Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies

Sharing is caring!

Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies bring the essence of autumn into your kitchen with their soft, spiced interiors and signature crinkly, powdered sugar exteriors. These cookies are the perfect marriage of real pumpkin and seasonal spices, resulting in a treat that is not only visually stunning but also rich in flavor and texture. Whether you’re curling up with a book on a crisp fall afternoon or preparing a festive platter for a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to steal the spotlight.

Print

Let’s explore how to create this fall-inspired masterpiece, complete with ingredient tips, baking techniques, and serving ideas that will make you the cookie hero of your home.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies

To make these delightful cookies, gather the following:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cookies.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread slightly.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Works alongside baking soda for the perfect texture.
• 1 tablespoon corn starch – Ensures soft, tender cookies.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon – The quintessential fall spice.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger – Adds a gentle zing.
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves – Deepens the warm spice profile.

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies.
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar – Adds a hint of molasses and chewiness.
• ½ cup butter (room temperature) – Creates a rich, buttery flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall taste.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling) – The star ingredient, giving moisture and flavor.

For Rolling

• 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar – Creates the iconic crinkle effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. This step ensures even distribution of the spices for a uniform flavor.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and butter until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, creating a soft cookie texture.

4. Add Wet Ingredients

Add the vanilla extract and egg to the creamed butter mixture, and beat until well combined. Then, mix in the pumpkin puree. Don’t worry if the mixture looks slightly curdled; the dry ingredients will bring it together.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky—this is normal and ensures soft cookies.

6. Shape and Chill

Using a 1 ½-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto a piece of parchment paper placed on a cutting board or separate baking sheet. Freeze the dough balls for 15–20 minutes. This step helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.

7. Coat with Confectioners’ Sugar

Individually roll each chilled dough ball in confectioners’ sugar until fully coated. This is what gives the cookies their signature crinkle effect.

8. Arrange and Bake

Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press each ball down slightly to encourage spreading. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the cookies have almost doubled in size and the crinkle effect is prominent.

9. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool to room temperature before serving. Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a truly comforting treat.

The Flavor Experience

Imagine biting into a Pumpkin Crinkle Cookie: the first thing you notice is the delicate powdered sugar coating, followed by a soft, pillowy interior bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The pumpkin puree lends a moist texture, while the subtle sweetness balances the spices perfectly. Every bite feels like a cozy autumn day wrapped in cookie form.

Baking Tips

• Pumpkin Purée: Be sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices that could throw off the recipe balance.
• Freezing Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing excessive spreading. If your cookies spread too much, try freezing the dough balls for a bit longer.
• Even Crinkles: For an even crinkle effect, roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar.

Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-pumpkin twist.
• Nutty Delight: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies as part of a festive dessert platter alongside other fall favorites like apple pie and spiced cider.
• Wrap a few cookies in decorative cellophane bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Pair them with a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate autumn indulgence.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of the season’s warm and inviting flavors. Their soft texture, crackly powdered sugar finish, and perfectly spiced pumpkin flavor make them irresistible to all cookie lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at cookies for the first time, this recipe promises success and satisfaction.