Name: Winter's Favorite Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Vegan)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cups vegan butter (softened); 0.5 cups organic cane sugar; 0.25 cups brown sugar (light or dark); 0.25 cups pumpkin puree (not pie filling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1.75 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free option works too); 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder); 2 teaspoons baking powder (do not omit); 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger); 0.25 teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt); 0.5 cups powdered sugar (for dusting); 0.25 cups cinnamon-sugar mixture (for extra sweetness)

As the leaves turn golden and the air fills with the rich scents of fall, there’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. Enter my Spooktacular Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies, a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. These soft and chewy cookies are not only vegan, making them suitable for a wider audience, but they also come together quickly, ensuring that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying cozy moments with loved ones. With Halloween just around the corner, they’re perfect for decorating with fun cookie cutters or simply savoring as a warm, comforting snack. Curious about how to bring this festive delight into your own home? Let’s dive into the spooky goodness together!

Why are these cookies perfect for fall?

Delightfully Festive: These vegan pumpkin spice cookies are a celebration of autumn flavors, offering a warm and inviting scent that fills your home.
Soft and Chewy Texture: Their melt-in-your-mouth consistency pairs beautifully with warm beverages, making them ideal for cozy evenings.
Fun for All Ages: Use Halloween cookie cutters for a whimsical twist that kids will love, or keep it classic for traditional treats!
Quick to Prepare: With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a delicious batch ready before you know it—perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize with chocolate chips or nuts, or even try swapping in applesauce for a delightful twist. These cookies are not only a fun autumn activity but also a catchy treat to accompany your Cinnamon Roll Cookies at any fall party!

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies Ingredients

• For the Cookie Dough

Vegan Butter – Provides richness and moisture to ensure a soft texture.
Organic Cane Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread beautifully while baking.
Brown Sugar – Contributes to a moist texture and deep caramel flavor; light or dark brown can be used interchangeably.
Pumpkin Puree – Essential for that beloved pumpkin flavor and moistness in your cookies; use homemade or canned pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; almond extract can be used as a nutty alternative.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to your cookies; a gluten-free option works just as well!
Cornstarch – Increases tenderness, helping the cookies stay soft; arrowroot powder is a great substitute.
Baking Powder – A key leavening agent for achieving a light texture; do not omit as substitutes may yield different results.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – Adds those classic fall flavors; can replace with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if needed.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; you can opt for sea salt or kosher salt here.

• For Decorating (Optional)

Powdered Sugar – Dust lightly on top for an elegant touch!
Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture – Adds extra sweetness and warmth to make these Halloween pumpkin spice cookies even more festive!

Dive into the joy of baking these delightful cookies that encapsulate the essence of the season!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Vegan)

Step 1: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine ½ cup softened vegan butter, ½ cup organic cane sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup pumpkin puree, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, creating a smooth base for your Halloween pumpkin spice cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 1¾ cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly combined and aerated, which will help create a light and flavorful cookie dough.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your Halloween pumpkin spice cookies. The dough should be soft and cohesive, perfect for shaping!

Step 4: Chill Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes, or let it sit in the refrigerator overnight for a firmer consistency. Chilling the dough is essential, as it helps the cookies retain their shape during baking, leading to perfectly shaped treats.

Step 5: Preheat Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheating is crucial for even baking; the right temperature will help achieve the soft, chewy texture that defines these spooky Halloween pumpkin spice cookies.

Step 6: Shape Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite Halloween cookie cutters to cut out spooky shapes, or scoop 2-inch balls of dough for traditional cookies. The dough should hold together well and be fun to shape!

Step 7: Bake
Arrange the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced 2-3 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-12 minutes, keeping an eye on them; they are done when the edges are lightly golden, offering a beautiful autumn hue to your Halloween pumpkin spice cookies.

Step 8: Cool
Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is vital for ensuring they firm up perfectly, and the delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone as they prepare to enjoy a sweet taste of fall!

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these delectable cookies and make them your own!

Applesauce Substitute: Replace pumpkin puree with applesauce for a fruity twist that adds sweetness and moisture.
Transform the flavor entirely; it creates a delightful blend that resembles apple pie—perfect for fall!
Chocolate Chip Delight: Mix in vegan chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
Chocolate and pumpkin unite deliciously, making each bite even more decadent and satisfying!
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
The contrasting textures make these cookies even more enjoyable, adding a delightful nutty surprise.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
You can still savor every soft, chewy bite without worry, ensuring everyone can join in on the fall fun!
Cinnamon-Sugar Dusting: Toss the cookies in a cinnamon-sugar mixture after baking for a sweet finish.
This extra touch enhances the fall flavors and gives your cookies a delightful sparkle!
Maple Syrup Sweetness: Replace organic cane sugar with maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.
The deep, rich notes of maple perfectly complement the pumpkin and spices, adding cozy vibes!
Spiced Pumpkin Variation: Utilize a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger instead of pumpkin pie spice.
This spice substitution provides an aromatic, custom flavor profile, making it the perfect adaptation for your taste!

