Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie Treats are the perfect way to bring a little autumn magic to your baking! These treats blend the soft, sweet flavor of classic sugar cookies with a warm sprinkle of pumpkin spice, making every bite cozy and delicious. They have a tender texture with just the right hint of spice that makes them feel like a hug in cookie form.
I love making these treats when the air starts to get crisp because the pumpkin spice just feels so comforting. They’re super easy to whip up, which makes them a favorite when I want a quick and tasty fall dessert without too much fuss. Plus, I find that adding a little extra cinnamon on top before baking gives them a lovely aroma that fills the whole house.
These cookies are great on their own or even with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. I like to share them with friends during get-togethers because everyone seems to smile when they taste these soft, flavorful bites. They’re a wonderful little reminder of cozy moments and changing seasons that I always look forward to baking again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour gives great structure here. For a gluten-free twist, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. It might change texture a bit but still tastes good!
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This is the star for the fall flavor. If you don’t have the mix, blend cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves yourself. Adjust to your taste for less or more warmth.
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for moisture and that pumpkin taste. If you can’t find it, cooked and mashed fresh pumpkin works too but drain excess water first.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds tenderness and slight tang. You can swap it for plain Greek yogurt to lighten it up.
Butter & Sugar: Butter is best softened for easy mixing and a creamy texture. Granulated sugar provides sweetness and crunch; brown sugar could add a deeper flavor if you like.
Frosting Ingredients: Powdered sugar and butter form the classic base. Use milk or cream to adjust thickness. Pumpkin pie spice in frosting echoes the cookie flavors nicely!
How Do I Get Soft & Tender Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies?
The key to soft, tender cookies is balancing wet and dry ingredients and careful mixing:
- Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add flour, stir just enough to combine. Overmixing develops gluten and makes cookies tough.
- Use pumpkin puree and sour cream: Both add moisture and keep cookies soft and flavorful.
- Proper baking time: Bake until edges set but centers are still a bit soft. Cookies firm as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
- Cool before frosting: Make sure cookies are fully cool so frosting stays smooth and doesn’t melt.
These tips helped me bake perfect fall cookies every time. Taking your time with mixing and watching the baking closely will give you that soft bite everyone loves!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – one large for dough and one medium for dry ingredients; makes mixing easy and organized.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – helps cream butter and sugar quickly for a smooth dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons – precise measurements ensure the perfect texture and flavor every time.
- Baking sheets – use rimmed sheets to keep cookies from sliding around while baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly so frosting doesn’t melt too fast.
- Spatula – useful for scraping bowls and spreading frosting smoothly on cookies.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet, melty surprise that pairs well with pumpkin spice.
- Swap pumpkin pie spice for just cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom for a lighter, floral twist.
- Stir in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Top the frosting with crushed gingersnap cookies or cinnamon sugar for extra texture and spice.
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Optional Decorations:
- Pumpkin-shaped sugar cookie decorations or orange and green colored frosting
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the dough and frosting, 10-12 minutes to bake, plus around 20 minutes to cool and decorate. Total time is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour including cooling and decorating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, pumpkin puree, and sour cream, mixing until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir just until everything is mixed—avoid overmixing.
2. Bake the Cookies:
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make & Apply the Frosting:
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice, alternating with heavy cream or milk, until smooth and spreadable. Stir in vanilla extract. Once your cookies are fully cooled, use a spatula or piping bag to spread or pipe the frosting on top. Decorate with sprinkles or pumpkin-themed decorations if you like. Let the frosting set before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree for These Cookies?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before measuring. This helps keep the dough from getting too wet.
How Should I Store the Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie Treats?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week, but bring them back to room temp before frosting.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before scooping to make it easier to handle.
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a similar tangy moisture. Just swap it in equal parts.
