Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

If you’re craving a soft, warmly spiced autumn treat, these Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are an absolute game-changer. Bursting with pumpkin puree and cozy spices, they offer a delightfully tender texture and just the right amount of sweetness—all while keeping things completely plant-based. Whether you’re vegan, watching dairy intake, or just love pumpkin-flavored goodies, this recipe delivers irresistibly soft, deliciously spiced cookies that taste just like your favorite fall bakery find. Plus, they use simple ingredients that are probably already in your pantry, making these cookies a perfect anytime baking project.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly soft texture: These cookies stay tender and chewy, never crispy or dry, thanks to pumpkin puree and vegan butter.
• Warm, cozy spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives every bite that classic fall vibe.
• Simple, wholesome ingredients: No complicated or hard-to-find items—just pantry staples that come together quickly.
• Totally plant-based: No eggs or dairy needed, making it great for vegans and those with allergies.
• Versatile and customizable: Easy to tweak with add-ins or flavor twists for any preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This copycat vegan pumpkin sugar cookies recipe uses straightforward ingredients to create those soft, spiced bites everyone loves. Each component plays a key role in flavor, moisture, or texture, ensuring your cookies come out perfectly every time.

• Vegan butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Gives the cookies their sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
• Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, flavor, and that beautiful autumnal color.
• Flour: The foundation that holds everything together.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Gives lift and lightness to the dough.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: Essential spices for that warm, pumpkin sugar cookie taste.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, aromatic note.
• Plant-based milk: Helps bind ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.

Variations for Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Feel free to make these Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies your own with a few easy swaps and additions. Whether you’re tweaking for flavor preferences or dietary tweaks, they adapt beautifully without fuss.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra seasonal warmth.
• Chocolate chips: Stir in vegan chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Nutty crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to add texture and depth.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend without sacrificing softness.
• Sweetener swaps: Use coconut sugar or maple sugar to add complexity to the sweetness.

How to Make Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the vegan butter and sugar

Start by beating softened vegan butter with sugar until you get a light and fluffy mixture. This step is essential to create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture the cookies are known for.

Step 2: Mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla

Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mix, stirring until everything is well combined and smooth. This adds moisture and the distinct pumpkin flavor to your dough.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout the dough.

Step 4: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet

Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a soft dough. If the mixture feels too dense, add a splash of plant-based milk to loosen it up.

Step 5: Chill the dough

For best results, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle and shape.

Step 6: Bake the cookies

Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet, flatten slightly if desired, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Bake just until the edges set but the centers remain soft for that classic sugar cookie softness.

Pro Tips for Making Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Use room temperature vegan butter: Softened butter creams better with sugar, improving cookie texture.
• Don’t overmix: Stir just until ingredients combine to avoid tough cookies.
• Chill the dough: Helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
• Measure flour carefully: Too much flour can make cookies dry; spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
• Watch baking time closely: Slightly underbaked cookies remain soft and chewy after cooling.

How to Serve Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right before baking to add sparkle and an extra touch of sweetness. For a festive look, try decorating with vegan icing or sanding sugar once cooled.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea, pumpkin latte, or your favorite vegan hot chocolate to complement the cozy flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering these cookies with vegan whipped cream and fresh fruit to create a quick pumpkin cookie parfait, or sandwich two cookies with vegan cream cheese frosting for an indulgent handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture and keeps cookies soft.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm cookies slightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to regain that fresh-baked softness—perfection with a cozy drink.

FAQs

Are these Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour as a base, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend to make them gluten-free with great results.

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully here and is a convenient, consistent option for perfect cookies every time.

Do you have to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is recommended to prevent spreading and improve flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can bake immediately with slightly different texture.

Can I substitute maple syrup or agave for sugar?

You can replace some or all granulated sugar with liquid sweeteners, but be aware it may change the dough’s consistency and baking time slightly.

How long do these cookies keep fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are truly a warm hug in cookie form—easy to make, loaded with cozy spices, and wonderfully soft. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself with a cup of tea. I can’t wait for you to try baking them and make them your new favorite fall treat!

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