Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Amazing Vegan Recipe

Name: Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 58 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup vegan butter (softened); 1/4 cup pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup organic cane sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for topping)

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Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies recipe makes 50 delicious vegan treats. Easy healthy Halloween baking with pumpkin puree and spices.

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last October, my neighbor’s five-year-old knocked on my door wearing a tiny vampire costume. Well, she took one bite of these Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies and declared them “better than candy.” You know what? She wasn’t wrong.

I’ve spent three Halloween seasons perfecting this vegan pumpkin cookie recipe. Furthermore, I’ve tested dozens of variations—some too cakey, others too dry—until I discovered the secret weapon: cornstarch. Let me tell you, this simple ingredient transforms ordinary cookies into tender, melt-in-your-mouth magic.

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply craving autumn comfort, these cookies deliver warmth and nostalgia in every bite. Additionally, they’re completely vegan, proving that plant-based baking can rival any traditional recipe. The aroma alone will transport you straight to a cozy farmhouse kitchen where cinnamon and nutmeg dance through the air like fallen leaves.

What Makes These Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies Special

These aren’t your average Halloween cookies. Instead, they combine the best of both worlds: classic pumpkin spice flavor with modern vegan baking techniques. The secret lies in the perfect balance of pumpkin puree and vegan butter, creating cookies that are impossibly soft yet hold their shape beautifully.

Moreover, the addition of cornstarch creates an incredibly tender crumb. This technique, often used by professional bakers, ensures each cookie melts on your tongue rather than crumbling. The pumpkin pie spice blend provides authentic autumn flavor without overwhelming the delicate pumpkin base.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Ingredient	US Measurement	Metric	Purpose
Vegan butter, softened	1/2 cup	113g	Creates tender texture
Pumpkin puree	1/4 cup	60ml	Adds moisture and flavor
Brown sugar	1/4 cup	50g	Provides deep sweetness
Organic cane sugar	1/2 cup	100g	Balances sweetness
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	5ml	Enhances overall flavor
All-purpose flour	1 3/4 cups	218g	Structure foundation
Baking powder	2 tsp	10g	Provides lift
Pumpkin pie spice	1 tsp	5g	Signature autumn flavor
Cornstarch	2 tsp	10g	Creates tender crumb
Salt	1/4 tsp	1.25g	Balances sweetness
Cinnamon sugar	1 tbsp	15g	Final festive touch

Shopping Tips for US Grocery Stores

When selecting pumpkin puree, always choose 100% pure pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling. Consequently, brands like Libby’s offer consistent quality and are available in most American supermarkets. For vegan butter, Earth Balance or Miyoko’s work exceptionally well in baking applications.

The quality of your pumpkin pie spice makes a tremendous difference. Therefore, consider purchasing whole spices and grinding them yourself for maximum potency. Fresh spices should smell intensely aromatic when you open the container.

Creative Substitutions and Variations

Bold Add-ins for Adventurous Bakers:

Mini chocolate chips (1/3 cup)
Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup)
Dried cranberries (1/3 cup)
Orange zest (1 tablespoon)

International Substitutions:

Coconut oil can replace vegan butter (use solid, not melted)
Maple syrup can substitute for brown sugar (reduce by half)
Gluten-free flour blend works perfectly as 1:1 replacement

Essential Equipment and Preparation Steps

Required Equipment

Must-Have Tools:

Large mixing bowls (2)
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin
Halloween cookie cutters
Parchment paper
Large baking sheets

DIY Alternatives: Don’t have cookie cutters? Use a sharp knife to cut squares or rectangles. Similarly, a wine bottle can substitute for a rolling pin in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create the Perfect Cookie Base

In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, organic cane sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This process takes approximately 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should appear pale and increased in volume.

Pro Tip: Room temperature ingredients blend more easily. Oops! I once tried using cold vegan butter and ended up with lumpy cookies that never quite came together properly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of leavening agents, preventing pockets of baking powder that could create uneven texture.

Step 3: Bring Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies rather than tender ones. The dough should look slightly shaggy but hold together when pressed.

Step 4: The Critical Chilling Step

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes minimum, though overnight works even better. Man, oh man, this step transforms the dough from sticky mess to workable perfection. Chilling solidifies the fats and allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Roll and Shape Your Halloween Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place parchment paper on a flat surface, then scoop half the chilled dough onto the center. Cover with another sheet of parchment and roll to 1/4-inch thickness.

Cut out Halloween shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If the dough becomes too soft during cutting, pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake on the center rack for 6-8 minutes. The cookies are done when edges appear set but centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after removal.

Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before handling. This prevents breaking and ensures the perfect texture.

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies Expert Tips and Serving Suggestions

Professional Baking Secrets

Temperature Control: Julia Child always emphasized the importance of proper oven temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy, as most home ovens run 25°F off their displayed temperature.

Texture Perfection: The cornstarch technique comes from Thomas Keller’s playbook. It creates incredibly tender cookies by interrupting gluten formation while maintaining structure.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Storage Method	Duration	Instructions
Room temperature	1 week	Airtight container, parchment between layers
Refrigerator	2 weeks	Sealed container
Freezer (baked)	3 months	Freezer bags, thaw at room temperature
Freezer (dough)	6 months	Wrap tightly, roll and cut while frozen

Creative Variations for Every Occasion

*Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies recipe*

Regional American Twists:

Southern Style: Add 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
New England: Fold in dried cranberries and orange zest
Midwest Comfort: Include chopped toasted pecans
California Fresh: Add a pinch of sea salt on top

Dietary Adaptations:

Gluten-Free: Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Sugar-Free: Use powdered monk fruit sweetener
Protein-Packed: Replace 1/4 cup flour with vanilla protein powder

Perfect Pairings for Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies

These Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies pair beautifully with warm apple cider or creamy hot chocolate. Additionally, they complement our pumpkin oatmeal cookies for a complete autumn cookie spread.

For Halloween entertaining, serve alongside our witch’s cauldron beef stew for a complete spooky feast. The cookies also make wonderful gifts when packaged with our soft pumpkin spice latte cookies.

Consider creating a dessert table featuring these cookies with our caramel apple cheesecake dip and apple cinnamon sheet cake.

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies FAQs

Can I make Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies without vegan butter?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil (solid, not melted) or regular butter if you’re not following a vegan diet. The texture remains perfectly tender and delicious.

Why do my pumpkin cookies turn out too soft?

Overly soft cookies usually result from too much pumpkin puree or insufficient flour. Measure carefully and chill the dough properly for best results.

How do I prevent my Halloween cookies from breaking when cutting?

Keep the dough well-chilled and work quickly. If it becomes too soft, return it to the freezer for 10 minutes before continuing.

Can I freeze Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie dough?

Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to 6 months. Roll and cut shapes directly from frozen dough, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.

What’s the best way to store homemade pumpkin cookies?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts on Your Halloween Baking Adventure

These Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies represent everything beautiful about autumn baking. The combination of warm spices, tender texture, and festive shapes creates memories that last far beyond Halloween night. Each bite delivers comfort and nostalgia, reminding us why homemade treats hold such special places in our hearts.

The vegan approach proves that plant-based baking can rival any traditional recipe. Furthermore, these cookies freeze beautifully, making them perfect for advance preparation or gift-giving throughout the season.

This Halloween, create something truly special in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking with little ones in costume or treating adult friends to sophisticated autumn flavors, these cookies deliver every single time. The aroma alone will fill your home with the essence of the season, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration.

Why not pair these delightful treats with our strawberry pound cake for a complete dessert spread? Additionally, our peach bruschetta with whipped ricotta offers a perfect savory balance to these sweet Halloween cookies.

I’d love to see your Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie creations! Share your photos and tag us on social media. Tell me, which cookie cutters are your family’s favorites? The jack-o’-lanterns always disappear first at my house.

Happy Halloween baking, and remember—every cookie tells a story, and this one might just become your new autumn tradition.