Soft & Chewy Spice Cookies with Creamy Pumpkin Dip: Your Essential Fall Dessert
As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, our thoughts often drift to comforting flavors and cozy gatherings. While savory dips frequently take center stage at parties, there’s a special place in our hearts for sweet treats, especially during autumn. This season, with its rich tapestry of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and all things PUMPKIN, offers the perfect excuse to indulge in something truly delightful.
The Recipe That Captures Autumn’s Essence
I’ve held onto this cherished recipe for years, a gift from a dear old friend. From the very first bite, I knew it was a keeper. Its unique blend of warmth and sweetness instantly came to mind when I was planning dishes for #PumpkinWeek. The cookies themselves are nothing short of HEAVENLY – soft, chewy, and bursting with aromatic spices. But when you pair them with the creamy, luscious pumpkin dip? It elevates the experience to a level that will have you feeling “over the harvest moon.” It’s a combination that truly embodies the spirit of fall.
An Unforgettable Addition to Your Thanksgiving Table
Imagine these beautiful spice cookies and their accompanying pumpkin dip gracing your Thanksgiving spread. Who could resist such an inviting treat? The sweet, spiced cookies, perfectly baked to a tender chewiness, are just begging to be dunked into a rich, creamy dip made from a harmonious blend of cream cheese, real pumpkin puree, a touch of sugar, and classic fall spices. It’s an elegant yet comforting dessert that promises to be a memorable highlight for any autumnal gathering, from a casual family dinner to a grand holiday feast.
Join the Celebration: #PumpkinWeek Delights
As I mentioned earlier in the week, #PumpkinWeek is a magnificent event dedicated to celebrating everything pumpkin! Organized by the wonderful Terri of Love and Confections, this week-long culinary journey, from October 1st to 5th, 2017, brings together a community of food bloggers sharing an incredible array of pumpkin-centric recipes. From Monday, when I delighted you with a Pumpkin Zucchini Bread with Streusel Topping, to the very end of the week, you can expect nothing but pumpkin goodness. Whether you crave sweet desserts, savory main courses, or even innovative pumpkin-infused drinks, there’s a recipe to satisfy every palate. To explore all the delicious creations, simply search the hashtag #PumpkinWeek on social media and prepare to be inspired!
The Irresistible Allure of Soft Spice Cookies
Do you have a fondness for gingersnaps? I certainly do! However, traditional gingersnaps are often quite firm, ideal for dunking into a hot beverage. While these spice cookies are also perfect for a good dunk, their unique quality lies in their incredible softness. They possess a delightful chewiness that makes them utterly irresistible. In fact, after baking a batch specifically to share with you all, I found myself gifting them away over the next few days – not because I didn’t love them, but because I simply couldn’t stop myself from eating them all! Their tender texture and warm spice profile are truly addictive, making them a standout among fall desserts.
For this recipe, I opted to make the cookies slightly larger than my usual baking size, more akin to a classic gingersnap. This yielded a generous six dozen cookies, perfect for sharing or freezing for future enjoyment. And yes, they freeze exceptionally well, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor for weeks! If you’re still skeptical about just how fantastic these cookies are, allow me to introduce my most reliable and adorable cookie tester for undeniable proof:
A Taste Test Approved by the Littlest Critic
This is my sweet great-nephew, Hunter. He paid a visit last weekend with his mommy, as we collaborated on a very special project. They were eager to devise a creative way to announce that Hunter was going to be a big brother! We gathered some pumpkins and got to work. Knowing that Aunt Michaela’s house always holds some “nummy” treats, Hunter’s eyes lit up when he spotted the freshly baked spice cookies. His immediate and enthusiastic request for “more” confirmed what I already knew: these cookies were an absolute hit. That, and his heart-melting smile, left no room for doubt about their deliciousness!
A Sweet Announcement with an Autumnal Twist
I think their pumpkin-themed announcement turned out absolutely adorable and perfectly captured the excitement of their growing family. It was a joy to be part of such a special moment, and even sweeter that our delicious spice cookies could be a part of the memory.
Ready to Get Dunking?
With their soft, chewy texture and irresistible spice, these cookies are truly elevated by the velvety pumpkin dip. Whether you’re hosting a fall party, looking for a unique dessert for Thanksgiving, or simply craving a taste of autumn, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. The combination is simply divine – a match made in fall heaven!
