Have you ever noticed that very few pumpkin-y recipes actually call for a whole can of pumpkin puree? So many time you’re left with half a can of pumpkin and you frantically start searching Pinterest trying to figure out what in the world you can do with the leftovers. C’mon, y’all. I know I’m not the only one that’s happened to! I mean, throwing half a can of pumpkin puree away isn’t an option in this house. That’s downright sinful. We love pumpkin way too much!

These days I don’t tend to worry too much about that sort of thing. If I’m ever baking with pumpkin and have some leftover in the can, I just pull out this handy dandy little recipe to use it up! My husband and daughter LOVE these cookies. They’re such a fun little treat! Friends, feast your eyes on the pumpkin you never even knew you needed in your life until now:

Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

These cookies are soft and chewy, and perfect with a tall glass of milk. The pumpkin isn’t overpowering at all, but is rather more of just a hint of the flavor. The cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and sugar make a really warm flavor that is so reminiscent of Fall. These are the perfect thing to keep in your cookie jar during the Autumn season!

To make the dough, I started out combining butter and sugar with a hand mixer. I slowly added in the egg yolk, sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla and food coloring. In a separate bowl I combined the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. I then gradually incorporated the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture and beat with the hand mixer until well combined.

I then put the dough into the refrigerator and let it rest for 30 minutes. This step is important! It’s MUCH easier to roll the dough into balls if it’s cold. Preheat the oven to 350 F and spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Once the dough is chilled, roll it with your hands into one inch balls. Pour a little sugar into a small bowl and roll the dough balls around to coat. Place the balls an inch or so apart on the cookie sheet and gently press down with a fork or spatula. Bake for roughly 10-12 minutes.

Here’s a free printable version of the recipe if you’d like to give these cookies a try:

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Author: Southern Made Simple

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 14 Tbs room temp butter about 1 3/4 sticks
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 5 drops yellow food coloring optional
• 3 drops red food coloring optional

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature butter and sugar with a mixer
• Slowly incorporate the egg yolk, pumpkin puree, vanilla and food coloring
• In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon
• Gradually mix the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture and combine well
• Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes
• Preheat oven to 350 F and spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray
• Using your hands, roll dough into a small 1-inch balls and lightly roll them around in a bowl of sugar to coat
• Evenly space dough balls apart from each other on cookie sheet and gently press down with a fork or spatula
• Bake for 10-12 minutes
• Allow to cool briefly on pan, then place on cooling rack to prevent the bottom from over cooking on baking sheet
• Enjoy!

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While the cookies were baking, my home was filled with the most heavenly smell! I was itching for that timer to “ding” so I could munch on it’s warm pumpkin-y goodness! Once they came out, I sprinkled them with just a smidge of brown sugar. That’s totally optional, I just really love the stuff. 😉

My husband was so excited to come home to a plate of these sitting out on the kitchen counter. He’s lucky there were some left! 😉

I always stock up on pumpkin puree during this time of year. I’ll definitely have to make sure I buy a few extra cans, because this cookie recipe is a new staple in my household!

Are you a fan of pumpkin flavored sweets? What are some of your favorite pumpkin goodies to bake? I’d love for you to leave a comment below and share!

Be sure to check out these other fabulous pumpkin recipes available right here on Southern Made Simple! Glazed Pumpkin Praline Mini Cakes, Pumpkin Layered Cheesecake, Haunted Halloween Pumpkin Pancakes