Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with Candied Ginger
These chewy pumpkin cookies with candied ginger are rolled in fragrant spiced orange sugar for the perfect fall dessert. Packed with warm pumpkin spice and sweet-spicy crystallized ginger, they deliver a soft, chewy texture without being cakey.
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- electric mixer
- baking sheets
- parchment paper
- wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup candied ginger, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest to make the spiced orange sugar coating. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the chopped candied ginger until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes if time allows.
- Scoop the dough into balls and roll each one generously in the orange sugar coating.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets a few inches apart and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra ginger flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger to the dough. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes for the best texture and reduced spreading. Do not overbake—remove when the centers still look slightly underdone. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.