Soft & Chewy Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies Recipe for Fall Baking

Sweet autumn memories flood back when I whip up these delightful pumpkin crinkle cookies that blend nostalgia with delectable comfort.

Crisp edges and soft centers define this seasonal treat’s irresistible charm.

Warm spices dance through each bite, creating a cozy kitchen atmosphere.

Delicate powdered sugar coating gives these cookies their signature crackled appearance.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor in every delightful morsel.

Fall baking reaches new heights with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

You’ll want to savor each magical crinkle-edged bite that captures the essence of cooler days.

Why Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies Are So Irresistible

• Celebrate Seasonal Delight: Indulge in the perfect autumn-inspired cookie that captures the warm, comforting essence of pumpkin spice in every delectable bite.
• Master Stress-Free Baking: Designed for both novice and experienced bakers, this recipe offers simple steps and minimal ingredients that guarantee successful results every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These crinkle cookies are ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, holiday parties, and casual weekend dessert cravings, appealing to all ages with their irresistible sweet and spicy profile.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal preparation and baking time, making these cookies a go-to recipe when you want a delicious homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need For Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth and creamy base that provides a rich autumn flavor and moisture to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and texture builder for the cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that contribute to the cookie's flavor and help create a soft texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie with a delicate crumb.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon: Warm spices that enhance the pumpkin flavor and create a cozy, seasonal taste profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of flavors in the cookies.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the cookie.
• Vegetable Oil, Vanilla Extract: Adds moisture and a subtle depth of flavor to the cookie dough.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates the signature crinkle effect and provides a sweet, snow-like coating on the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender texture.

How To Bake Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Whip Up a Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light, fluffy, and irresistibly smooth.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the texture becomes silky and consistent.

Step 4: Create Dry Ingredient Mixture

• Flour
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Cinnamon
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a uniform dough forms with a consistent texture.

Step 6: Add Moisture Magic

Drizzle vegetable oil into the dough and gently mix to enhance the cookie’s moisture and overall texture.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This helps firm up the mixture and makes it easier to handle.

Step 8: Prepare Powdered Sugar Coating

Pour powdered sugar into a shallow dish, ready for coating the cookies.

Step 9: Shape Cookie Balls

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough and roll each into a perfect ball.

Step 10: Sugar Coat the Cookies

Roll each dough ball completely in powdered sugar, ensuring full and even coverage.

Step 11: Arrange on Baking Sheets

Place the coated cookie balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the tops develop those signature crackled patterns.

Step 13: Initial Cooling

Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Step 14: Final Cooling

Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.

Tips To Nail Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies

• Chill for Success: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and create better cookie texture.
• Control Sugar Coating: Roll cookies generously in powdered sugar for signature crinkle effect and sweet exterior.
• Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal and clean baking sheets.
• Moisture Magic: Add vegetable oil to enhance cookie softness and prevent dryness.
• Spice It Up: Adjust pumpkin pie spice quantity to personalize flavor intensity according to preference.

Sweet Twists On Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Crinkles: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra richness and sweet chocolate bursts.
• Nutty Pumpkin Crinkles: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor profile.
• Maple Glazed Pumpkin Crinkles: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over cooled cookies made from powdered sugar and maple syrup.
• Cream Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin Crinkles: Create a small indentation in each cookie dough ball and fill with sweetened cream cheese before coating in powdered sugar.

Pairing Ideas For Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies

• Savor Warm Spiced Chai: Pair these pumpkin crinkle cookies with a steaming mug of chai tea, whose cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger notes perfectly complement the cookie's warm spices.
• Create Creamy Coffee Companion: Match the cookies with a smooth latte or cappuccino, where the rich espresso balances the sweetness and enhances the pumpkin's deep, earthy flavor profile.
• Elevate with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cool, creamy texture to contrast beautifully with the cookie's crackly, sugary exterior.
• Indulge with Caramel Drizzle: Top the cookies with a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce, intensifying the dessert's autumnal warmth and adding a luxurious layer of complexity.

How To Store Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies Properly

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, keeping them flat and separated. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring they're completely cooled before freezing.
• Avoid storing cookies in humid areas to maintain their signature crinkly surface and prevent softening or becoming soggy.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their delicate crackled appearance and soft texture.

Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies FAQs

• Why do I need to refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and roll into balls, which prevents sticky hands and ensures better cookie shape.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Canned pumpkin puree works best because it has consistent moisture and texture, whereas fresh pumpkin can be too watery and affect the cookie’s texture.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and crackled tops, which indicate the cookies are done and will have a soft, chewy interior.

• What makes these cookies have their signature crinkle appearance?

Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates the distinctive crackled surface as the cookies expand and break through the sugar coating during baking.

Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 42-44 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Seasonal magic shines through these pumpkin crinkle cookies, blending warm spices with delicate powdered sugar coating. Crisp edges, tender centers, and rich autumn flavors invite you to savor sweet comfort in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

Coating and Binding:

• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a uniform dough forms.
6. Drizzle vegetable oil into the dough and gently mix to enhance moisture and texture.
7. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up and make it easier to handle.
8. Pour powdered sugar into a shallow dish for coating the cookies.
9. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll each into a ball.
10. Roll each dough ball completely in powdered sugar, ensuring full coverage.
11. Place coated cookie balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
12. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly golden and tops have crackled.
13. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
14. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance the crinkle effect, creating those signature beautiful cracks.
• Use fresh pumpkin pie spice for maximum flavor intensity, as older spices can lose their aromatic punch and depth.
• Adjust powdered sugar coating thickness to control the dramatic crinkle appearance – a heavier coating creates more pronounced white cracks.
• Gluten-free bakers can substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg