Name: Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, (stir, spoon, & level); 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup (118 ml) oil, (canola/vegetable); ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, gently packed; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 cup (244 g) pumpkin puree, (not pie filling); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for rolling); 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate autumn indulgence, combining the warmth of pumpkin spice with the soft, chewy texture of a classic crinkle cookie. Each bite delivers the cozy flavors of fall, wrapped in a beautiful crackled sugar coating that looks just as delightful as it tastes. These cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, perfect for family gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or a quiet evening at home with a warm drink.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. With pantry-friendly ingredients and an easy mixing process, you can whip up a batch in just 30 minutes. The recipe yields around 40 cookies, making it ideal for sharing, gifting, or freezing for later.

If you’re looking for a cookie that feels festive, comforting, and effortlessly delicious, these Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies are a must-try. They strike the perfect balance between sweet and spiced, making them irresistible for both pumpkin lovers and anyone who craves a cozy seasonal treat.

Core Ingredients for Making Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies

🛒 Ingredients:

2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, (stir, spoon, & level)
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup (118 ml) oil, (canola/vegetable)
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, gently packed
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup (244 g) pumpkin puree, (not pie filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for rolling)

These ingredients create the soft, spiced base while the rolling sugars add the iconic crinkle look and irresistible sweetness.

Step-by-Step

Guide to Making Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies

👩‍🍳 Directions:
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. The dough will be thick, soft, and sticky.
4️⃣ Coat the Dough: Place granulated sugar and powdered sugar in separate bowls. Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough (#50 scoop), drop directly into granulated sugar, coat, then roll gently in your hands. Coat generously in powdered sugar without shaking off excess. Place 12 cookies per pan, 2 inches apart.
5️⃣ Bake: Bake at 350°F for 9-10 minutes until puffy and cracked. Cookies should appear soft and matte in the cracks. Avoid overbaking.
6️⃣ Cool: Let cookies cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies are more than just a sweet snack; they’re little bites of comfort, the kind of treat that instantly transports you into the cozy embrace of autumn. Their golden pumpkin base and powdered sugar tops look like tiny snow-dusted treasures, making them the perfect cookies to bring to any seasonal gathering. Paired with a warm drink, these cookies can turn an ordinary afternoon into a moment of pure comfort. A cup of spiced chai, rich hot chocolate, or even a simple black coffee highlights the warm spices of the cookies, letting their flavor shine with every bite.

These cookies also make a lovely addition to dessert tables during the holidays. Imagine them alongside a slice of apple pie, a wedge of pecan tart, or a plate of frosted gingerbread cookies. Their soft, pillowy texture and crackly sugared tops provide contrast to other denser, richer desserts. If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas party, displaying them in a rustic basket or on a decorative tray can bring charm and a homemade feel to the occasion. Guests will be drawn to their unique appearance and rewarding taste.

For an elevated serving idea, try transforming Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies into mini dessert parfaits. Layer crumbled cookies with whipped cream or mascarpone and top with caramel drizzle for an easy yet stunning dessert. They can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a warm-meets-cold delight. Whether you keep them simple or dress them up, these cookies adapt beautifully to any setting, making them versatile treats that please both kids and adults alike.

Flavor Variations and Creative Twists

One of the best parts about baking Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies is how customizable they are. If you love chocolate, adding mini chocolate chips or chunks of white chocolate into the dough makes for a richer, more indulgent cookie. The earthy sweetness of pumpkin pairs wonderfully with chocolate’s bold flavor, creating a balance that feels decadent without being overwhelming. This twist is perfect if you want to add a touch of indulgence to the traditional recipe while still keeping the cozy pumpkin essence.

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, mixing in chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds is a fantastic option. The contrast between the soft, tender cookie and the nutty crunch gives each bite an exciting texture. You can even toast the nuts before adding them to the dough for a deeper, more robust flavor. Alternatively, dried fruits like cranberries or golden raisins bring a tangy sweetness that plays beautifully against the pumpkin and spices, offering a more complex twist for holiday gatherings.

If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with flavor infusions such as maple or almond extract. A splash of maple extract complements the pumpkin spice beautifully and enhances the autumnal feel of the cookies. For a holiday-inspired version, try dusting the baked cookies with a mix of powdered sugar and cinnamon for an extra burst of warmth. Some bakers even like to sandwich two cookies together with a cream cheese filling, turning them into pumpkin spice whoopie pies. With so many creative directions, this recipe can easily be tailored to fit your mood, occasion, or the preferences of your guests.

Storing Tips

Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies are not just delicious—they’re practical too, as they store wonderfully well. At room temperature, they remain soft, moist, and flavorful for three to four days when kept in an airtight container. Their slightly cake-like texture means they don’t dry out as quickly as other cookies, making them a reliable choice for preparing ahead of time. If you’re planning for a party or holiday, you can easily bake them a day or two in advance without worrying about them losing quality.

For those who want to extend their shelf life, refrigeration is an excellent option. Store the cookies in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate for up to a week. Before serving, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to regain their soft, chewy bite. A quick warm-up in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven can also revive their freshly baked feel, bringing back the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice.

If you’d like to enjoy these cookies far beyond the season, freezing is the way to go. Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their flavor. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature or give them a gentle reheat in the oven. Freezing them also makes it easy to prepare large batches for future cravings, ensuring you always have a taste of autumn ready to enjoy.

FAQs

Q: Why did my cookies lose their powdered sugar coating after baking?
A: This usually happens if the dough sits too long before baking, causing the sugar to dissolve into the dough. To fix this, coat the dough balls in sugar just before putting them in the oven, and don’t let them rest on the tray for too long.

Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: It’s not recommended. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which will throw off the balance of the recipe. Always use pure pumpkin puree for the best results.

Q: How can I make my cookies extra soft and chewy?
A: The key is not to overbake them. Remove the cookies from the oven when they are puffed and cracked but still soft inside. Storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or piece of parchment between layers also helps retain moisture.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?
A: Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that the longer the dough sits, the more it may absorb the sugar coating. For best results, roll and coat the cookies in sugar just before baking.