White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy Fall Treat
Welcome back to the kitchen, fellow food enthusiasts! Fall is in the air, and you know what that means: it’s time for cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and, most importantly, the comforting flavor of pumpkin spice. While I love a good slice of pie, nothing beats a perfect cookie—and this recipe for White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cookies is, hands down, the best you will ever make.
These aren’t your typical thin, brittle cookies. We are going for a soft, chewy, thick, and pillowy texture, loaded with the classic spices we crave, and studded with creamy white chocolate chunks that melt in your mouth. They deliver all the warmth of a pumpkin latte in a beautiful, hand-held package. Trust me, once you bake these, they will become your official signal for the start of the holiday season.
— Jason Griffith, ChefManiac.com
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is the perfect balance of texture and flavor, which is a rare feat in pumpkin cookie baking. Many pumpkin cookies turn out cakey or dry, but we’ve nailed the technique here.
- The Perfect Texture: The combination of brown sugar and pumpkin purée helps keep the cookies incredibly moist and chewy, preventing that dreaded cake-like crumb.
- Intense Spice Blend: We don’t skimp on the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, giving you a truly deep and aromatic spice flavor that shines through the sweetness.
- White Chocolate Factor: The white chocolate isn’t just an add-in; its creamy richness complements the earthy spices beautifully, making every bite feel utterly indulgent. It’s a match made in autumn heaven!
If you’re looking for more ways to get your pumpkin fix, you absolutely must try my recipe for Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins or the incredible Pumpkin Delight Dessert.
🍪 Ingredients List
For a truly exceptional batch of cookies, use quality ingredients.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 1/4 cups | Use the “spoon and level” method for best results. |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon | The primary leavener for that soft rise. |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Essential for balancing sweetness. |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 1/2 teaspoons | The dominant spice. |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon | Adds warmth and depth. |
| Ground Cloves | 1/4 teaspoon | A hint of potent spice. |
| Ground Ginger | 1/4 teaspoon | For a little bite and aroma. |
| Unsalted Butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Should be at room temperature, but not melted. |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup | For structure and crispness at the edges. |
| Brown Sugar, packed | 1/2 cup | Adds moisture, chewiness, and depth of flavor. |
| Pumpkin Purée | 3/4 cup | IMPORTANT: Use 100% pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. |
| Egg | 1 large | Binder for the dough. |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances all the flavors. |
| White Chocolate Chips or Chunks | 1 cup | Chunks are preferred for a better melt! |
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Swaps and Notes
- Pumpkin Purée: Make sure you drain any excess moisture from the pumpkin purée first. Place the measured amount on a few paper towels for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the batter. This is a crucial step for preventing cakey cookies.
- Spices: If you don’t have all the individual spices, you can substitute the Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, and Ginger with 2 1/2 teaspoons of pre-mixed Pumpkin Pie Spice.
- Butter: You can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Add-ins: Swap the white chocolate for chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dark chocolate chips. For a true holiday cookie, consider adding dried cranberries! If you like the idea of nuts, check out my recipe for Pecan Pie Bars.
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Bake Time: 10–12 minutes | Yields: 24 cookies
1. Prep the Dry Ingredients and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
2. Cream the Wet Ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.
3. Add Pumpkin and Egg
Beat in the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Be careful not to overmix here.
4. Combine Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing will develop the gluten and make your cookies tough.
5. Fold in Chocolate and Chill
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips or chunks using a spatula. For the best flavor and thickest texture, cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This prevents spreading.
6. Scoop and Bake
Use a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still look slightly soft and underbaked.
7. Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is key to achieving that perfect chewy center.
💡 Tips for Success
- Ditch the Pie Filling: Seriously, only use 100% pure pumpkin purée. Pumpkin pie filling has added sweeteners and spices that will throw off the chemistry of the cookie.
- The Chill is Non-Negotiable: A chilled dough will spread less in the oven, giving you a taller, softer, and chewier cookie. If you have time, chill for an hour.
- Correct Measuring: Always use the “spoon and level” method for flour. Scooping flour directly with a measuring cup packs it down, resulting in too much flour and dry cookies.
- Do Not Overbake: The 10–12 minute window is crucial. Pull the cookies out when the centers look slightly moist. They will continue to set up on the baking sheet.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with a classic fall beverage or dessert.
- Hot Beverages: Serve with a warm chai latte, a strong cup of black coffee, or a classic glass of cold milk.
- Dessert Pairing: They make an incredible addition to a holiday dessert platter alongside other simple sweets like Chocolate Chip Banana Bread or simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Turn them into a decadent fall treat by stuffing them with vanilla bean ice cream or cream cheese frosting.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Cookie)
Note: This is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and scoop size.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | ≈200 |
| Total Fat | ≈10 g |
| Saturated Fat | ≈6 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | ≈25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ≈1 g |
| Protein | ≈2 g |
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🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For best results, place a slice of bread in the container; it will absorb excess moisture and keep the cookies softer for longer.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Place completely cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Freezing Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and flash-freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake for an extra 2–4 minutes—no need to thaw!
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed these White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cookies, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite recipes for cozy treats:
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are my favorite little treat to bake anytime
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is my favorite way to use up overripe bananas
- This Pumpkin Delight Dessert is my favorite no-bake fall treat
- These Pecan Pie Bars are my favorite make-ahead holiday dessert
Final Thoughts
These White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cookies are more than just a recipe; they are an experience—the taste of autumn, warmth, and comfort wrapped up in a chewy, spiced delight. They are perfect for holiday gifting, a cozy afternoon snack, or simply filling your home with the most incredible aroma.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know how they turned out in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more seasonal inspiration.
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