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Chai Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

Tender and chewy, these Chai Spiced Pumpkin Cookies are infused with warm chai spices and perfect for cozy autumn days.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baked Goods
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • ¾ cup brown sugar Packed for moisture and a touch of molasses flavor.
  • ½ cup neutral oil or melted unsalted butter Keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
  • 1 large egg yolk Helps bind the dough without making the cookies cakey.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances warmth and overall flavor.
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Leavening agent for light texture.
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder Additional lift prevents dense cookies.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and brings out the spice notes.
  • ½ cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks For added sweetness and texture.
Homemade Chai Spice Mix
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Adds warmth and sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom For its unique aromatic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger Adds a bit of heat.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves For its strong, warm flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice Enhances the depth of flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg For a hint of sweetness.
  • a pinch finely ground black pepper Adds a subtle warming kick.
Optional Toppings
  • to taste maple glaze or cream cheese frosting Adds richness and a festive finish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil (or melted butter), egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and chai spice mix. Gradually add to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
  4. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes (optional) to enhance flavors and prevent spreading during baking.
Baking
  1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced two inches apart.
  2. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
  3. Let sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  4. Drizzle with maple glaze or frost with cream cheese frosting as desired.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Freeze unbaked cookie dough and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.