Vegan Pumpkin Cookies

Vegan Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful combination of chewy texture and warm, comforting flavors. Easy to bake in the comfort of your home, these cookies are the perfect dessert for a cozy evening or a holiday gathering. The use of vegan dark chocolate chips adds a wonderful contrast to the pumpkin, creating a sweet and delicious taste that will leave you craving more.

These cookies are not just your regular treat, they’re a blend of health and taste, with ingredients like pumpkin puree, almond flour, and vegan dark chocolate, offering a unique texture and taste. The addition of cinnamon and ginger spices makes these cookies a perfect treat for the fall season.

What makes these cookies special is the use of pumpkin puree and almond flour, which not only adds a unique flavor but also provides a healthier alternative to the usual cookie recipe. Baking these vegan pumpkin cookies at home brings a fragrant aroma of fall into your kitchen. So why not give this recipe a go and celebrate pumpkin season in style?

Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious vegan pumpkin cookies recipe today!

Jump to:

• What are Vegan Pumpkin Cookies?
• Why This Is The Best Vegan Pumpkin Cookies Recipe 
• What You Need to Make Vegan Pumpkin Cookies At Home
• How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Cookies Step by Step
• Tips For Making the Best Vegan Pumpkin Cookies Every Single Time
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Vegan Pumpkin Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• How to Store Leftover Vegan Pumpkin Cookies
• Similar Recipes
• Recipe

What are Vegan Pumpkin Cookies?

Vegan Pumpkin Cookies are a delicious plant-based treat that combines the quintessential flavors of the fall season in a delicious cookie recipe. 

These cookies are typically made with pumpkin puree, which provides a moist and chewy texture, and a variety of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spices that bring a warm and comforting flavor profile. 

The addition of vegan-friendly ingredients, such as vegan butter and brown sugar, create a soft and satisfying cookie dough. 

Many people enjoy making vegan pumpkin cookies due to their simple and versatile nature. This means they can easily be tweaked to suit individual taste preferences, such as adding chocolate chips or pumpkin spice for an extra flavor kick.

This vegan pumpkin spice cookies recipe is the best one to use thanks to its easy execution, versatility, and the delicious combination of flavors it offers. The pumpkin puree and spices bring a taste of fall into each bite, while the vegan chocolate chips add a welcomed sweetness. 

Plus, the recipe encourages creativity, allowing for add-ins like extra chocolate chips or raisins and even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a crunchy topping. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why This Is The Best Vegan Pumpkin Cookies Recipe 

Easy to make: With a few common ingredients and a simple process, this Vegan Pumpkin Cookies recipe is a joy to bake. You’ll love how effortlessly the pumpkin puree, almond flour, and other ingredients mix together to form the perfect cookie dough.

Versatile: One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can fold in chocolate chips or raisins for an extra burst of flavor or sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking for a delightful crunch.

Delicious: The combination of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and ginger creates a warm, autumnal flavor profile that’s irresistibly delicious. The delicious chocolate glaze adds a level of richness, making each bite a treat. It’s seriously one of the best vegan pumpkin recipes out there!

Crowd Pleaser: These Vegan Pumpkin Cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, a picnic, or a holiday party, these cookies are guaranteed to please a crowd.

Healthier Option: This cookie recipe swaps out traditional ingredients like butter and eggs for vegan alternatives, making it a healthier choice. The use of brown sugar and almond flour also contributes to a lower fat and cholesterol content, letting you indulge without guilt.

What You Need to Make Vegan Pumpkin Cookies At Home

All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious vegan pumpkin cookie recipe at home.

Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

Pumpkin puree: You’ll be needing some pumpkin puree to make this recipe. This will add a rich, earthy flavor to the cookie dough and provide much-needed moisture, making the cookies soft and moist.

Almond flour: We’ll also need some almond flour. This will add a slight nutty flavor and help to give the cookies a chewy, delightful texture.

Neutral oil: You’ll be needing some neutral oil like coconut or grapeseed oil to make this recipe. The oil will provide needed fat for a soft, tender crumb and it will also help to bind the ingredients together.

Brown sugar: We’ll also need some brown sugar. This will sweeten the cookies and add a subtle molasses flavor. If you like, you can use coconut sugar as a healthier alternative.

