powder, and salt help balance and lift the dough.
For the Spiced Sugar Coating
Granulated white sugar adds crunch.
A little extra pumpkin pie spice boosts the warm flavor.
How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Here’s how I like to make these cookies at home.
Step 1: Dry the Pumpkin Puree
Start by spreading the pumpkin puree on a plate. Gently press with paper towels until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. This step ensures chewy, not cakey, cookies.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Next, preheat the oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment.
Whisk flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg yolks and vanilla, then beat until pale and smooth.
Stir in the dried pumpkin puree.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients just until combined.
Step 3: Roll and Bake
Then scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions.
Roll each ball in spiced sugar.
Place them on prepared baking sheets, leaving space to spread.
Bake 12 to 14 minutes until centers are puffed but soft.
Let cool on the sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Enjoy after 15 minutes for the perfect chewy bite.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies
Measure flour carefully using the spoon and level method.
Always dry the pumpkin puree well for best texture.
Shape cookies with a round cutter while still warm for a neat look.
Let them cool completely before storing so they stay chewy.
Cookies taste best after cooling at least 15 minutes.
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
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Chewy Pumpkin Cookies: Tender, Spiced, and Cozy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Description
These chewy pumpkin cookies are soft, tender, and packed with cozy pumpkin spice flavor — perfect for fall baking.
Ingredients
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 egg yolks, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (Libby’s recommended)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup granulated white sugar (for spiced sugar)
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (for spiced sugar)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Dry pumpkin by spreading on a plate and pressing with paper towels until reduced to about 1/4 cup.
3. Whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add egg yolks and vanilla and beat until pale and fluffy.
6. Mix in dried pumpkin puree.
7. Gradually mix in dry ingredients just until combined.
8. Scoop dough into balls (about 2 tbsp each).
9. Roll dough balls in spiced sugar.
10. Place on baking sheets at least 2 inches apart.
11. Bake 12-14 minutes until centers are puffy.
12. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes then transfer to rack.
13. Best enjoyed after cooling at least 15 minutes.
Notes
Pumpkin must be properly dried to avoid cakey cookies.
Measure flour correctly (125g per cup).
Dough can be chilled if sticky but bring to room temp before baking.
Cookies can be stored in airtight container up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 weeks.
Fresh pumpkin puree not recommended due to excess moisture.
Libby’s canned pumpkin preferred for consistency.
Shaping tip: use a circular cookie cutter after baking for perfect shape.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Pumpkin Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Related Recipes to Try
You might also love these pumpkin chocolate chip energy bites, perfect for snacking.
Or try this cozy flourless pumpkin muffins recipe for a wholesome bake.
This easy pumpkin pie recipe is another favorite for the season.
And if you want more cookies, my soft pumpkin oatmeal cookies are perfect too.
For even more cozy baking ideas, visit my Pinterest boards. They are full of inspiration for every season.
FAQs
How do you know if pumpkin cookies are done?
They are done when centers look set and puffy and edges are lightly golden.
What does a pumpkin cookie taste like?
A chewy pumpkin cookie tastes warm, spiced, sweet, and buttery with soft, tender texture.
What can I add to pumpkin cookies?
Try chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a light drizzle of glaze for extra fun.
Why are my pumpkin cookies so moist?
Your pumpkin may not have been dried enough. Make sure to blot thoroughly before using.
