
As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves turn golden, there’s nothing more comforting than the warm aroma of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen. Chewy & Flavorful Pumpkin Spice Spritz Cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy on a cozy evening with a cup of hot cider or tea. These cookies strike a delightful balance between buttery richness and the warm spices of fall, making them a must-have for your seasonal baking repertoire.
This recipe was inspired by a cherished tradition of baking spritz cookies during the holidays, with a twist: the addition of pumpkin spice to infuse every bite with that unmistakable fall flavor. They’re not just cookies—they’re little pockets of comfort that bring back memories of family gatherings, festive celebrations, and the simple joy of homemade treats. Whether you’re baking for friends, gifting during the holidays, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies promise a chewy texture, bold flavor, and a sprinkle of seasonal magic.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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Optional: colored sugar or cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
Directions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. -
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. -
Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. -
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender. -
Prepare the Cookie Press
Fill a cookie press fitted with your favorite design disc with the dough. If you don’t have a cookie press, a piping bag with a large star tip works as well. -
Form the Cookies
Press the dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with colored sugar or cinnamon sugar, if desired, for a festive touch. -
Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly soft but will firm up as the cookies cool. -
Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
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Total Time: 25–27 minutes
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Yield: 3 dozen cookies
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Spritz Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature to help the dough come together smoothly and produce a tender cookie.
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Do Not Overbake: Cookies may appear soft when removed from the oven, but they will set as they cool. Overbaking will make them dry and less chewy.
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Experiment with Shapes: Use different cookie press discs to create a variety of festive shapes, perfect for holiday gift boxes or seasonal decorating.
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Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to three months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Chewy Texture: Unlike many spritz cookies that are crisp, these cookies stay soft and chewy thanks to the combination of butter and brown sugar.
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Warm, Spiced Flavor: Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a perfect symphony of fall flavors in every bite.
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Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can master these cookies with a little patience and a cookie press.
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Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simple cozy nights at home.
Fun Variations
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Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or festive sprinkles.
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Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over the cookies for added sweetness and flavor.
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Mini Cookies: Use a smaller cookie press disc to make bite-sized treats, ideal for parties or gifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! These pumpkin spice spritz cookies can absolutely be adapted for a gluten-free diet. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure and texture of regular flour. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough can sometimes be slightly drier or more delicate, so you may need to handle it with a little extra care when using a cookie press or piping bag. The cookies may not hold their shape quite as crisply as traditional versions, but they will still deliver the same rich, buttery flavor and warm pumpkin spice aroma. For best results, chill the dough for about 10–15 minutes before pressing it onto your baking sheet, as this can help the cookies maintain their shape.
2. Can I use a stand mixer instead of hand mixing?
Absolutely! A stand mixer is actually a great tool for this recipe, especially if you’re making a large batch of cookies. Using the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as overworking the dough can make the cookies tough rather than soft and chewy. Using a stand mixer can save time and ensure even mixing, giving you consistent cookie dough every time.
3. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Cookie spreading is a common concern with spritz cookies, but there are several ways to prevent it. First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Melted butter can cause the dough to be too loose, which leads to cookies spreading during baking. Second, chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes before pressing it onto the baking sheet can help maintain the intended shapes. Additionally, spacing the cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet ensures they have enough room to bake evenly without merging together. If you notice the cookies are still spreading too much, you can try using a slightly cooler oven temperature or reducing the sugar slightly, as both sugar and heat contribute to spreading.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, making the dough ahead of time is a great way to save time and prepare for busy baking days. You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to come back to room temperature for about 10–15 minutes so it softens slightly and can easily be pressed or piped into shapes. This method is particularly helpful during the holidays or when preparing for parties, as it allows you to spread out the baking process while still enjoying freshly baked cookies whenever you like. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage, just make sure to thaw it fully and bring it to room temperature before using.
A Cozy Treat for Fall and Beyond
There’s something undeniably comforting about baking cookies at home, especially when the flavors of pumpkin and warm spices fill the air. Chewy & Flavorful Pumpkin Spice Spritz Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a way to create memories, celebrate the season, and bring a sense of warmth to any occasion.
Whether you’re baking with family, gifting cookies to friends, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies promise a delightful bite every time. They pair wonderfully with warm drinks like apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or even a classic cup of tea.
With this recipe, you don’t just make cookies—you make an experience, a comforting ritual, and a reminder of why baking from scratch is so special.
Share the Joy
If you try this recipe, be sure to share your creations with friends and family. Take a moment to photograph your beautifully shaped cookies and post them on social media—after all, part of the joy of baking is spreading it to others. And don’t forget, these cookies make excellent gifts. Pack them in a decorative tin or jar, add a festive ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade present that anyone would love.
Fall is fleeting, but the memories you create with these Chewy & Flavorful Pumpkin Spice Spritz Cookies can last a lifetime. So preheat your oven, grab your cookie press, and let the comforting scent of pumpkin spice fill your kitchen.
Print
Chewy & Flavorful Pumpkin Spice Spritz Cookies
- Total Time: 25–27 minutes
- Yield: 3 dozen cookies 1x
Description
These soft and chewy pumpkin spice spritz cookies are perfect for cozy fall evenings or festive holiday gatherings. Infused with warm pumpkin pie spices and lightly sweetened, they’re buttery, flavorful, and fun to shape with a cookie press or piping bag.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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Optional: colored sugar or cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
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Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
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Fill a cookie press with dough and press shapes onto the prepared baking sheets. Space cookies about 1 inch apart.
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Optionally, sprinkle with colored sugar or cinnamon sugar.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
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Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

