Pumpkin Cake Cookies – Easy Fall Recipe (No Bake)

Pumpkin Cake Cookies are the perfect fall dessert, offering the perfect balance of flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds. These soft and chewy cookies are made with simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness, making them ideal for any pumpkin lover. Whether you’re baking for a cozy fall gathering or just craving a seasonal treat, this recipe brings the essence of autumn to every bite.

Why Pumpkin Cake Cookies Are the Best Choice

These Pumpkin Cake Cookies are a must-try because they combine the rich flavor of pumpkin with classic fall spices, resulting in a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth. The recipe is quick, easy, and ideal for family baking sessions or when you need a sweet pick-me-up. Plus, they’re customizable with optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds a rich, moist texture and earthy flavor to the cookies, making them soft and tender.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps the cookies retain moisture, creating that cake-like consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the spices.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor and enhances the overall sweetness.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the dough together while also adding richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A key flavoring agent that complements the spices and pumpkin.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient, providing structure to the cookies.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the cookies rise to the perfect soft, fluffy texture.

• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, and Ginger: The warm spices that give these cookies their fall flavor.
• Optional Add-ins (Chocolate Chips, Nuts, or Raisins): Adds extra flavor and texture, allowing you to personalize your cookies.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Instead of vegetable oil, you can use melted butter for a richer flavor.
• If you prefer a lower-sugar version, consider using coconut sugar or maple syrup to replace the granulated sugar.
• For a gluten-free option, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If desired, fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins.
5. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
7. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy these Pumpkin Cake Cookies with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Tips & Tricks

• To check if your cookies are done, lightly press the tops. They should spring back gently.
• If you want your cookies to have a slightly crisp edge, bake them for the full 15 minutes.
• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough to bake later, or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
• If you’re making these cookies for a crowd, double the recipe for even more pumpkin goodness!

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These Pumpkin Cake Cookies can be paired with a variety of beverages. Enjoy them with a hot cup of apple cider or a creamy latte for the ultimate fall experience. You can also try drizzling them with a bit of cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist. If you prefer to experiment, try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries for a festive touch.

Seasonal and Health Benefits

Pumpkin is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making these cookies a great source of nutrients. Packed with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants like beta-carotene, they can contribute to a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation. Plus, the spices used in this recipe, like cinnamon and ginger, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost digestion during the cooler months.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cake Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With their soft, cake-like texture and rich, spiced flavor, they are the perfect snack for any pumpkin lover. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared with family and friends, these cookies bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to love, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and start baking these irresistible pumpkin-flavored delights today!

FAQs

More Relevant Recipes

• Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: These soft muffins combine the flavors of pumpkin and apple, topped with a crunchy streusel. They are a perfect fall treat that pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, just like the Pumpkin Cake Cookies.
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: A twist on the classic snickerdoodle, these Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies bring a warm, spiced flavor with a soft and chewy texture, perfect for autumn baking and an ideal companion to your Pumpkin Cake Cookies.
• Moist Pumpkin Bread: This moist pumpkin bread is a healthier alternative to traditional pumpkin cakes, with a rich pumpkin flavor and a light texture. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy breakfast alongside your Pumpkin Cake Cookies.

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