Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a cozy, spiced cookie that also happens to be completely plant-based, then you are in for a real treat with this Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly capture the comforting essence of pumpkin combined with a radiant sweetness and warm autumn spices. Each bite offers a delicate balance of soft texture and just the right hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, all wrapped up in a delightful vegan-friendly dough. Whether you’re sharing with family, enjoying a quiet afternoon snack, or celebrating the season, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the cookie’s tender crumb, cozy flavor profile, and irresistible aroma.

• Vegan butter (1/2 cup): Provides richness and a creamy base, essential for that soft cookie texture.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create the cookie’s signature slight crisp on the edges.
• Canned pumpkin puree (1/4 cup): Brings moistness, deep flavor, and that distinct pumpkin character.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure builder, giving the cookie its body.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
• Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Works with acidity to create lightness.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and accentuates the spices.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): A key spice that delivers that warm, familiar flavor.
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, nutty edge to the spice mix.
• Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a gentle zing, rounding out the autumnal profile.
• Vegan sugar for rolling (optional, 1/4 cup): Gives an extra sugary crunch and sparkle on top if you love a sweet finish.

How to Make Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Sheet Ready

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly preheated when you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Vegan Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar together. This is where the magic of texture begins—mix until fluffy and light, which helps create a tender cookie with just the right amount of sweetness.

Step 3: Blend in Pumpkin and Vanilla

Next, stir in the canned pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until fully combined and silky smooth. The pumpkin contributes moistness and that unmistakable flavor, while the vanilla deepens the sweetness.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This step ensures all the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, so every cookie has consistent flavor and texture.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet pumpkin batter, stirring steadily until a soft, cohesive dough forms. It should be soft but manageable—perfect for rolling into balls.

Step 6: Optional Sugar Rolling

If you want that extra sugary crunch and shiny sparkle, pour the vegan sugar into a small bowl. Roll tablespoons of dough into balls, then gently roll each ball in the sugar, coating them evenly. This little extra makes a delightful visual and textural difference.

Step 7: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread without merging.

Step 8: Flatten Slightly

Use the bottom of a glass or your hand to gently press each dough ball just a bit – about half an inch thick – so they bake evenly and get that classic sugar cookie look.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to turn lightly golden while the centers stay soft and tender, promising a melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain their perfect texture and prevents breakage.

How to Serve Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are wonderful on their own, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan white chocolate to elevate their festive look and add a bit of extra sweetness. A sprinkle of crushed pecans or a pinch of cinnamon sugar right before baking also makes a charming touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these pumpkin sugar cookies with a warm cup of vegan chai tea, almond milk latte, or even a smooth hot chocolate to cozy up your snack or dessert time. A bowl of spiced pumpkin soup or a fresh apple salad could also make for an autumn-themed spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gift-giving, stack the cookies with wax paper in between layers inside a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a seasonal ribbon. You can also use cookie cutters to shape the dough before baking for a playful twist on presentation that’s sure to delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days. This makes them perfect for prepping in advance for sharing or snacking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag once solid. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy this Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe year-round.

Reheating

To revive your frozen or day-old cookies, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for about 10 seconds. This softens them up and brings out that fresh-baked aroma and texture again.

FAQs

Can I substitute pumpkin puree with another ingredient?

While pumpkin puree is key to the flavor and moisture in this recipe, you can try sweet potato or butternut squash puree for similar results. Keep in mind the spices complement pumpkin specifically, so you may want to adjust accordingly.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a binding agent to maintain texture.

What’s the best vegan butter to use?

Choose a high-quality vegan butter that is solid at room temperature and made from natural oils, like those based on coconut or palm oil. This impacts both flavor and cookie texture.

Can these cookies be made without added sugar?

Reducing sugar will change the texture and sweetness, but you can experiment by using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar. Adjust liquid quantities slightly if doing so.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges while centers remain soft—avoid overbaking as these cookies are best enjoyed tender and moist rather than crisp.

Final Thoughts

I can confidently say this Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those comforting, feel-good treats that never fails to bring a smile. The blend of cozy autumn spices with tender pumpkin dough makes for a joyous baking experience and a delicious outcome. Whether it’s your first time trying vegan baking or you’re a seasoned pro, these cookies are a true delight to make and share. Go ahead, give them a try, and let these pumpkin sugar cookies become your new obsession!

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