Name: Soft Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies to Celebrate Fall
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Vegan Butter (Provides richness and moisture; substitute with coconut oil if needed.); 1 cup Organic Cane Sugar (Adds a hint of molasses sweetness; brown sugar is a good alternative.); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Enhances moisture and adds depth; coconut sugar can be used for a healthier version.); 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (Essential for moisture and pumpkin flavor; stick to canned or homemade for best results.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Imparts aromatic flavor; maple syrup can be substituted for a unique twist.); 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Forms the dough's structure; use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.); 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Creates a softer cookie texture; arrowroot powder can work as a substitute.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Aids in leavening for fluffy cookies; adjust with baking soda if needed.); 1 tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spice (Brings the quintessential fall flavor; make your own blend with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances the overall flavor; no substitute necessary.); 1 tablespoon Cinnamon Sugar (Perfect for sprinkling on top for added sweetness and spice before baking.)

As the leaves begin to dance with shades of gold and crimson, there’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of baking wafting through the house. This season, I’m excited to share my recipe for Vegan Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies—soft, chewy bites that perfectly capture the cozy spirit of fall. These delightful treats are not only a joy to make, especially with kids, but they’re also a healthier choice for Halloween festivities. Imagine serving these festive cookies shaped like ghosts and pumpkins, or simply round for those classic cookie lovers. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet moment at home, these cookies are sure to become your new autumn favorite. Are you ready to embrace the flavors of the season and get your kitchen filled with some Halloween magic?

Why Make These Pumpkin Spice Cookies?

Soft, Chewy Perfection: These cookies strike the ideal balance between soft and chewy, offering a comforting bite that compels you to reach for another.

Vegan Delight: With no animal products, everyone can indulge! Enjoy these guilt-free treats during Halloween festivities or any cozy gathering.

Festive Fun: Shape them with Halloween cookie cutters for a spooktacular twist, or keep it simple with classic rounds—perfect for all ages!

Quick and Easy: You’ll love how effortlessly these come together, making them a great option for busy bakers or last-minute get-togethers.

Versatile Flavor: The warm spices encompass the very essence of fall, ensuring that every bite feels like a long-awaited seasonal hug. Pair with a hot drink, like homemade apple cider, for the ultimate autumn experience!

Ready to explore other delightful recipes? Try our Apple Oatmeal Cookies or enjoy the nutty sweetness of Nutty Apricot Cookies to expand your fall baking repertoire.

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Ingredients

For the Dough
• Vegan Butter – Provides richness and moisture; substitute with coconut oil if needed.
• Organic Cane Sugar – Adds a hint of molasses sweetness; brown sugar is a good alternative.
• Brown Sugar – Enhances moisture and adds depth; coconut sugar can be used for a healthier version.
• Pumpkin Puree – Essential for moisture and pumpkin flavor; stick to canned or homemade for best results.
• Vanilla Extract – Imparts aromatic flavor; maple syrup can be substituted for a unique twist.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the dough’s structure; use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
• Cornstarch – Creates a softer cookie texture; arrowroot powder can work as a substitute.
• Baking Powder – Aids in leavening for fluffy cookies; adjust with baking soda if needed.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – Brings the quintessential fall flavor; make your own blend with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; no substitute necessary.

Optional Topping
• Cinnamon Sugar – Perfect for sprinkling on top for added sweetness and spice before baking; a delightful touch that embraces the Halloween spirit!

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

Step 1: Prep Wet Ingredients
In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine 1 cup of vegan butter, 1 cup of organic cane sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat this mixture on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be creamy and well-combined, creating a delightful base for your Halloween pumpkin spice cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly combined and free of lumps. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Step 3: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture in the stand mixer, stirring on low speed until a soft dough forms. Take care not to overmix; it should be just combined and still slightly sticky. At this stage, you can see how the flavors are melding together, forming a dough that embodies the cozy essence of the season.

Step 4: Chill
Cover your dough with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if time allows. Chilling the dough is critical as it helps solidify the fats and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This step enhances the overall texture of your Halloween pumpkin spice cookies.

Step 5: Preheat Oven
While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This setup creates a non-stick surface that allows for even baking and easy removal of your cookies, contributing to the delightful experience of your Halloween baking adventure.

Step 6: Shape Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thick, or simply roll into 2-inch balls if you’re going for simplicity. Use Halloween cookie cutters to create festive shapes, or place the rounded dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. The excitement of shaping these cookies is a fun way to engage with the Halloween spirit!

Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 6-12 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies. They are ready when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers remain soft. Keep a close eye on them; the goal is perfectly chewy Halloween pumpkin spice cookies that retain a slight softness!

Step 8: Cool
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This short cooling period allows them to firm up slightly while retaining their delightful chewiness. Once cooled, they can be enjoyed individually or stored for later—perfect for sharing during the Halloween festivities.

