PREHEAT THE OVEN: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
SIFT DRY INGREDIENTS: In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger. Sifting ensures even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
CREAM BUTTER AND SUGARS: In a separate mixing bowl, using an electric mixer or a whisk, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
ADD PUMPKIN AND EGG: Beat in the canned pumpkin puree and the large egg until well combined.
INCORPORATE DRY INGREDIENTS: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
ADD VANILLA (AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS): Stir in the vanilla extract. If desired, fold in chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture.
DROP DOUGH ONTO BAKING SHEETS: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
BAKE: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
COOL: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
ENJOY: Once the pumpkin spice cookies have cooled, they are ready to enjoy. Serve them with a glass of milk or a warm beverage for a delightful autumn treat.
Notes
VARIATIONS: Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie for a creamy and tangy twist.Walnuts or Pecans: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup over the cooled cookies for a sweet and autumn-inspired finish.Homemade pumpkin spice cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. These soft, chewy, and warmly spiced treats are perfect for enjoying with friends and family on crisp autumn days. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bake a batch of these delightful cookies to savor the taste of the season.