Pumpkin Spiced Halloween Cookies
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some soft, chewy pumpkin-spiced cookies decorated for the season? These sweet and spooky treats are perfect for parties, bake sales, or a cozy fall movie night.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Spiced Cookies
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Frosting
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons plant-based milk (for consistency)
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons plant-based milk
- Food coloring (orange, black, white)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar coating on a plate. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, flatten slightly, and cut into shapes with Halloween cookie cutters. Coat each side in cinnamon sugar.
- Arrange cookies on baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each. Bake 10–12 minutes, until set and slightly puffed. Cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Frosting
- Beat softened vegan butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Add vanilla and plant milk until smooth and spreadable.
- Once cookies are cool, spread frosting onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another. Repeat with all cookies.
3. Decorate the Cookies
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and plant-based milk for icing. Divide into bowls and tint with food coloring.
- Using piping bags or spoons, decorate cookies as pumpkins, ghosts, or bats. Add details with contrasting colors.
- Let icing set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: If dough feels sticky, refrigerate for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Creative Decorating: Mix and match designs—combine bats, pumpkins, and ghosts for a full Halloween cookie spread.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cookie | 210 | 2g | 29g | 9g | 2g | 17g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates and will vary depending on ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for exact dietary advice.
These pumpkin spiced Halloween cookies combine fall-inspired flavors with a playful, festive design. They’re simple enough for beginners yet special enough to impress, making them the ultimate sweet and spooky fall treat.
