Thanksgiving Cookie Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze

Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. While the turkey and mashed potatoes get their time in the spotlight, don't overlook the sweet treats that bring everyone together after the feast. If you’re looking for a cookie that captures the essence of the season — think warm spices, pumpkin, and just the right amount of sweetness — these Spiced Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table.

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 cup white chocolate chips or chopped pecans (optional, but delicious!)

  
  

For the maple glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 1 tbsp milk (more if needed)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

  
  

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Mix the dry ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugar:

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

4. Add the wet ingredients:

Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and combined. Pumpkin is the star of the show here, so make sure it's fully incorporated.

5. Combine the dry and wet ingredients:

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overwork the dough — it will be thick. Gently fold in the oats and optional white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.

6. Scoop the dough:

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread a little, but not too much, so don't worry about them merging together.

7. Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. They should feel soft but firm to the touch. Be careful not to over bake them, as they’re meant to be chewy.

8. Cool the cookies:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

9. Make the maple glaze:

While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency. You want it thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to flow easily.

10. Glaze the cookies:

Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze over the tops of the cookies using a spoon or a small piping bag. The glaze adds a sweet, maple-flavored finish that’s the perfect complement to the spiced pumpkin flavor.

Tips for Success:

• Make ahead: These cookies can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The dough can also be chilled in the fridge for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to a month. Just scoop the dough into balls before freezing, and bake from frozen!

• Customize it: Feel free to swap in your favorite add-ins. Walnuts, raisins, or dark chocolate chips are all excellent choices if you want to change it up.

• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to a month.

  
  

Why These Cookies are Perfect for Thanksgiving:

These Spiced Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze are a cozy, comforting treat that bring together all the best flavors of fall. They’re soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, with just the right amount of sweetness from the maple glaze. Whether you're serving them at a Thanksgiving dinner or gifting them to loved ones, they’ll add that extra touch of warmth and joy to your celebration.

Happy Thanksgiving — and happy baking!