Pumpkin-Spiced Sugar Cookies with Orange Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft sugar cookies infused with pumpkin spice and fresh orange zest for a festive autumn treat. This American-inspired Halloween recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 24 American cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Beat in 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp fresh orange zest until well incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined into a soft dough.
  6. Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
  7. Step 7: Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are set but still soft.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven and cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Step 9: Dust cooled cookies with 1/2 cup powdered sugar before serving for a festive finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pumpkin-Spiced Sugar Cookies with Orange Zest take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin-Spiced Sugar Cookies with Orange Zest?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pumpkin-Spiced Sugar Cookies with Orange Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pumpkin-Spiced Sugar Cookies with Orange Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pumpkin-Spiced Sugar Cookies with Orange Zest?

American halloween like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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