This Halloween pumpkin sugar cookies recipe became my autumn obsession the year I spent Halloween in Vermont. The leaves were glowing orange, the air smelled of cinnamon, and a neighbor brought over a tin of soft, sugar-dusted cookies shaped like pumpkins. One bite of that buttery crunch followed by the warm pumpkin-spice hug had me hooked. That week, I spent hours in the kitchen trying to get it right—crispy edges, chewy centers, and just enough pumpkin. My version is ready in under 45 minutes and delivers nostalgic fall flavor, buttery richness, and the perfect cookie texture in every bite.
If you’ve been searching for the best pumpkin sugar cookies or wondering how to make easy, decorated pumpkin cookies at home, this is the one.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
- Crispy edges + soft, chewy centers = fall baking perfection
- Ready in under 45 minutes including chill time
- Made with real pumpkin purée for authentic flavor
- No cookie cutters needed—just roll and bake
- Great for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or kids’ fall baking fun
- Easy to decorate for festive occasions
A Little Cookie History
Sugar cookies date back to 18th-century Pennsylvania, where German settlers baked buttery, simple cookies that held their shape. Over time, pumpkin found its way into these classics—especially during autumn and holidays. Today, fall pumpkin cookies are a staple in Halloween parties and Thanksgiving dessert tables alike.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 14 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ cup 100% pure pumpkin purée
Optional Add-Ins
- Nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for stronger fall flavor
- Orange zest for a citrusy twist
- Maple extract for a cozy, richer taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer on medium, cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add egg yolk, then vanilla, and finally pumpkin purée. Mix until fully incorporated.
Combine Dry and Wet
With your mixer on low, slowly add the dry mix to the wet mixture. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Chill the Dough
Preheat oven to 350°F. Refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes while the oven preheats.
Shape and Coat
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in sugar and place on a parchment-lined sheet. Press down gently.
Bake
Bake for 15 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. Cool for 2 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
- Don’t skip chilling the dough—it prevents spreading
- Roll evenly sized balls for consistent baking
- Use parchment or a silicone mat for perfect bottoms
- Add festive sugar sprinkles before baking for a Halloween touch
- Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft
Delicious Variations
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Add a cream cheese filling for a decadent surprise. Inspired by these cheesecake-stuffed cookies.
Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Swap the egg yolk for flax egg and use plant-based butter. Try this vegan version.
Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies
Make sandwich cookies with a buttercream or cream cheese filling—like these easy 5-ingredient ones.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with chai or pumpkin spice latte
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Stack in gift boxes tied with fall ribbons
- Decorate with spooky sprinkles for Halloween
- Add a cookie to your Thanksgiving dessert table next to Pumpkin Dump Cake
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 140 |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Sodium | 60mg |
Note: Optional add-ins may affect values.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 1 week
Freezer: Freeze cookie dough balls or baked cookies for 2 months
Reheat: Pop in microwave for 10 seconds to revive softness
FAQs About Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Q: Can I add pumpkin to sugar cookie mix?
A: Yes! Add ¼ to ½ cup of pumpkin purée, then adjust flour to maintain dough consistency.
Q: What is Taylor Swift’s favorite type of cookie?
A: She’s famously obsessed with chai sugar cookies—which inspired many pumpkin spice twists.
Q: What is the secret to a good sugar cookie?
A: Chill the dough, don’t overmix, and bake until edges are just set for soft centers.
Q: What are the 2 ingredient pumpkin spice cookies?
A: Just cake mix and pumpkin purée! Try it as a quick base, then decorate.
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Now you know how to make the best pumpkin sugar cookies—soft, chewy, festive, and unforgettable. Have you tried them yet? Share your twist in the comments, pass this recipe to a friend, and save it for your Halloween or Thanksgiving baking spree.
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Halloween Pumpkin Sugar Cookies – Soft, Spiced, and Perfectly Sweet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These pumpkin sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with real pumpkin flavor. A perfect fall baking recipe for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or cozy weekends at home.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar (plus more for rolling)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
14 tbsp unsalted butter (room temp)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup 100% pure pumpkin purée
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a mixer on medium speed.
3. Add egg yolk, vanilla, and pumpkin purée. Mix until smooth.
4. Slowly add the flour mixture with mixer on low. Scrape the bowl as needed.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Refrigerate dough for 20 minutes.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar and place on lined baking sheet. Slightly flatten.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, rotating pan halfway. Let cool 2 mins on tray, then move to rack.
Notes
Chilling the dough is key for best texture.
Add sprinkles before baking for festive Halloween vibes.
For a stronger fall spice flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, Halloween Cookies, Fall Baking, Thanksgiving Cookies, Easy Pumpkin Cookies