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Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies – A Cozy Halloween Treat

When Halloween season rolls around, the air is filled with excitement, spooky decorations, and of course, the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice. While candy usually takes center stage, homemade cookies can steal the spotlight too — especially when they’re soft, chewy, and warmly spiced. These Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies are everything you love about fall baked into one treat. They’re made with real pumpkin puree, flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice, and sweetened naturally. The best part? No dairy, no eggs — just plant-based goodness that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or simply pairing with a hot cup of tea, these cookies are festive, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
bake & Cooling Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree unsweetened
  • ½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup coconut oil melted or vegan butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks optional
  • Festive sprinkles optional, for Halloween flair

Equipment

  • Here’s what you’ll need to bake these spooky vegan cookies:
  • Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
  • Hand mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1 – Preheat the oven
  1. Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2 – Mix wet ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 3 – Mix dry ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 4 – Combine
  1. Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined.
  2. Fold in chocolate chips or sprinkles if using.
Step 5 – Shape cookies
  1. Scoop dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Step 6 – Bake
  1. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
Step 7 – Cool & decorate
  1. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
  2. Add Halloween sprinkles for a festive finish.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
🥄 Variations
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose.
Frosted Cookies: Top with vegan cream cheese frosting.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
Spiced Up: Increase pumpkin spice or add a pinch of ginger for stronger flavor.
Halloween Shapes: Use cookie cutters and roll dough slightly thicker.
Sugar-Coated: Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for extra sweetness.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices — use pure pumpkin puree.
2. Can I replace coconut oil with another fat?
Yes, vegan butter or neutral oils like sunflower oil work.
3. Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
They’re soft, chewy, and cake-like.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. Can I make them without sugar?
You can reduce sugar or use coconut sugar + maple syrup, but texture may change.
6. How do I make them thicker?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
7. Can kids eat these?
Yes, they’re kid-friendly and allergy-conscious.
8. Can I add frosting or glaze?
Absolutely! Vegan cream cheese frosting is a delicious option.
9. Do I need to chill the dough?
Not necessary, but it helps control spread if you want thicker cookies.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just bake in batches and store extras in the freezer.
🏁 Conclusion
These Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies are the perfect balance of cozy fall flavors and festive Halloween fun. With their soft, chewy texture, warming spices, and optional chocolate chips or sprinkles, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat that’s dairy-free and egg-free.
Easy to make, customizable, and full of autumn spirit, they’re bound to become a seasonal tradition in your kitchen.