Pumpkin cookies are an easy pumpkin dessert that you and your kids will have as much fun making as eating!
About these
Have you ever lost a day, just in the ordinary midst of life?
This fall cookie recipe can be made in less than a half-hour.
I’m not proud to admit; it has happened to me.
These easy homemade cookies are crowned with a simple powdered sugar and vanilla glaze.
Normally it happens when I’m on vacation and away from work, away from the duties of home, and away from life for a bit.
Not yesterday, though. Somehow the last day of September slipped right past me, like a thief in the night.
Imagine my surprise, my sense of loss, when I was informed this morning shortly after arriving at work that today is the first day of October.
Regardless of the day or the month, these cookies are light and delicious bits of October that can be savored, enjoyed, and dunked on any day of any month.
Cookies always taste better with milk, in my humble opinion.
Summer has passed and the beginning of the fall season always brings with it cooler outdoor temps and warmer outdoor colors.
It’s a great time to bring a little color into the kitchen and the cookie jar as well.
These soft, old-fashioned pumpkin cookies fit the bill, perfectly.
FAQ
Are pumpkin cookies healthy?
- This varies by recipe. Using ingredients like whole wheat flour, 100% packed pumpkin, and substituting butter with unsweetened applesauce can make them healthier.
- For examples of healthy pumpkin cookies, see these links:
How do you store these cookies?
- After they have cooled, store in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
- Beyond three days, store in the freezer as described below.
Can you freeze pumpkin cookies?
- Pumpkin cookies can be frozen, but just like any other cookie, freeze them individually first to prevent them from sticking together.
- Do this by placing them on a cookie sheet, covered with plastic wrap. Freeze the entire tray of cookies and then transfer them into a larger zip lock back to store in the freezer.
- These pumpkin cookies will stay good in the freezer from one month to six weeks.
More Easy Pumpkin Desserts for You
If you love pumpkin recipes and are looking for a main dish idea, try our ! (Warning: Have a drool cloth handy)
See All of our Pumpkin Recipes Here
If you are new to baking or an experienced baker, take a look at our in-house professional chef’s post on how to bake cookies for beginners. It’s a great review for all!
If you’ve tried this recipe for Soft Pumpkin Cookies or any other recipe on Platter Talk, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, we love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what we have cooking.
Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter 1 stick, softened
- 1 cup packed pumpkin
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
For the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheets.
- Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.
For the Glaze
- Combine glaze ingredients in small mixing bowl, stir till smooth and creamy.
Nutrition
Updated from the original post of October 1, 2014
Trinity says
These cookies are simple and the results are an amazing, soft fluffy cookie. Instead of nutmeg, I used a tsp of pumpkin pie spice. Everyone i had try this recipe have loved it.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank you for the great feedback, Trinity! We’re happy that you enjoy these pumpkin cookies and hope you will share our site and recipes with your friends and family!
Sia | Monsoon Spice says
I have weakness for old recipes and ofcourse, cookies and this look absolutely brilliant. Cinnamon and nutmeg… Oh, my! I can visualise and almost taste the warmth of these spices coming through in these cookies.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Sia!
Sarah says
There’s just something about pumpkin this time of year that puts a smile on everyone’s face. I bet these won’t disappoint and will surely be my go-to cookie for this month’s staff party!! They look absolutely delicious!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much, Sarah. These are indeed a fall family favorite. Thank you for stopping by Platter Talk!
Azlin Bloor says
Oh wow, these are perfect for just about anything! Love the spice and flavouring going in there too!
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says
I love the coming of autumn and all things pumpkin. These are certainly one to try.
Claudia | Gourmet Project says
I’ve neevr made pumpkin cookies, but it looks like I’m going to have them for my Halloween breakfast :-).
Brian Jones says
You got me worried for a moment then, I was just reading this post and you said the last day of September had past you by… I genuinely had to check my calendar 😮
Superb sound recipe and lovely photos!
Lou Lou Girls says
Hello gentlemen! This looks so amazing. Pinned. We couldn’t think of anyone better to party with. We hope to see you tomorrow at 7 pm.
Happy Sunday! Lou Lou Girls
Joanne/WineLady Cooks says
Thanks so much Dan for sharing this delicious old fashioned soft pumpkin cookie recipe this week on Foodie Friends Friday. My family loves home baked cookies, I will definitely make these this fall season. Pinned/shared.
Look forward to seeing you again with another delicious recipe.
Joanne
Julie@Sweet and Spicy Monkey says
G’day, these looks so yummy! I love how you made a glaze for them! Pinning and Thanks for sharing 🙂
Valerie says
One thing I love about this time of year is recipes that involve Pumpkin! I love pretty much anything with pumpkin. I can’t wait to try this one out!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Many thanks for your comments, Valerie!
Tiara says
WOW! Not only do these sound amazing, but they look good. I like that they almost look bite size.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Easy. Delicious. Two of my favorite words and each perfectly describes this cookie. Thanks so much for your comments!
Kristina and Millie says
ohhhh looks so droolingly yummylicious! I have got to try these cookies!! I would love if you stopped by our Snickerdoodle sunday sometime and party with us!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Would love to! Thanks for the invite!
2 Sisters Recipes says
Yummy! Love any cookie with pumpkin in them. Gentlemen, we have to tell you – your photos are so stunning, we could practically eat these cookies right off the computer!! Great job boys! Have a great weekend!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank, Friends! So nice to hear from you as always!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
I am sorry you didn’t get the honor of proclaiming October as pumpkin month, but as you mentioned neither did the Pope. so see you are not alone. I can’t believe how the spring/summer is over already. IT was such an outstanding one in the NW this year. I love fall, but it’s hard to let go of the glory of the last few months. But I am sure I would feel waaaaaaaaaaaay better with a couple of these cookies and a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says
My kids and grandkids will gobble these up in no time! Thank you for another outstanding recipe plus bringing a bit of the wonderful flavors and tastes of “fall” to Florida!
John@Kitchen Riffs says
I love pumpkin! So it follows I love October. 😉 My favorite month (although more for the change in weather than the pumpkin). Anyway, great cookies — perfect for October first.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Many thanks, John!
Patty Haxton Anderson says
Fedex a dozen will you? Gosh they look so good.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Ha! Better idea, you come here for some! 🙂
Kecia says
How long did these last in your house? I bet not long! I love soft and yummy pumpkin cookies! My mom used to make them every autumn for us!