Powdered ginger and ground cinnamon: You’ll be needing these spices to make this recipe. They will enhance the pumpkin flavors and add a warm, aromatic taste to your vegan pumpkin cookies.

Salt: We’ll also need some flaky sea salt or regular salt. It will balance out the sweetness and enhance the overall flavors of the cookies.

Baking powder and baking soda: You’ll be needing these leavening agents to make this recipe. They will help the cookies rise and give them a light, airy texture.

All-purpose flour: We’ll also need some all-purpose flour. This will provide structure to the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while baking.

Apple cider vinegar: You’ll be needing some apple cider vinegar to make this recipe. It will react with the baking soda, aiding in the leavening process and giving the cookies a nice lift.

Vegan dark chocolate or chocolate chips: We’ll also need some vegan dark chocolate or chocolate chips. These will add a decadent, rich flavor and a delightful texture contrast. For an extra chocolaty experience, feel free to coat the bottom of the cookies with melted chocolate as well. The only plant-based chocolate that I recommend is Hu chocolate. It's sugar-free, Oil-free and Soy-free. Enter the code IRYNA15 for 15% off on all Hu Kitchen products.

Plant milk: You’ll be needing some plant milk to make this recipe. This will help to bind the ingredients together and contribute to the moist, tender texture of the cookies. It also allows the recipe to remain dairy-free.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Cookies Step by Step

Creating delicious vegan pumpkin cookies is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple, detailed step by step guide to help you create a batch of these fall-flavored treats:

1. Combine pumpkin puree and flour

In a small large bowl whisk together pumpkin puree, almond flour, oil, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, salt and baking powder. Fold in flour and mix the batter until no lumps of flour are visible.

2. Add baking soda

In a small bowl or in a tablespoon dissolve baking soda and vinegar. Add foamy mixture to the batter and mix with a spatula until your batter is silky smooth.

3. Drop the batter on a baking sheet and bake

Using an ice-cream scoop, drop the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2" apart.

Bake for 25-30 minutes at 375 F until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with fever crumbs. Remove cookies from the oven and transfer to a wire rack.

4. Melt the chocolate and drizzle over cookies

Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine vegan chocolate and milk. I recommend Hu chocolate.

Microwave for 15 seconds and then stir until chocolate is completely melted. If necessary, microwave for 10 more seconds.

Dip fork in melted chocolate and then drizzle all over cookies.

Finally, let the chocolate harden, then enjoy your homemade vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. The combination of pumpkin spice, chewy texture, and sweet chocolate make these cookies a delicious treat for any occasion.

Your delicious Vegan Pumpkin Cookies are ready to be served!

Tips For Making the Best Vegan Pumpkin Cookies Every Single Time

Choosing the Right Pumpkin Puree: For the best vegan pumpkin cookies, always use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin puree is just pure pumpkin, while pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can alter the taste of your cookies.

Balancing the Flavors: When mixing your dry ingredients, ensure that your spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spices are properly mixed with the all-purpose flour and salt. This will ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough.

Achieving the Perfect Texture: To ensure your cookies have a perfect chewy texture, don’t over-mix your cookie dough. Once you’ve added the baking soda and vinegar mixture to your batter and you see it is silky smooth, stop mixing.

Baking the Cookies: Always preheat your oven before baking to ensure your vegan pumpkin cookies bake evenly. Also, don’t forget to line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Adding Extra Sweetness: If you want to give your cookies an extra sweet touch, consider adding chocolate chips or vegan dark chocolate bar into the batter. The chocolate will melt in the oven, giving your cookies a delicious, gooey center.

Topping Your Cookies: Consider adding some extra toppings like sesame seeds on your cookies just before baking. Not only will this give your cookies a nice crunch, but it will also add an extra layer of flavor.

