Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

If you’ve been searching for the perfect fall cookie—one that’s chewy, warmly spiced, and unapologetically comforting—pumpkin sugar cookies might just be your new seasonal obsession. I remember the first time I baked these for a chilly October potluck; the scent of maple and brown butter had my whole kitchen humming. A neighbor called them “fall in cookie form,” and I’ve been baking them on repeat ever since.

These aren’t your average pumpkin cookies. These pumpkin sugar cookies are rich with browned butter, kissed with maple syrup, and coated in a spiced sugar blend that crackles just right. They’re chewy, soft in the center, and wrapped in cozy fall flavor. Whether you’re making a batch for a bake sale or just to treat yourself with a warm cup of tea, this recipe delivers a golden, chewy reward every time.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something truly magical about pumpkin sugar cookies when the leaves start to turn and your favorite sweater calls your name. These cookies strike that perfect balance between sweet and spiced. The browned butter adds rich depth, while the maple syrup layers in just the right amount of warmth. They’re chewy in all the right places and have that signature sugar-dusted top that makes each bite a little celebration.

These pumpkin sugar cookies are surprisingly easy to make. The dough comes together in one bowl and chills overnight to deepen the flavor—no electric mixer required. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to get that bakery-style chew and sparkle. They’re also freezer-friendly, so you can stash a few for unexpected company or late-night cookie cravings.

They’re festive without being fussy. Whether you’re making these pumpkin sugar cookies for a Halloween treat tray, Thanksgiving dessert board, or cozy movie night, they fit right in. Best of all? They fill your kitchen with the scent of fall and feel like a hug with every bite.

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Ingredient Overview

These pumpkin sugar cookies get their chewy texture and bold autumn flavor from a thoughtfully chosen set of ingredients. Here’s a look at what makes them special:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect structure for chewy sugar cookies without making them dry.

• Pumpkin or Chai Spice Blend: Adds that warm, fragrant essence we all crave in a fall cookie. Use your favorite, and don’t be afraid to go bold.

• Baking Soda + Salt: Helps the cookies rise just enough while balancing sweetness with a touch of savory.

• Browned Butter: Nutty and rich, it adds a deep caramel flavor you simply can’t get from regular butter. Let it cool before using.

• Light Brown Sugar: Offers that signature molasses softness and chew.

• Maple Syrup: Adds depth and subtle sweetness, making these pumpkin sugar cookies taste like autumn in cookie form.

• Canned Pumpkin (blotted): Moistens the dough without making it cakey. Blotting is the secret to perfect texture.

• Vanilla & Maple Extracts: Boost the cozy flavors. The maple extract is optional but highly recommended.

• Spiced Sugar Topping: A simple mix of granulated sugar and spices that gives every cookie that sugary crackle.

Styling tip: Once baked, sprinkle a touch of extra spiced sugar on top for sparkle and crunch.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter with Love

Start by making your browned butter. In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt 1 cup of European-style unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until golden brown bits form at the bottom—this takes about 10–15 minutes. Pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prep the Pumpkin Properly

Place a generous ½ cup of canned pumpkin onto 2–3 layers of paper towels in a shallow bowl. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb moisture, then gently press to release excess liquid. This step helps your pumpkin sugar cookies stay chewy instead of cakey.

Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons pumpkin or chai spice, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk until evenly mixed, then set aside.

Step 4: Stir the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, stir the cooled brown butter with 1 cup light brown sugar and ⅓ cup maple syrup until smooth. Add 1 egg yolk, then blend in the blotted pumpkin, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon maple extract if using.

Step 5: Mix to Make Magic

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be soft and a little glossy—exactly how it should be for chewy pumpkin sugar cookies.

Step 6: Chill Overnight

Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This step deepens the flavor and makes for perfect spreading during baking.

Step 7: Roll in Spiced Sugar

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup granulated sugar with ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice. Scoop 2-inch dough balls and roll each generously in the spiced sugar.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the sugar-coated dough balls 2–3 inches apart on the sheet. Bake for 12–14 minutes.
Tip: At the 10-minute mark, if the cookies look too puffy, carefully lift and drop the baking sheet on the oven rack once or twice to help them flatten.

Step 9: Cool and Admire

Let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Their edges should be set and centers soft and golden.

Now that your kitchen smells like heaven and your pumpkin sugar cookies are cooling to chewy perfection, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!

Pro Tips

To make the most out of every batch of pumpkin sugar cookies, these tried-and-true tips will help you nail that chewy, buttery texture every time.

• Don’t skip blotting the pumpkin. It’s a small step with big results—excess moisture is what makes pumpkin cookies too cakey. For chewy pumpkin sugar cookies, dry pumpkin is key.

• Chill the dough well. An overnight rest in the fridge lets the flavors settle and develop, giving you those bakery-style edges with soft centers.

• Bang the pan for flatness. At 9–10 minutes into baking, open the oven and gently drop the baking sheet to encourage the cookies to spread. It works like magic for texture lovers.

• Brown your butter ahead of time. Do it an hour before you start the dough so it cools properly and mixes easily.

If you’re craving even more autumn flavor, pair these cookies with our cozy Pumpkin S’mores Cookies for a fall dessert table your guests will remember.

Variations

While we love classic pumpkin sugar cookies, there are so many ways to make this recipe your own.

• Add white chocolate chips for sweet bursts of creaminess in every bite.

• Try chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and a nutty contrast to the pumpkin spice.

• Make them gluten-free by swapping the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend (just be sure it includes xanthan gum).

• Amp up the spice by adding a pinch of cardamom or freshly ground black pepper to the sugar coating.

Looking for a wholesome twist? Our Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are a hearty, fiber-rich cousin you’ll adore just as much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

These chewy pumpkin sugar cookies are the kind of treat that can go from lunchbox surprise to party showstopper. Serve them warm from the oven with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot mug of chai tea. For fall gatherings, stack them on a rustic wooden platter with tiny pumpkins and cinnamon sticks for that extra seasonal flair.

Want to elevate your fall dessert board? Pair your pumpkin sugar cookies with a creamy pumpkin cold foam drink. The silky cold foam complements the spice and chew of the cookies beautifully—like a mini pumpkin spice latte party in every bite.

They’re also excellent for gifting. Wrap a stack of cookies in parchment, tie it with twine, and you’ve got a homemade present that says “I care” better than any store-bought goodie ever could.

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking a cozy batch for your family or sharing them with neighbors, these pumpkin sugar cookies are a sweet reminder of all the reasons we love fall. With their rich maple flavor, chewy centers, and sparkling sugar crust, they capture everything comforting and warm about the season.

So go ahead, mix up a batch, roll them in sugar, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of browned butter and spice. And if you’re already dreaming about what to bake next, our easy fall desserts will keep your oven—and your heart—happy all season long.

Let’s make your kitchen the coziest place in the house.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking, friends!

And if you’re baking along with us, don’t forget to tag us on Pinterest — we’d love to see your cookies cooling on the counter.