Chai Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

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Soft, chewy, and filled with the cozy warmth of chai spices—these Chai Spiced Pumpkin Cookies are everything you love about fall wrapped into one delicious bite. Infused with real pumpkin puree and a custom chai spice blend, they offer a tender, cake-like texture with a slightly crisp edge, making them the perfect seasonal treat for coffee breaks, holiday gatherings, or quiet mornings at home.

The subtle drizzle of vanilla glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the spiced richness of the cookie without overpowering it. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or a chai enthusiast, these cookies bring a comforting blend of flavors that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.

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Why You’ll Love These Chai Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies combine the best of both worlds: the earthiness of pumpkin and the fragrant warmth of chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. They’re soft yet structured, sweet but not too sugary, and make your kitchen smell absolutely divine while baking. Plus, they’re easy to make and store well, meaning you can enjoy them throughout the week or share them with friends and family.

Whether you’re looking for a unique fall dessert, a cozy weekend baking project, or a crowd-pleaser for your next holiday party, this recipe checks all the boxes.

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What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use for These Cookies?

For best results, use pure canned pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that can throw off the flavor balance and texture of your cookies. If you prefer to use homemade pumpkin puree, make sure it’s well-drained and smooth to avoid overly wet cookie dough.

The key is to keep the pumpkin flavor natural and allow the chai spices to shine through without competing with any pre-added ingredients.

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Ingredients for the Chai Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

Each ingredient in these cookies has a role to play in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Pumpkin Puree – The star of the show, it adds moisture, richness, and a subtle earthy sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure and balance for the soft cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar – Deepens the flavor and adds moisture thanks to its molasses content.
• Granulated Sugar – Helps give a crisp edge and balances the spice.
• Butter – Adds richness and enhances the overall mouthfeel.
• Egg Yolk – Contributes to the chewiness without making the dough too cakey.
• Baking Soda – Gives the cookies lift and helps create a light, tender interior.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the spice blend.
• Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavor with warm, floral notes.
• Chai Spice Mix (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg) – Infuses every bite with cozy, aromatic depth.
• Powdered Sugar & Milk – For the simple vanilla glaze that ties it all together.

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How To Make the Chai Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and chai spices. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creates air pockets for a better texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture may look a bit curdled, but that’s normal.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly and bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

Once the cookies have cooled, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cookies and let set before serving.

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How to Serve and Store These Chai Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm or at room temperature, allowing their soft texture and fragrant spices to shine. A light drizzle of glaze adds a gentle sweetness that makes them feel bakery-worthy.

This recipe yields about 18-20 cookies, making it ideal for a small gathering or for keeping a stash on hand throughout the week. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and glaze before serving.

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What to Serve With Chai Spiced Pumpkin Cookies?

1. Chai Tea Latte

Pair these cookies with a creamy chai latte to double down on those cozy spices.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a couple of cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fall-inspired dessert.

3. Warm Apple Cider

The sweet and tangy notes of apple cider beautifully complement the chai spice.

4. Masala Chai

A more traditional spiced tea adds depth and authenticity to your cookie break.

5. Espresso or Strong Coffee

The boldness of coffee balances the sweet and spicy notes of the cookies perfectly.

6. Pumpkin Smoothie

A creamy pumpkin smoothie can turn snack time into a full-on autumnal treat.

7. Greek Yogurt with Honey

For a light and healthy pairing, try dipping the cookies in thick Greek yogurt lightly sweetened with honey.

8. Salted Caramel Drizzle

Want a flavor boost? Serve your cookies with a side of salted caramel sauce for dipping.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly softer, but they’ll still taste amazing.

2. Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of chai spice?
You can, but you’ll get a slightly different flavor. Pumpkin pie spice leans more heavily on cinnamon and nutmeg, while chai spice has a more complex, aromatic profile thanks to cardamom and ginger.

3. Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and allows the flavors to meld. If you’re short on time, chill for at least 15 minutes.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be set and slightly golden, but the centers might still look soft—that’s okay! They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Scoop the dough into balls, place on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you adjust the spice level? Add a cream cheese glaze?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find more of my daily fall treats and sweet bakes on Pinterest: Life With Livia Pinterest

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Conclusion

These Chai Spiced Pumpkin Cookies capture the essence of fall with their rich spices, soft texture, and a kiss of pumpkin in every bite. Whether you’re baking for yourself or to share with loved ones, they deliver warmth, comfort, and a whole lot of flavor.

Don’t forget to pin, bake, and share the love!

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