Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Spice Brown Sugar Cookies
These irresistible Pumpkin Spice Brown Sugar Cookies combine the warm, cozy flavors of fall with the perfect chewy cookie texture. Made with real pumpkin puree and a blend of aromatic spices, these cookies feature crispy edges and soft, tender centers that will make them your new favorite autumn treat.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- The combination of dark brown sugar and honey creates an incredibly soft, chewy texture
- Real pumpkin puree adds authentic fall flavor and perfect moisture
- Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon provide that classic autumn warmth
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
- Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving, or any fall gathering
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1½ cups dark brown sugar
- Honey House Clover Honey
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup pure pumpkin puree
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
For Rolling
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Garnish
- Flaked sea salt
- Pumpkin seeds
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is properly softened for the best texture
- Don't Skip the Chill: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes for optimal results
- Use Pure Pumpkin: Avoid pumpkin pie filling - you want 100% pure pumpkin puree
- Perfect Portioning: Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes and even baking
- Watch the Edges: Cookies are done when edges are set but centers still look slightly underbaked
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months
Recipe Notes
These cookies strike the perfect balance between classic sugar cookies and seasonal pumpkin treats. The dark brown sugar creates a deeper, more complex sweetness, while the honey helps keep them perfectly chewy for days. The addition of pumpkin not only adds seasonal flavor but also contributes to the incredibly soft texture.
For the best results, don't overbake these cookies. They should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven, as they'll continue to set as they cool. The optional garnish of flaked sea salt and pumpkin seeds adds both visual appeal and a delightful textural contrast.
Perfect Pairings
Serve these cookies with:
- Hot apple cider
- Pumpkin spice latte
- Vanilla chai tea
- Glass of cold milk
- Caramel sauce for dipping
Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions
The dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For longer storage, roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.