The Perfect Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies Recipe for Fall Treats

Gluten-free pumpkin cookies bring a warm, autumnal embrace to your baking adventure.

These delightful treats capture the essence of seasonal comfort without compromising dietary needs.

Soft, spiced, and incredibly inviting, they change simple ingredients into a sensory experience that delights the palate.

Rich with warming spices and a tender crumb, these cookies offer a welcoming alternative for those seeking gluten-free indulgence.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe that celebrates wholesome ingredients and festive flavors.

Each bite promises a nostalgic connection to cherished moments and cozy gatherings.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to create something magical that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies That Taste Like Fall in a Bite

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: These gluten-free pumpkin cookies capture the essence of autumn with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, offering a cozy treat that feels like a hug from your favorite sweater.
• Customize with Ease: The flexible recipe allows for simple modifications, from adjusting cookie size to playing with chocolate chip amounts, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a stress-free baking experience.
• Texture Perfection Achieved: Expect a delightful balance between crisp edges and soft, chewy centers that melt in your mouth, creating a sensational cookie experience that satisfies both texture lovers and sweet tooth enthusiasts.
• Quick and Hassle-Free Baking: With just one mixing bowl for wet ingredients and another for dry, this recipe minimizes cleanup and delivers delicious results in under 30 minutes of active preparation time.

Ingredients That Make Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies a Cozy Treat

• Butter: Creamy base that adds richness and helps bind the cookies together, choose unsalted for better flavor control.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy texture with golden-brown edges.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, autumn flavor, and natural sweetness to the cookies, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes, pure vanilla gives the best taste.

• Gluten-Free Flour: Main structural component of the cookie, select a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread, ensuring a soft and light texture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon: Adds warm, seasonal spice profile that complements the pumpkin, fresh spices provide more intense flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Chocolate Chips: Adds pockets of rich chocolate throughout the cookie, dark or semi-sweet chips work best for contrast.

Steps to Bake Soft, Spiced Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• White sugar

Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix until a cohesive dough forms. Gently fold in chocolate chips.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Scoop heaping 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto prepared baking sheet. Space cookies a few inches apart.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 13-18 minutes until edges turn golden brown and centers look matte. Cookies will continue firming as they cool.

Step 8: Add Final Touch

Immediately after removing from oven, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of warm cookies.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack or serving plate.

Texture and Spice Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies

• Nail Perfect Texture: Use room temperature butter for smoother cookie dough that blends effortlessly and creates softer cookies.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast gluten-free flour briefly in the oven before mixing to enhance its nutty undertones and improve overall taste profile.
• Control Cookie Spread: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a more compact cookie shape.
• Ensure Moisture Balance: Check pumpkin puree consistency- too watery can make cookies flat, so drain excess liquid using a paper towel.
• Optimize Chocolate Distribution: Gently fold chocolate chips into the dough's last stage to prevent overmixing and ensure even chip placement throughout cookies.

Store Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies Without Losing That Chew

• Refrigerate: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheat: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Sips and Spreads That Pair with Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies

• Brew Warm Chai Latte: The spicy, creamy chai perfectly complements the pumpkin and cinnamon notes in these gluten-free cookies, creating a cozy autumn flavor explosion.
• Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve the warm cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Sip Cinnamon-Spiced Cappuccino: The rich espresso and cinnamon undertones in the cappuccino enhance the warm spices of the pumpkin cookies, making for a delectable treat.
• Enjoy with Caramel Macchiato: The sweet caramel and smooth espresso balance the chocolate chips and pumpkin spice, creating a harmonious and indulgent dessert experience.

Flavor Variations That Make Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies a Favorite

• Nutty Harvest Cookies: Swap chocolate chips with chopped pecans or walnuts for a rich, earthy flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Maple Glazed Edition: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over cooled cookies by mixing powdered sugar with pure maple syrup for an extra autumnal touch.
• Cream Cheese Sandwich Cookies: Create a decadent sandwich by spreading a thin layer of maple cream cheese between two cookies for a luxurious treat.
• Spiced Cranberry Version: Mix in dried cranberries alongside the chocolate chips to add a tangy brightness that balances the warm pumpkin spices.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade gluten-free pumpkin cookies bring autumn’s warmth to your kitchen with delightful spices and creamy pumpkin essence. Crisp edges and tender centers invite cookie lovers to savor seasonal comfort in each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup pure pumpkin puree

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Binding Ingredients:

• ½ cup room temperature butter (dairy-free or regular)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 ¼ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a baking surface with parchment paper.
2. Combine softened butter and sugars in a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer to create a creamy, homogeneous blend.
3. Incorporate pumpkin puree and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until smooth and uniform.
4. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine gluten-free flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt through careful whisking.
5. Slowly integrate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
6. Gently fold chocolate chips into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout.
7. Portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet using heaping tablespoon-sized scoops, maintaining adequate spacing between each cookie.
8. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 13-18 minutes, watching for slightly golden edges and a matte center.
9. Upon removing from the oven, immediately garnish the warm cookies with additional chocolate chips for enhanced visual appeal.
10. If cookies appear less spread out, tap the baking sheet gently against the oven rack to encourage flattening.
11. Allow cookies to rest and solidify on the baking sheet for a minimum of 30 minutes before transferring or consuming.

Notes

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing and consistent texture.
• Use a gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking to maintain cookie structure and taste.
• Chocolate chips can be substituted with nuts or dried fruit for varied flavor profiles.
• Slightly underbake cookies for a softer, chewier texture that remains moist and delightful.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker cookies.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg