Cozy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies Recipe for Fall Treats
Golden autumn days call for sweet, spiced gluten-free pumpkin cookies that melt in your mouth with warmth and comfort.
Soft, chewy textures blend perfectly with rich seasonal flavors that dance across your palate.
These delightful treats capture the essence of fall in every delectable bite.
Packed with wholesome ingredients and simple techniques, these cookies promise a delightful experience for anyone seeking a scrumptious gluten-free dessert.
Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave magic through each morsel, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
Baking these cookies is easier than you might expect, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Dive into this delectable recipe and let the seasonal magic begin.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 13-18 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Calories: 169 kcal
Servings: 22
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies Ingredient Breakdown
For The Base:
Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture; choose high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps cookies achieve a beautiful golden color and crisp edges.
For The Moisture And Flavor:
Pumpkin Puree: Brings autumnal warmth and moisture to the cookies; select 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity; opt for pure vanilla for the most authentic taste.
For The Dry Ingredients:
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Ensures cookie is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals; look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread; ensure it's fresh for optimal leavening.
Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon: Delivers warm, cozy fall flavors; use freshly ground spices for maximum aroma.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors; use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For The Mix-In:
Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful pockets of richness; choose gluten-free dark or semi-sweet chips for best melting.
Baking Tools for Pumpkin Cookie Success
Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter, sugar, and mixing wet ingredients smoothly.
Medium mixing bowls: Two needed for separating dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients evenly without lumps.
Baking sheet: Provides flat surface for cookie baking.
Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal.
Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
Spatula or wooden spoon: Helpful for folding chocolate chips and scraping bowl.
Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Ensures consistent cookie sizes.
Steps to Bake Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Magic
Kitchen Preparation Gather all your baking tools and create a cozy workspace for cookie creation.
Butter and Sugar Blend Cream softened butter with sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your delightful treats.
Moisture Boost Mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla, transforming the mixture into a silky golden blend that hints at autumn's warmth.
Dry Ingredient Harmony Whisk gluten-free flour with spices, creating a magical powder that will give your cookies incredible texture and flavor.
Dough Formation Gently combine wet and dry ingredients, folding chocolate chips into the soft dough with care and excitement.
Cookie Shaping Scoop generous dollops onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space for each cookie to spread and develop its unique character.
Oven Transformation Bake until edges turn golden and centers look perfectly set, allowing the kitchen to fill with irresistible aromas.
Finishing Touches Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on warm cookies and let them cool, developing a rich, tender texture that promises deliciousness.
Flavor Ideas for Pumpkin Cookie Fans
Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for different flavor profiles.
Enhance the warm autumn taste by adding extra ground nutmeg or cardamom to complement the existing pumpkin pie spice.
Keep cookies fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation up to 3 months.
Achieve softer cookies by reducing baking time slightly, or create crispier edges by extending baking time by 2-3 minutes.
Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the cookie's rich, tender texture.
Ways to Serve These Pumpkin Cookies
Cozy Autumn Pairing: Serve these warm pumpkin cookies alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai tea or creamy hot cocoa for the ultimate fall comfort experience.
Sweet Dessert Platter: Create a festive cookie platter with these gluten-free treats, adding some maple candied pecans and a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.
Gifting Delight: Package these cookies in cute mason jars or clear cellophane bags tied with autumn-colored ribbons for a thoughtful homemade gift during holiday season or as a special thank-you present.
Breakfast Twist: Crumble these cookies over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent morning treat that transforms your standard breakfast routine.
Best Storage for Pumpkin Cookies
Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture.
Freezer Friendly Trick: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick sweet treat anytime.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for 24 hours to enhance flavor depth. Alternatively, freeze raw dough balls for spontaneous baking sessions.
Room Temperature Delight: Allow cookies to reach ambient temperature before serving to maximize their soft, chewy consistency and bring out the rich pumpkin and chocolate flavors.
Fall-inspired Maple Pumpkin Cookies offer a delightful blend of seasonal spices and comforting flavors. Warm nutmeg, cinnamon, and rich maple syrup create a perfect treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups / 480 ml gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 cup / 240 ml chocolate chips
½ cup / 120 ml pure pumpkin puree
¾ cup / 180 ml light brown sugar
½ cup / 120 ml white sugar
½ cup / 120 ml room temperature butter (dairy-free or regular)
2 tsps / 10 ml vanilla extract
1 tsp / 5 ml baking soda
2 ¼ tsps / 11 ml pumpkin pie spice
¼ tsp / 1.25 ml cinnamon
¼ tsp / 1.25 ml salt
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
Creaming: Whip butter and sugars using electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, creating a light foundational texture for the cookies.
Wet Ingredient Fusion: Blend pumpkin puree and vanilla extract into butter mixture, ensuring complete incorporation and consistent color.
Dry Ingredient Combination: Thoroughly whisk gluten-free flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl to distribute seasonings evenly.
Dough Formation: Gradually merge dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until a uniform, cohesive dough emerges with no visible flour pockets.
Chocolate Integration: Delicately fold chocolate chips throughout the dough, ensuring balanced distribution for consistent flavor in each bite.
Cookie Portioning: Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet using tablespoon, spacing cookies to allow room for gentle spreading during baking.
Baking and Finishing: Bake for 13-18 minutes until edges turn golden and center appears matte; optional: tap sheet midway to encourage flattening and garnish with additional chocolate chips immediately after removing from oven.
Cooling Protocol: Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 30 minutes, allowing them to set and develop a perfect texture before transferring to serving plate.
Notes
Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for gluten-free flour and spices to maintain cookie texture and flavor balance.
Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth blending and optimal cookie consistency.
Chocolate Chip Distribution: Fold chocolate chips gently to prevent breaking and ensure even spread throughout the dough.
Cooling is Crucial: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 30 minutes to set properly and prevent crumbling when moved.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.