Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

If you’re a fan of sugar cookies, you’re in for a treat with this pumpkin sugar cookie recipe. These cookies are soft, chewy, and have just the right amount of spice to make them perfect for fall and the holiday season. Since it was first posted in 2014, this recipe has been widely shared and loved by many. If you can’t get enough of pumpkin, this is definitely the recipe for you.

What makes these cookies so special is their combination of flavors and textures. The dough is made with butter, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, two types of sugar, vanilla, spices, and flour. Once baked, they take on a soft and chewy texture and then are elevated with a sweet and spicy glaze that makes them irresistible.

They are easy to make, stay soft for days, and offer the perfect balance of pumpkin flavor, warm spices, and sweetness. While they are delicious on their own, the glaze takes them to another level, making them truly addictive.

Main Ingredients Needed

To make these homemade pumpkin sugar cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• Butter + Vegetable Oil – Provides flavor and moisture.
• Pumpkin Puree – Make sure it’s labeled as puree, not canned pie filling.
• Granulated + Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
• Eggs – Contributes to structure and texture.
• All-Purpose Flour – Fills out the dough.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent.
• Cream of Tartar – Helps with rising and adds a slight tang.
• Salt – Balances the other flavors.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg + Cloves – Creates warm, spiced notes. You can also use pumpkin pie spice if preferred.

Homemade Spice Mix vs Pumpkin Pie Spice

For the dough, the recipe uses a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. However, pumpkin pie spice is used in the glaze. Either option works well, so use what you have on hand. If you want to add a bit of ginger to mimic traditional pumpkin pie spice, feel free to do so. I personally prefer cloves over ginger, but it's up to your taste.

The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves. If you're using pumpkin pie spice instead, substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons total.

Glaze vs. Frosting

A simple spiced glaze made from powdered sugar, water, and pumpkin pie spice is ideal for these cookies. It hardens nicely, locks in moisture, and allows for easy stacking and transport. If you find the glaze not spicy enough, you can add more pumpkin pie spice or a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg.

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

This recipe is straightforward and only requires a few ingredients and tools. Here’s how to make them:

Preheat Oven + Prep Cookie Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line light-colored baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, oil, sugars, vanilla, eggs, and pumpkin. Use an electric mixer or stand mixer to blend everything until well incorporated. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Bake

Using a cookie scoop, place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Press the bottom of a small cup into granulated sugar and gently press each cookie down to flatten slightly. Bake for 8–9 minutes or until the edges begin to turn lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Make the Glaze

While the cookies are baking, combine powdered sugar, water, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and thick. Spread 1 1/2 teaspoons of glaze over the top of each cookie while still warm. Allow the glaze to harden for 2–3 hours before serving. You can enjoy them warm with a runny glaze if desired.

Pro Tip

For an extra touch, try using cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream. Dust the frosted cookies with a little pumpkin pie spice for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.

Storing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Once the cookies and icing have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. They will remain soft and fresh for up to 5 days.

FAQ About Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Why use both butter and vegetable oil?
During testing, using both butter and oil provided the best texture—butter adds flavor, while oil keeps the cookies moist and soft.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months, layered with parchment paper between each layer.

More Sugar Cookie Recipes

If you love these pumpkin sugar cookies, you might also enjoy:

• Copycat Swig Sugar Cookies
• Frosted Sugar Cookies
• Classic Sugar Cookies
• Lemon Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
• Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
• Sugar Cookie Blossoms
• Sugar Cookie Bars

I hope you enjoy these soft and spiced pumpkin sugar cookies as much as we do. They are perfect for fall and throughout the holidays. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us if you try the recipe!