It’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking this incredible fall duo! Your kitchen will soon be filled with the most comforting aromas of the season.
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Print Recipe
Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling the cookie dough
Pumpkin Dip Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- To make the cookies: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the molasses until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator overnight. This chilling step is crucial for developing flavor and making the dough easier to handle.
- The next day, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Roll the chilled dough into ½ inch balls. Roll each ball in additional granulated sugar to coat evenly. Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 6 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown slightly.
- Important: Do not overbake the cookies, as this will prevent them from achieving their signature soft and chewy texture. They might seem slightly underdone in the center, but they will firm up as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the dip: In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened cream cheese until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. Add the canned pumpkin puree and beat well until fully incorporated. Finally, add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. Continue beating until the dip is smooth, creamy, and beautifully combined. Serve chilled alongside your delicious spice cookies!
Nutrition
More Fall Favorites: Delicious Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love
Beyond this delightful cookie and dip pairing, my blog is a treasure trove of pumpkin recipes. Here are a few more favorites that embrace the rich, comforting flavors of autumn:
Discover More #PumpkinWeek Delights from Our Talented Bloggers!
There’s still so much pumpkin goodness to explore from my fellow #PumpkinWeek participants! Dive into these fantastic recipes and let the autumn flavors inspire your kitchen:
Pumpkin Drink Recipes:
- Pumpkin Spice Coffee Syrup from The Nifty Foodie – Elevate your morning coffee with homemade autumn flavor.
Savory Pumpkin Recipes:
- Blackened Steak Tacos with Roasted Pumpkin, Sweet Corn and Red Bean Salsa from Bacon Fatte – A vibrant and flavorful twist on taco night.
- Chicken and Pumpkin Curry from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures – A comforting and aromatic dish perfect for dinner.
- Pumpkin Beef Stew from Rants From My Crazy Kitchen – Hearty and warming, ideal for a chilly day.
- Pumpkin Beer Bread Pudding from Forking Up – A unique savory-sweet fusion for a memorable meal.
- Pumpkin-Poblano Salsa from Culinary Adventures with Camilla – A zesty and exciting condiment for your fall table.
- Pumpkin Risotto with Garlic and Sage from Making Miracles – Creamy, flavorful, and a true autumn delight.
- Pumpkin Sausage Mac and Cheese from Daily Dish Recipes – A comforting classic reinvented with fall flavors.
- Pumpkin Sausage Skillet Dinner from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings – A quick and easy one-pan meal for busy weeknights.
- Pumpkin Walnut Sage Pierogi from The Crumby Kitchen – A delightful homemade dumpling with seasonal fillings.
- Savory Pumpkin Sage Biscuits from Kudos Kitchen by Renee – Perfect alongside soup or stew, or as a cozy snack.
Sweet Pumpkin Recipes:
- Maple Pumpkin Monkey Bread from The Bitter Side of Sweet – A pull-apart treat ideal for breakfast or dessert.
- Pumpkin Chess Pie from The Spiffy Cookie – A rich and smooth pie with a caramelized top.
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies from Amy’s Cooking Adventures – A classic cookie with an autumnal twist.
- Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins with a Pecan Oat Crumble from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks – Perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon snack.
- Pumpkin Dump Cake from Seduction in the Kitchen – An incredibly easy and delicious dessert.
- Pumpkin-Nut Crumble Cake from Hardly A Goddess – A delightful cake with a crunchy topping.
- Pumpkin Pie Cream Puffs from Mildly Meandering – Elegant and light, a sophisticated pumpkin treat.
- Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake from A Day in the Life on the Farm – A decadent dessert combining two favorite flavors.
- Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip from An Affair from the Heart – Our featured soft, chewy cookies with creamy pumpkin dip.
- Stuffed Pumpkin Cupcakes from The Freshman Cook – A delightful surprise awaits inside these festive cupcakes.
- Whipped Pumpkin Pie Honey Butter from Love and Confections – A sweet spread perfect for toast, muffins, or pancakes.
- White Chocolate Pumpkin Biscotti from The Redhead Baker – A crunchy, elegant cookie for dipping in coffee or tea.