15+ Delicious Pumpkin Cookie Recipes and Bar Recipes
On the hunt for the best pumpkin cookie recipe? You’ll love this roundup of over 15 delicious pumpkin cookie recipes and bar recipes. The list features classics like soft frosted pumpkin cookies as well as tempting new recipes for pumpkin snickerdoodles, pumpkin cheesecake cookies, pumpkin macarons, and even edible pumpkin cookie dough!
It’s officially fall. The season of all things pumpkin and pumpkin spice. My only problem this time of year is choosing which pumpkin recipes to bake.
This list of recipes will get you inspired to head straight to your kitchen and start baking. There are so many amazing recipes here–whether you are looking for a fancy pumpkin cookie to share at a fall party or a simple recipe to make on an afternoon off with the kids.
I’ve even included a few recipes that are gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan. I’m so excited for you to take a look through the list and choose something delicious to bake!
Pumpkin Cookie Recipes & Bar Recipes to Bake
So, what’s on the list? I’ve got a large selection of great recipes for you here including frosted pumpkin cookies, chewy cookies, blondies, and even a couple vegan and gluten free options. There are a few more challenging recipes (like the Pumpkin Spice Macarons), but in each case the recipe includes plenty of descriptive tips and tricks to ensure baking success!
Recipe calls for pumpkin pie spice? No problem! Whip up your own blend quickly with my easy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Recipe.
What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Buy?
Most of the recipes here call for canned pumpkin puree. This is a completely unsweetened and un-spiced product. You want to avoid canned “pumpkin pie filling” (unless the recipe specifically calls for it) because it does have sugar and spices added which will affect your recipe.
Does the brand you choose make a difference? I find that Libby canned pumpkin is the best bet for the average recipe, though I also have tried generic brands (like Aldi’s) with success.
The main challenge comes if you choose a variety of pumpkin puree that is higher in moisture content than what the original recipe used. Organic pumpkin puree is higher in moisture than conventional cans like Libby. You’ll notice this right away if you open two cans side by side.
Generally I suggest opting for a conventional (not organic) canned pumpkin puree unless you are willing to test the recipe and potentially adjust for a higher moisture pumpkin. You can also check the recipe details as the recipe writer may have tested a variety of pumpkin purees and can offer more guidance on their particular recipe.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies Versus Chewy Cookies
Most pumpkin cookie recipes yield soft and cake-like cookies. This is because pumpkin is a very wet ingredient. It’s an excellent feature when baking breads and cakes, but it can be challenge to get a chewy cookie when using pumpkin puree.
So, what if you want a chewy pumpkin cookie? Chewy cookies are my personal preference so I’ve included several pumpkin cookie recipes on the list that are carefully designed to create chewy, not soft, cookies.
Whether a recipe yields soft or chewy cookies is noted in the title/description so you can select a recipe with confidence.
Chocolate Chips + Pumpkin?
If you’ve never tried chocolate paired with pumpkin, try baking one of the recipes featuring chocolate chips. It’s surprisingly good and takes pumpkin-flavored bakes to another level (with more sugar! ha). It’s a fun combo and worth a try!
Enjoy the recipes!
Easy Pumpkin Cookies and Bars to Bake
Looking for the best Pumpkin Cookie Recipes? You'll love this list of easy recipes featuring seasonal favorites like pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, frosted pumpkin cookies, streusel-layered pumpkin bars and so much more. Let's bake!
Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
These Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars from Lemon Blossoms feature an easy oat crust that doubles as the streusel topping. You'll love the layers of creamy cheesecake and spicy pumpkin butter in these beautiful fall bars!
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookie Cups
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookie Cups from Life Love and Sugar are prepared in muffin tins and filled with a cinnamon cheesecake filling. Top the filled cookies with cute pumpkin candies!
Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Looking for a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe, but with pumpkin? Here you are! Most pumpkin cookies end up cakey and muffin-like, but these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies from Sally's Baking Addiction incorporate several tricks for reducing moisture so that you end up with chewy chocolate chip cookies--but with plenty of pumpkin flavor!
Chewy Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
For a truly indulgent pumpkin cookie, try these Chewy Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies from The Cookie Dough Diaries. They are stuffed with cheesecake filling and packed with chocolate chips. Yum!
Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
These Pumpkin Snickerdoodles from Sugar Spun Run are a soft and chewy fall cookie!
Vegan Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies
Vegan Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies from Lavender and Macarons are dairy-free and egg-free. Instead, you'll use a ripe banana to replace the egg in this easy cookie recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Macarons Recipe
This Pumpkin Spice Macarons Recipe from Barley and Sage is packed with tips for achieving the perfect French macaron. You'll love this pumpkin spice variation!
Pumpkin Caramel Blondies
Plenty of pumpkin flavor in these Pumpkin Caramel Blondies from Barley and Sage. Homemade salted caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt make these extra-special.
Gluten-Free Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
If you are looking for a gluten-free recipe for pumpkin cookies, try these GF Pumpkin Sugar Cookies from Liv Gluten Free. They are also dairy-free!
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Blondies
These chewy Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Blondies from The Pypers Kitchen are loaded with cinnamon sugar and look oh-so-good!
Magic Pumpkin Bars
These Magic Pumpkin Bars from Midwestern Home Life use a yellow cake mix for an easy shortcut to make this yummy fall dessert.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies from Love From the Oven are extra fluffy and so good topped with a cream cheesing frosting. Add sprinkles if desired for even more festive fun!
Pumpkin Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Sugar Cookies Bars from Belle of the Kitchen feature a sugar cookie crust, pumpkin cheesecake filling, and cinnamon chips!
Pumpkin Chai Snack Cake
This Pumpkin Chai Snack Cake from Megan Matcha is topped with a maple-chai cream cheese frosting for an irresistible fall treat!
Brown Butter Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
These Brown Butter Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies from The Simple Sweet Life are drizzled with a sweet brown butter icing.
Edible Pumpkin Cookie Dough
Edible Pumpkin Cookie Dough from Pure and Simple Nourishment is totally egg-free and vegan and made with almond and coconut flours, coconut sugar, pumpkin puree, coconut oil, spices and chocolate chips.
Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
This easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie recipe from Cambrea Bakes features tempting fall flavors like brown butter, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon sugar. Adding these to my fall bucket list for sure!
Easy Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin bars are basically pumpkin cake translated into bar form. Recipes like these easy Pumpkin Bars from Spend with Pennies are soft and cakey and irresistible with a cream cheese frosting!
