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These cookies have lightly crisp edges, a soft and chewy center, and plenty of cozy pumpkin flavor. They are eggless, dairy-free, and easy to make, making them perfect for beginner vegan bakers.
Whether you're looking for an easy fall dessert, a pumpkin cookie recipe for a family gathering, or a cozy snack with your afternoon coffee, these vegan pumpkin spice cookies are a delicious choice.
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Want More Help With Vegan Meal Planning?
If you're new to vegan eating or want a structured way to plan your plant-based meals, you can explore the 1-Month Vegan Challenge. It includes vegan meal-planning resources and beginner-friendly guides.
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Why You'll Love These Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies
100% vegan: Made without eggs or dairy.Soft and chewy: Pumpkin helps create a tender cookie texture.
Easy to make: No complicated baking techniques are required.
Perfect for fall: Pumpkin and warm spices create a cozy seasonal flavor.
Beginner-friendly: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
Great for sharing: Perfect for parties, holidays, or afternoon snacks.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these easy vegan pumpkin cookies.
Dry Ingredients
All-purpose flour: Creates the structure of the cookies. Measure the flour carefully for the best texture.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps them tender.
Pumpkin spice: A blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves gives these cookies their classic fall flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the pumpkin spice flavor.
Wet Ingredients
Pumpkin puree: Use plain pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin adds moisture, flavor, and a soft texture.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a chewy texture.
Granulated sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps create lightly crisp edges.
Vegan butter: Adds richness and helps create tender cookies.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the pumpkin and spice flavors.
How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt.
Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking soda and spices evenly throughout the cookie dough.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened vegan butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Combine the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft cookie dough forms.
Avoid overmixing because too much mixing can make the cookies less tender.
5. Scoop the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie because they will spread slightly while baking.
6. Bake
Bake for approximately 10–13 minutes, or until the edges look set while the centers still appear slightly soft.
Do not overbake if you want soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies.
7. Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Recipe Tips
Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pumpkin Pie Filling
Pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling are not the same. Pumpkin pie filling usually contains added sugar and spices, which can change the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Don't Overmix the Dough
Once the flour is incorporated, mix only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in tougher cookies.
Don't Overbake
For soft and chewy cookies, remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
Measure Flour Carefully
Too much flour can make pumpkin cookies dry and dense. For the most accurate results, use a kitchen scale. If using cups, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
Easy Variations
Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Fold vegan chocolate chips into the dough before baking. Pumpkin spice and chocolate make a delicious combination.
Pumpkin Pecan Cookies
Add finely chopped pecans for a delicious nutty crunch.
Pumpkin Walnut Cookies
Chopped walnuts add texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Sprinkle the tops with a small amount of sugar and pumpkin spice before baking for an extra sweet finish.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with warm drinks such as vegan hot chocolate, dairy-free coffee, chai tea, or a pumpkin spice latte.
For more plant-based recipes and meal ideas, visit Vegorie.
How to Store Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.
For longer storage, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
To enjoy frozen cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Can You Freeze Pumpkin Cookie Dough?
Yes. Scoop the cookie dough into individual portions and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze until firm, then transfer the portions to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When ready to bake, place the frozen dough portions on a baking sheet and bake until cooked through. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
More Vegan Recipe Inspiration
If you're looking for more plant-based cooking inspiration, you can also explore the Vegan Society recipe collection.
You can also find more plant-based recipe ideas from Forks Over Knives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pumpkin spice cookies vegan?
Traditional pumpkin cookies may contain butter and eggs, but this recipe uses vegan butter and no eggs, making it completely vegan.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes. Homemade pumpkin puree can be used as long as it is thick and not excessively watery. Very wet pumpkin puree can make the cookie dough too soft.
Why are my pumpkin cookies cakey?
Pumpkin contains moisture, which can naturally make cookies softer and more cake-like. Avoid adding too much pumpkin puree and measure the ingredients accurately.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try replacing the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend designed for cookies. Results can vary depending on the flour blend.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Vegan chocolate chips are an easy way to turn these into delicious vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
How do I make pumpkin cookies chewier?
Use the recommended amount of flour, avoid overbaking, and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes after removing them from the oven.
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Soft, Chewy & Easy Fall Cookies
PREP: 15 min | COOK: 10–13 min | TOTAL: 25–28 min
SERVINGS: 18 Cookies | DIET: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt.
- Beat vegan butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla, then gradually add the dry ingredients.
- Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10–13 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days or freeze for up to 2–3 months.
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More Vegan Recipes & Meal Planning
Love easy plant-based recipes? Visit Vegorie for more vegan recipes and meal ideas.
For a structured vegan meal-planning resource, you can also explore the 1-Month Vegan Challenge.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies are everything you want in an easy fall cookie: soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and completely plant-based.
With simple ingredients and an easy preparation method, they are perfect for beginner bakers, holiday gatherings, afternoon snacks, and cozy fall weekends.
If you love pumpkin spice season, save this recipe and visit Vegorie for more easy vegan recipes.
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