Make Ahead Options

These Vegan Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the wet and dry ingredients, forming the dough, and then refrigerating it. Chilling the dough is key to maintaining its texture, as it helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies soft and chewy. If you wish to prep even further, the shaped cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; just place them on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply let the cookie shapes thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed. Enjoy the time-saving benefits while still delivering deliciously festive treats!

Expert Tips for Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Chill the Dough: Chilling is essential; it solidifies the fats and prevents the cookies from overspreading, resulting in a perfect shape.
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment for easy cookie removal and to prevent sticking—say goodbye to messy clean-ups!
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should have lightly golden edges but remain soft in the center for that chewy texture.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until a dough forms. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we want to avoid!
Experiment with Shapes: Have fun with Halloween cookie cutters for festive shapes! But if you prefer classic rounds, simply roll the dough into balls for a timeless treat.
Add Spice Variations: Feel free to customize the spices to your liking; a pinch of cayenne can add some zing if you’re feeling adventurous! Enjoy your Halloween pumpkin spice cookies!

Variations & Substitutions for Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Customize these Halloween pumpkin spice cookies to perfectly suit your taste and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a deliciously soft and chewy option that everyone can enjoy.
Coconut Sugar: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor while lowering the glycemic index.
Applesauce Alternative: Replace pumpkin puree with unsweetened applesauce for a fruity twist that’s equally moist and delightful.
Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips to create a rich chocolate contrast, adding delightful pockets of sweetness in each bite.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising heat that balances beautifully with the pumpkin spices.
Nutty Flavor Boost: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty, satisfying crunch. These flavors amplify the homey, autumn vibe.
Seasoned Variability: Instead of pumpkin pie spice, feel free to experiment with your favorite combo of spices, like cardamom or clove, for a unique spin.
Figgy Twist: Incorporate dried figs or raisins into the dough to add sweetness and a delightful chewiness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin flavor.

While you’re at it, check out our Nutty Apricot Cookies for a different fall flavor or try the Apple Oatmeal Cookies for a delightful addition to your autumn baking collection!

Storage Tips for Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.

• Fridge: If you live in a warmer climate, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying!

• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying your Halloween pumpkin spice cookies.

• Dough Storage: You can also freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Shape into balls, place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake without thawing, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time!

What to Serve with Vegan Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies?

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with delightful pairings that elevate your cookie experience.

Warm Apple Cider: The sweet, spiced notes of warm apple cider complement the pumpkin spice beautifully, making it the perfect fall beverage.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: A seasonal favorite, this coffee blend enhances the cookies’ flavors while providing a cozy atmosphere.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: A luscious, creamy topping can transform your cookies, offering a rich contrast to their chewy texture.
Spiced Tea: A cup of chai or spiced black tea adds warmth and a gentle spice that harmonizes perfectly with the cookies’ flavors.
Roasted Nuts: Offer a crunchy side of cinnamon-roasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful contrast to the softness of the cookies.
Coconut Milk Ice Cream: Drizzle scoops of creamy coconut milk ice cream on the side to create a delightful mix of cold and warm.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Try a light drizzle or dip the edges of your cookies in dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel adds a sweet, gooey layer of flavor that kids and adults alike will love.
Fruit Platter: Fresh apple slices or pears create a refreshing contrast and are a great way to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
Bourbon Apple Tart: For a more festive finish, serve with slices of bourbon apple tart to enhance the cozy fall experience.

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and consistency, I recommend using canned pumpkin puree, which is convenient and reliably smooth. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can roast and puree fresh pumpkin, just be sure it’s cooked until tender. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling, as it contains additional sugars and spices.

How should I store my pumpkin spice cookies?
These delightful cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you live in a warm climate, consider keeping them in the fridge to maintain their freshness, where they can last for up to 2 weeks. Just let them warm to room temperature before indulging!

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze your baked pumpkin spice cookies to enjoy later. Simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. They’ll be just as soft and chewy as the day you baked them!

What if my dough seems too soft to shape?
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! If your cookie dough feels too soft to handle, simply pop it in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This brief chill helps firm it up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes. Also, ensure that you’ve chilled the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping, as this is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.

Are these cookies safe for pets or allergies?
While these Vegan Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies are great for human enjoyment, be cautious with any pets. Ingredients like chocolate (if added) are toxic to dogs and cats. Always check for allergies if serving to friends and family, as some might be sensitive to gluten or sugar alternatives, especially if using substitutes like coconut sugar. It’s best to inform others of the ingredients before sharing!

How long should I chill the dough before baking?
I recommend chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it chill overnight works wonders! Chilling solidifies the fats in the dough, helping to maintain their shape while baking, resulting in perfectly chewy cookies that won’t overspread. Afterward, you’ll be ready for some Halloween magic!