Prepare the Dough:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for the texture of your cookies.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until well combined. The pumpkin puree not only adds flavor but also keeps the cookies moist and tender.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices are the secret to that classic pumpkin spice flavor.
4. Combine and Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Chill the Dough:

1. Divide and Wrap: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. This will make it easier to roll out later.
2. Refrigerate: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm. You can also freeze the dough at this point if you want to bake the cookies later.

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.

Roll the Dough:

1. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
2. Coat the Cookies: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Lightly sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor to the finished cookies.

Bake the Cookies:

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary based on your oven and the thickness of your cookies.
2. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and ensures they don’t break apart.

Serve:

• Serve these Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite fall beverage. They’re perfect for snacking, sharing, or bringing a bit of autumn flavor to any occasion.