Spice Up Your Fall with These Unconventional Pumpkin Cookies!

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and gold, I find myself craving a treat that captures the essence of autumn. But this time, I wanted to go beyond the usual pumpkin pie or muffins. That’s when I decided to craft a batch of pumpkin cookies with a twist—flavored with unexpected spices and a hint of savory magic.

These cookies are not just sweet bites; they are a scent-memory in the making. Crisp edges, chewy centers, and a complex blend of spices make each bite an adventure. Perfect for those who love to surprise their palate with something both familiar and entirely new.

Spiced Pumpkin Cookies with Savory Touches

These pumpkin cookies are baked treats featuring a moist, chewy center and crisp edges, infused with warm spices and subtle savory elements. They are prepared by mixing wet and dry ingredients, shaping the dough, and baking until golden, resulting in aromatic cookies with a slightly spiced and complex flavor profile.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup canned pumpkin pureed pumpkin, preferably unsweetened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar light or dark
• 1/4 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon warm spiced aroma
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger adds a spicy heat
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves intensifies warm spice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt balances sweetness
• 2 tablespoons herbs or spices such as sage or rosemary, optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth and well combined. You should see a slightly thick, cohesive mixture with a light orange hue.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, whisking again until the mixture is even and slightly fluffy.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt to distribute the spices evenly. This helps prevent clumping and guarantees all cookies are flavorful.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing until just combined. The dough will be slightly thick but still scoopable.
6. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give room for spreading.
7. Lightly flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spatula or your fingers for even baking and attractive shape.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers look set but still soft.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting ensures they set properly and develop the perfect chewy-center, crispy-edge texture.
10. Once cooled, enjoy these aromatic cookies as a delightful autumn treat, appreciating their complex spice blend and inviting scent.

Notes

For added flavor, mix in chopped nuts or dried cranberries before baking. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

As the season shifts, these cookies will fill your kitchen with warm aromas that linger long after baking. They’re a testament to how a small change—like adding a pinch of smoked paprika—can transform a simple cookie into something memorable. Enjoy these morsels as a cozy end to your busy day or a sweet surprise for someone you love.