When autumn arrives, there’s one flavor that instantly takes over our kitchens, coffee shops, and Pinterest boards: pumpkin spice. Warm, cozy, and comforting, it’s everything we love about fall wrapped in a fragrant blend of spices.
And when you pair that unmistakable seasonal flavor with melt-in-your-mouth buttery cookies? You get Pumpkin Spice Butter Cookies — a treat so irresistible, they’ll become your new fall baking tradition.
These cookies are soft, lightly crisp on the edges, and infused with the perfect balance of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. They’re simple to make, stunning to serve, and absolutely delicious with a warm drink. Whether you’re prepping for a fall gathering, a holiday dessert table, or just want a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Let’s dive into the magic!
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Butter Cookies
Perfect fall flavor: Warm spices + pumpkin puree = autumn in every bite.
Soft & buttery: A tender, melt-away texture thanks to real butter.
Easy to make: No complicated steps — just mix, scoop, and bake.
Kid-friendly: Mild sweetness and soft texture make them great for all ages.
Great for gifting: Beautiful, festive cookies that package well.
These cookies are guaranteed to be a Pinterest favorite — simple, cozy, aesthetic, and bursting with fall vibes.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (55 g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup (75 g) pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pumpkin spice mix (or 1 ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp ginger + pinch of cloves)
Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pumpkin Spice Butter Cookies: Soft, Buttery & Perfect for Fall
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar
- refrigerator for chilling dough
- Rolling Pin for rolling dough
- cookie cutters pumpkin or festive shapes
- baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- double boiler for melting chocolate
- piping bag for decorating cookies
- wire rack for cooling cookies
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Tipperary Irish Butter, softened
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice mix
- 1/3 cup milk or white chocolate (for decorating)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, blend together the butter, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla. Beat until light and whipped.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
- Roll out the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with a pumpkin or festive cookie cutter.
- Bake for 7–8 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Transfer to a wire rack and sprinkle with pumpkin spice sugar while warm.
- In a double boiler, melt chocolate. Transfer to a piping bag and decorate cookies as desired. Chill for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.
Notes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. This gives your cookies the perfect buttery texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg, Pumpkin & Vanilla
Mix in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. The batter may look slightly separated — that’s okay!
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- flour
- baking powder
- salt
- pumpkin spice
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheets. Flatten slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Add Optional Cinnamon Sugar
If using, sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar for an extra fall sparkle.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are light golden and the centers are set.
Step 8: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Use pure pumpkin puree — not pumpkin pie filling.
Pie filling contains extra sugar and spices that will affect the recipe.
Make sure the butter is soft, not melted.
Melted butter will make the cookies spread too much.
Don’t overtake!
They should be soft when you remove them from the oven — they continue to set as they cool.
Chill the dough for thicker cookies.
30 minutes in the refrigerator gives a puffier, bakery-style cookie.
Add-Ins & Variations
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies
Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips for a sweeter dessert cookie.
Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans for crunch.
Maple Drizzle
Mix 1 cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp maple syrup + 1 tbsp milk for a simple glaze.
Pumpkin Coconut Cookies
Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut for a fall-tropical twist.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Room Temperature: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for 7 days.
- Freeze: Both dough and baked cookies freeze perfectly for 3 months.
Nutrition (Per Cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Protein: 1 g
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Your butter may have been too soft — chill the dough next time.
Can I double the pumpkin puree?
Not recommended — too much moisture makes the cookies cakey.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Spice Butter Cookies bring all the warmth of fall into your home with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Soft, buttery, and lightly spiced, they’re the kind of cookie you’ll want to bake again and again throughout the season.
Perfect for cozy nights, holiday cookie boxes, and of course — Pinterest-perfect fall baking pins.