Name: Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup packed brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 cup pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups confectioners sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 11 reviews

If you have a soft spot for autumn flavors and irresistibly tender treats, then this Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies Recipe is going to steal your heart. These cookies are the perfect blend of moist pumpkin goodness with just the right kick of pumpkin pie spice, wrapped in a delightful powdered sugar crinkle coating that cracks beautifully as they bake. Whether you’re craving a cozy afternoon snack or baking for a festive gathering, these cookies bring that warm, comforting Fall feeling in every bite. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies Recipe, it will become one of your seasonal favorites to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with smooth, thick light brown batter with some darker specks inside, sitting on a white marbled surface. A whisk with a pale wooden handle and blue wires is resting inside the bowl, partially covered by the batter. The batter has a creamy and spreadable texture with swirls from mixing visible on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the soft texture, rich flavor, and stunning appearance of these cookies. From the aromatic pumpkin pie spice to the smooth pumpkin puree, these ingredients come together in perfect harmony.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and softness for the cookies.
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the dough with that quintessential Fall warmth and spice blend.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the ideal texture and rise.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and tender without adding heaviness.
½ cup brown sugar (packed): Adds depth with its caramel notes and moisture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s delightful crisp edges.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the dough.
1 cup pumpkin (not pie filling): The star ingredient delivering natural sweetness and that lovely orange hue.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, floral aroma.
1 ½ cups confectioners sugar: For rolling the dough, giving the cookies their iconic crackled, powdered sugar coating.

How to Make Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute all the leavening agents and spices throughout the dough.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, blend the vegetable oil with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. Then, add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Stir gently just until everything comes together — over-mixing can make the cookies tough, and we want soft, tender bites!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl and fold them together until just combined. At this point, your dough will be soft and slightly sticky, which is exactly what you want for these delicate cookies.

Step 5: Rest the Dough

Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes. This step isn’t just a formality; it allows the flour to hydrate fully and the flavors to meld beautifully, which results in a better texture when baked.

Step 6: Roll and Coat

Spoon the dough out using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or a sturdy spoon, then gently roll each portion into a ball. Roll these balls generously in the confectioners sugar, making sure to coat them fully for that signature crinkle effect.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Space your cookies evenly on the baking sheets and bake for 9 to 10 minutes until they’re puffy and cracked on top. There’s a sweet spot to hitting perfect doneness here—overbaking will dry them out, so keep a close eye.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time lets them firm up just enough to handle without losing their moist, tender crumb.

How to Serve Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies Recipe

A white round plate filled with eight round cookies arranged closely together, each cookie has a warm brown base color with a cracked texture and is generously covered with white powdered sugar creating a spotted pattern on top. The cookies have a slightly rough surface with visible cracks in the powdered sugar. The plate sits on a wooden surface, with two small orange pumpkins at the top right corner and two cinnamon sticks placed at the bottom right corner near a red and white checkered cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dusting of extra confectioners sugar just before serving adds a whimsical snow-kissed look and a little extra sweetness. For a festive touch, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to heighten the aroma as soon as you bring them out.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or creamy hot chocolate for a cozy treat. They also go wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make an easy dessert that feels specially indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, stack the cookies in rustic baskets lined with autumn leaves or place them in mason jars tied with twine for gift-giving. You can even drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of flavor and elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and moist while preserving all those wonderful pumpkin spice notes.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies Recipe cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy them fresh from the freezer, simply warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 300-degree oven for a few minutes. This refreshes their softness and intensifies their cozy, spiced aroma.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe because canned pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can affect the cookie’s texture and flavor balance.

Why do my pumpkin crinkle cookies spread too much?

Make sure your dough is well-chilled if it feels too soft. Also, avoid using too much oil or sugar and be careful not to over-mix, as that can cause excessive spreading during baking.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a vegan-friendly oil and sugar to keep this fall favorite animal-friendly.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips add a lovely texture and flavor contrast. Just stir them into the dough before resting and proceed with the recipe as usual.

What is the best way to get the crackled sugar look?

Generously rolling the dough balls twice in confectioners sugar ensures a thick coating that cracks beautifully while baking, creating that classic crinkle cookie aesthetic that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Final Thoughts

Making this Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater — warm, comforting, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re new to pumpkin baking or a Fall enthusiast, these cookies deliver incredible flavor and texture with effortless steps. So go ahead, bake a batch, share them with friends, and savor the magic of autumn in every bite. You’ll be so glad you did!