Description
Chai Spiced Pumpkin Cookies are the ultimate fall treat—soft, warmly spiced, and kissed with a crunchy sugar crust. With pumpkin puree and a custom chai spice blend, they stay chewy and flavorful for days. Perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday gifting, or when you crave something sweet with your tea or coffee.
Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper.
2. In a separate large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms.
5. Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions, roll into balls, and coat in granulated sugar.
8. Place on baking sheet with space in between. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set and tops are crackled.
9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. Optional: drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once cooled.
Notes
For best texture, do not skip the chill time—this prevents spreading and deepens flavor.
If you don’t have cardamom, try a tiny pinch of nutmeg instead for a similar warmth.
Don’t overbake—the cookies should still look slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg