Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Vegan) Recipe

I absolutely love baking around Halloween, and this Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Vegan) Recipe quickly became my go-to treat for the season. These cookies are the perfect blend of cozy pumpkin flavor and warming spices that remind me of crisp fall evenings and festive gatherings. What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to whip up, yet how beautifully it captures that classic pumpkin spice feeling we all adore.

When I first tried these cookies, I was amazed at how tender and flavorful they turned out without any eggs or dairy. You’ll find that the vegan ingredients and pumpkin puree give these cookies a moist, soft texture that pairs perfectly with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top. Whether you’re baking for a party, a classroom treat, or just cozying up with a cup of chai, this Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Vegan) Recipe is your new secret weapon.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll notice this Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Vegan) Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that harmonize beautifully. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor, while the combination of sugars and spices makes these cookies genuinely crave-worthy.

• Vegan butter: Softened plant-based butter provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Pumpkin puree: Adds natural moisture and that signature pumpkin taste—be sure it’s plain, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Brown sugar: Gives caramel notes and helps keep cookies chewy.
• Organic cane sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to a crisper texture.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor and balances the spices.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, giving structure.
• Baking powder: Helps cookies rise slightly for softness.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The star mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for that classic spice blend.
• Cornstarch: Adds tenderness by softening the cookies’ texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Cinnamon sugar: Used as a finishing touch on top for extra sparkle and flavor.

Variations

I enjoy switching things up with this Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Vegan) Recipe depending on my mood or who’s coming over. These little tweaks help keep the recipe fresh and exciting while still feeling comforting and autumnal.

• Spiced Up: Once, I added a pinch of ground cardamom for a subtle exotic twist, and my family went crazy for the extra warmth it brought.
• Gluten-Free: Try swapping all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend—just remember to chill the dough longer to prevent spreading.
• Chocolate Drizzle: I sometimes melt vegan dark chocolate to drizzle over cooled cookies for an indulgent touch that everyone loves.
• No Cookie Cutters: If you’re short on cutters, just roll into balls and flatten for rustic pumpkin spice discs—they taste just as good.

How to Make Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Vegan) Recipe

Step 1: Cream Your Vegan Butter and Sugars

Start by combining the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cane sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. I like to use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is nice and fluffy—that light texture really helps the cookies bake evenly. Be patient here; scrapping down the sides a couple of times ensures everything blends beautifully!

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. This step is key because it evenly distributes all the leavening and spices, making sure those pumpkin spice flavors shine in every bite.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough, so keep it gentle! Once your dough comes together, cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. I learned the hard way that skipping this chilling step causes the dough to spread too much during baking, so don’t skip it.

Step 4: Roll Out and Cut Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place a piece of parchment on your workspace and put half the dough in the center, topping with another parchment sheet. Roll it out evenly to about 1/4 inch thick. Using your Halloween cookie cutters, cut out fun shapes and carefully transfer them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. If the dough feels sticky or soft and the shapes lose form, just pop them into the freezer for about 10 minutes before transferring—that trick really helps keep the cookies looking sharp.

Step 5: Bake, Cool, and Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

Bake your cookies on the center rack for 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely around the 6-minute mark—these cookies don’t brown much because of the pumpkin, but the edges should look just set. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on the sheet before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar topping. This extra step adds a sweet crunch and a little festive sparkle that’s absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Vegan) Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish these cookies with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar because it adds just the right amount of sparkle and sweetness. For a fun twist, sometimes I dust on a little powdered sugar or drizzle vegan white chocolate for a frosty Halloween vibe. Both options are crowd-pleasers and make the cookies look extra festive.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin spice cookies pair perfectly with a hot apple cider or a creamy pumpkin spice latte when the temperature drops. I’ve also served them alongside vegan vanilla ice cream for a dessert party, and they were a huge hit. They’re wonderful with just about any cozy drink or alongside a bowl of roasted spiced nuts for variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I love arranging these cookies on a black platter with little plastic spiders and witch fingers (store-bought props!) for a spooky table setting. Adding colorful icing or edible markers lets kids decorate their own pumpkin shapes, turning cookie time into a fun activity. Even simple brown bags tied with orange ribbon make for cute gift packaging that impresses friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and tasty for up to five days. If they start to feel a bit dry, popping them in the microwave for 10 seconds revives their softness nicely. Storing them with a slice of apple helps retain moisture too, which is a trick I learned and love.

Freezing

When I want to save cookies longer, I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents sticking and keeps their shape intact. When ready, thaw them on the counter for about 15 minutes before serving—they taste just like fresh-baked!

Reheating

For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, I warm up leftover cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This slight heat softens the edges and brings back that just-baked aroma without overcooking. Microwaving works too, but be careful not to overdo it or they might get too soft.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Vegan) Recipe feels like a warm hug during the busy fall season. I love sharing these with friends and family—they always ask for the recipe afterward! Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned cookie pro, I promise this one will become a festive favorite. So go ahead, dust off those cookie cutters, and treat yourself to a batch—you won’t regret it.

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