Don’t forget to check out these delightful recipes: Chewy Brown Cookies for a classic treat and these fun Pebble Sugar Cookies that offer a colorful twist!

What to Serve with Spooktacular Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies

As autumn leaves crunch beneath your feet, the cozy aroma of these delightful cookies invites you to create an unforgettable fall feast.

Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate: A rich, chocolaty drink pairs beautifully with the spices of the cookies, warming you from within. Sip it on a chilly evening for ultimate comfort!
Apple Cider: This classic fall beverage’s sweetness and slight tartness provide a refreshing contrast to the cookies’ softness, making each bite feel delightful.
Roasted Pumpkin Soup: The warm, savory flavors of this soup enhance the fall theme, creating a lovely balance between sweet and savory on your dinner table.
Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly bitter notes and caramelized sweetness beautifully complement the cookies’ spices, offering an exciting flavor contrast.
Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai echo those in the cookies, creating a harmonious experience. This fragrant treat is perfect for a cozy afternoon gathering.
Nutty Granola Bars: These chewy snacks provide a satisfying, crunchy texture alongside your soft cookies. It’s an easy addition for a wholesome treat platter.
Salted Caramel Brownies: Rich and indulgent, these brownies add a decadent flavor profile that pairs unexpectedly and perfectly with the spice of the cookies.

Create your enchanting autumn experience by enjoying these delightful pairings alongside your spooktacular vegan pumpkin spice cookies!

Expert Tips for Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies

• Chill for Best Shape: Ensure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This vital step prevents your Halloween pumpkin spice cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

• Watch the Bake Time: Cookies can vary based on thickness; check them around the 6-minute mark to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dryness.

• Use Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, keeping your baking experience enjoyable.

• Substitution Success: If you need to substitute ingredients, do so wisely! For instance, the cookie texture changes significantly with different sugars; sticking to the recommended types leads to the best results.

• Experiment with Spices: If out of pumpkin pie spice, mix your own! Use equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a delightful alternative that keeps the warm flavor profile intact.

Make Ahead Options

These Spooktacular Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies are perfect for those who love to meal prep! You can prepare and chill the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh (this prevents browning and maintains flavor). When you’re ready to bake, simply take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator, roll it out, and cut the cookies into your desired shapes! Baking fresh cookies whenever you need a sweet treat not only saves time but also ensures they are just as delicious and soft. Enjoy the convenience of having ready-to-bake dough for Halloween gatherings or cozy fall nights!

Storage Tips for Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature to maintain their soft and chewy texture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, store in the fridge in an airtight container, where they can last for up to 1 week without sacrificing flavor.

Freezer: Freeze cookies for up to 3 months in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature to enjoy delicious Halloween pumpkin spice cookies anytime!

Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, briefly microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to revive their soft texture.

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe pumpkin for pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When choosing a pumpkin for puree, look for ones that are firm, with a smooth skin, and feel heavy for their size. The ideal pumpkins for baking are usually smaller varieties like sugar pumpkins, which are sweeter and have a denser flesh. Avoid pumpkins with dark spots or blemishes, as these can indicate spoilage.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Very simple! Store your Halloween pumpkin spice cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and chewy. If you want to prolong their shelf life, refrigerate them, where they can last about a week. Just make sure to seal them tightly so they don’t dry out!

Can I freeze pumpkin spice cookies for later?
Absolutely! To freeze your Halloween pumpkin spice cookies, let them completely cool first, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored like this for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
Don’t worry—this can happen sometimes! If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it for a little longer, as this should help firm it up. You can also lightly dust your work surface and hands with flour while shaping the cookies. If these methods don’t work, it could be a sign you need to add more flour; sprinkle in a tablespoon or so and mix until it reaches the right consistency.

Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes indeed! The recipe for Halloween pumpkin spice cookies is nut-free as written, assuming your vegan butter doesn’t contain any nut products. However, always double-check the labels on your ingredients, especially if you use nuts in any variations, like adding walnuts or using almond extract. This is a good practice to ensure safety for anyone with allergies!