Adapting the Recipe: If you’re following a Whole Food Plant Based No Oil (WFPBNO) diet, you can omit the oil from the recipe. Your cookies will still turn out moist and delicious, thanks to the pumpkin puree.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Butternut Squash Soup: The warm, savory flavors of a butternut squash soup complement the sweet and spiced notes of these vegan pumpkin cookies beautifully. Enjoy the cookies as a delightful dessert after a hearty bowl of soup, or simply as a side treat to dip into your soup for a unique fusion of flavors.
• Serve alongside Pull Apart Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread: Amplify the pumpkin theme of your meal with a side of pull-apart pumpkin cinnamon bread. The sticky, sweet, and spiced bread shares similar flavors with the vegan pumpkin cookies, making them a perfect pair for a delightful autumn-themed breakfast or snack.
• Complement with Crunchy Pumpkin Biscotti: For a crunchy contrast to the soft and chewy texture of the vegan pumpkin cookies, serve them with crunchy pumpkin biscotti. The biscotti can also act as a palate cleanser between bites of the cookie, allowing you to fully appreciate the unique flavors in each.
• Partner with a Spiced Chai Latte: A spiced chai latte offers a warm and spicy counterpoint to the sweet, pumpkin-spiced flavors in the cookies. The creaminess of the latte and the chewy texture of the cookies make for a comforting and indulgent treat.
• Accompany with Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: For a delicious dessert, serve the vegan pumpkin cookies with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy, and mildly sweet ice cream beautifully offsets the warm, spiced, and chewy cookies, creating a dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Combine with Apple Cider: Homemade apple cider shares a warm and comforting vibe with vegan pumpkin cookies. Its sweet-tart flavor profile provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy cookies.
• Enjoy with a Pumpkin Spice Latte: For the ultimate pumpkin-themed treat, serve these vegan pumpkin cookies with a pumpkin spice latte. The creamy latte enriched with pumpkin pie spices enhances the pumpkin flavors in the cookies, making it a perfect fall treat. 

Recipe Variation Ideas for Vegan Pumpkin Cookies

This delicious vegan pumpkin cookies recipe is so flavorful and easy to make, you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:

Chocolatey: If you’re a lover of all things chocolate, this variation is for you. Instead of drizzling, completely coat the bottom of the cookies with melted vegan dark chocolate or add an extra handful of vegan chocolate chips into the batter. This will give your vegan pumpkin cookies an irresistible, rich chocolate flavor and texture.

Fruity: For a different twist, try adding a handful of raisins or dried cranberries into the cookie dough. The sweet and tangy fruit will add another layer of flavor and a chewy texture to your vegan pumpkin cookies. It’s a delicious way to incorporate more fruit into your snacks.

Seed Surprise: If you enjoy a bit of crunch in your cookies, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the cookies before baking. The toasted seeds will add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft, pumpkin-spiced cookie.

Spiced Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into your cookie dough. The subtle heat will add a surprising twist to your vegan pumpkin cookies and balance out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin puree and brown sugar.

Nutty: For a nutty twist, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or add a handful of chopped walnuts into the batter. This will not only add a crunchy texture but will also enhance the overall flavor of your vegan pumpkin cookies.

Oil-Free: Following a Whole Food Plant Based No Oil (WFPBNO) diet? You can omit the oil from the recipe. The cookies will still be moist and delicious thanks to the pumpkin puree, making this a perfect variation for those following strict dietary needs.

Muffin Style: If you’re looking for something different, try baking the batter in a muffin tin instead of dropping them onto a baking sheet. This will create vegan pumpkin cookie muffins, a delicious and portable snack option. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as muffins may take a bit longer to bake completely.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to Store Leftover Vegan Pumpkin Cookies

You can definitely store leftover pumpkin cookies. Allow your cookies to cool completely at room temperature. This step is crucial as it prevents condensation from forming and making your cookies soggy. Once cooled, transfer your cookies to an airtight container. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

If you plan to consume your cookies within the week, storing them in the fridge is a fantastic option. The cool environment will help maintain the soft, chewy texture of the cookie while preserving the pumpkin and chocolate flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, simply allow it to reach room temperature or gently reheat it in the oven on a baking sheet for a few minutes.

Freezing your vegan pumpkin cookies is also possible, extending their life for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. 

Remember to date and label your container for easy reference. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven if desired.

Keep in mind that if you opted for the WFPBNO diet variant and omitted the oil, your cookies might be slightly more delicate after freezing and thawing. Regardless, they will still be moist, delicious, and packed with the inviting flavors of pumpkin spice and melted chocolate.

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