Super Soft Pumpkin Cookies (Easy Fall Dessert Recipe)

These soft pumpkin cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Full of cozy fall spice and topped with a sweet glaze, they’re perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables and autumn bake sales.

When the air turns crisp and the leaves turn gold (only a slight exaggeration, since I live in hot/humid south Texas), I start looking for cookie recipes that bring all the “cozy fall” vibes—and these super-soft pumpkin cookies hit the mark on every level.

They're a cozy fall favorite — tender, lightly spiced, and incredibly easy to make, which is just how I like it! I tested and tweaked this recipe until the texture was perfectly soft and cake-like, the kind of cookie that disappears fast at family gatherings. If you love simple, foolproof baking--and if you like big pumpkin flavor with a soft, pillowy texture and warm spices, this one belongs in your autumn rotation.

With simple ingredients and one bowl, you’ll have cookies that taste like they belong at a Thanksgiving table, a cookie swap, or a weekend brunch under a blanket. They’re tender, fragrant, and designed to become your go-to pumpkin dessert this season.

'Tis the Season. . .for Pumpkin!

I've been on a roll making pumpkin treats lately. . .which is really something, considering I'm allergic! (I'm learning to substitute sweet potato puree for a similar taste profile.)

I've got a host of other holiday-themed desserts, too, but these pumpkin spice cookies are going to be near the top of the list. They're so soft and sweet and that cinnamon glaze? Well, it's everything! (Seriously. . .don't leave it off! You want the added texture and sweetness with this light, bright cookie.)

At a Glance

• Skill Level: Easy
• Flavor Profile: Moist pumpkin + cinnamon-nutmeg warmth
• Prep Time: ~10 minutes
• Bake Time: ~12-14 minutes
• Best For: Fall gatherings, Thanksgiving cookie trays, weekend brunch

Pumpkin Spice Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• room temperature butter (salted or unsalted, your choice)
• granulated sugar
• large egg
• pure vanilla extract
• pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• all-purpose flour
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt (if you use unsalted butter)
• ground cinnamon
• pumpkin pie spice

For the Glaze:

• powdered sugar
• water or milk
• cinnamon
• pumpkin pie spice

How to Make Super Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Make the Cookies:

Cream butter until light and fluffy. I always like to whip mine until the color completely changes from bright yellow to a soft, pale yellow, almost ivory. Now add the sugar and continue to mix, mix, mix! The goal here is to bring it cream the ingredients together.  Add pumpkin puree and mix well. 

Now it's time to add the egg. Beat until incorporated. 

Add flour, baking powder, and baking soda, as well as pinch of salt.

Mix well. You’ll have a fluffy soft batter. (At this point, you will be tempted to stick your finger in the bowl, I promise! I won't tell, if you do!)

Place your bowl of batter in the refrigerator for half an hour. (Don't skip this step, even if you're tempted!)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet. 

Scoop chilled dough onto parchment paper. (Now, aren't you glad you refrigerated it? It's so much easier to work with this way.)

Bake for 10 - 11 minutes or until set and golden on the edges. Don’t over-bake. You want these cookies to be soft and luscious.

Remove and place on wire rack to cool. 

Make the Glaze

Place powdered sugar in a medium bowl.  Add milk or water.  Add spices. Stir until lump free. 

Spoon glaze over cooled cookies. (Yum!)

Serve and enjoy!

Store leftovers in an airtight container. I recommended refrigerating these. They should stay good for 3 - 4 days.

What to Expect from this Recipe

These are so soft, y'all! They're almost like eating little cupcakes or tea cakes. They're also super easy to make and bake up so quick. You're going to be so proud to serve these to your family or to guests, and not just during the holidays. (Though, these are absolutely perfect for the Thanksgiving season!)

What to Enjoy About These Super Soft Pumpkin Cookies

• Ultra-soft, cake-like texture. Light, pillowy, and melt-in-your-mouth — these cookies are like little clouds of pumpkin goodness.
• Warm, cozy flavors. Pumpkin pairs perfectly with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla for that classic autumn taste.
• Perfectly sweet. Just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy without overwhelming the gentle pumpkin spice.
• Frosted or unfrosted. Whether topped with a swirl of cream cheese icing or enjoyed plain, they’re delicious either way.
• Kid-friendly, grown-up approved. Soft enough for little ones, nostalgic enough to bring out the kid in everyone.
• Ideal for fall baking. Perfect for cookie trays, bake sales, or simply brightening up a blustery afternoon with a cup of tea.

Questions People are Asking about Super Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Can I substitute anything for the pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! I always use mashed sweet potatoes in place of pumpkin, since I have an allergy. Once you add the spices you won't notice the different.

Can I make this recipe into pumpkin bars?

Yes, you can spread the dough into a prepped 9x13-inch pan and bake until golden. They will be soft like tea cakes (almost cake-like in appearance and texture) but loaded with flavor (and an easy way to make the recipe in a hurry).

Can I add anything to the recipe?

Yes! Pumpkin and chocolate go beautifully together, so feel free to add chocolate chips. Or, you could drizzle them with chocolate, like I did with my Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies. (Delicious!)

Are you a Pumpkin Fan?

I've got a host of pumpkin recipes you might enjoy, if so. You'll find my master list (From the Pumpkin Patch) to be helpful. In the meantime, here are a few favorites that you can whip up in a hurry:

• Pumpkin Spice Bars: These moist, flavorful pumpkin spice bars are packed with warm fall spices and topped with creamy frosting—perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday dessert tables.
• Easy Pumpkin Pound Cake from a boxed mix: This easy pumpkin pound cake starts with a boxed mix and bakes up rich, moist, and full of fall spices—perfect for effortless holiday entertaining.
• Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake: This easy pumpkin spice cake starts with a simple mix and delivers rich fall flavor, tender texture, and a perfectly spiced aroma—ideal for Thanksgiving or cozy autumn nights.
• Homemade Pumpkin Bread (from scratch): This homemade pumpkin bread is moist, tender, and filled with cozy fall spices—baked from scratch for that warm, comforting flavor you’ll crave all season long.
• Easy Bundt Cake Pumpkins: These adorable Bundt cake pumpkins are simple to make, deliciously spiced, and perfect for fall parties, Thanksgiving tables, or festive holiday gifting.
• Puff Pastry Pumpkin Rolls: These flaky puff pastry pumpkin rolls are filled with spiced pumpkin goodness and baked to golden perfection—an easy, elegant treat for cozy fall mornings or holiday brunches.
• Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: These soft, cake-like pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are packed with warm fall flavor and finished with a rich chocolate drizzle for the ultimate autumn indulgence.

That’s it for this post, friends!

I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe. For a larger list of holiday cookies, visit my Cookie Exchange round-up!

If you make these cookies and love them, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you're at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!

About the Baker

Janice Thompson believes fall flavors should last forever. With over 170 published books and countless kitchen adventures, she loves blending warm flavors with heartfelt stories. From first whisk to final bite, Janice bakes with the goal of making every recipe feel like home.

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