Name: Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup room temperature butter (dairy free or regular); 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 3/4 cup white sugar; 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups gluten free all purpose baking flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 1/4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving the perfect cozy treat that celebrates autumn’s best flavors without the worry of gluten, this Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with warm pumpkin pie spices, rich chocolate chips, and a tender, soft-baked texture, these cookies bring that homemade comfort right to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this recipe comes together quickly, uses wholesome ingredients, and delivers on both flavor and nostalgia, making it a standout in any cookie collection.

A close-up view of a single large cookie resting on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface, showing two layers: the top layer is golden brown with a slightly rough texture and is covered with scattered glossy dark chocolate chips, some melted, while the bottom layer is a darker brown, soft and chewy, with visible melted chocolate oozing out from a bite taken at the edge. Small flakes of sea salt are sprinkled unevenly over the top chocolate chips. The focus is on the bitten side of the cookie. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the essentials for this Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is a breeze because each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect bite. From the creamy butter to the spiced gluten free flour, everything melds together beautifully to create a cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and satisfyingly rich.

Butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Provides moisture and richness, while helping the cookie achieve a tender crumb—dairy-free works just as well!
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness with a slight molasses flavor, giving depth to the overall taste.
White sugar (3/4 cup): Balances the brown sugar for a classic cookie sweetness and helps with browning.
Pure pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that brings moisture, earthy flavor, and that beautiful orange color.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors, lending warmth and complexity.
Gluten free all-purpose baking flour (2 cups): The base that keeps the cookies tender yet sturdy without gluten.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread just right for a soft texture.
Pumpkin pie spice (2 1/4 teaspoons): Infuses the cookie with cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices that define pumpkin desserts.
Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that complements the pumpkin spice blend.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Chocolate chips (1 cup): Melts into pockets of gooey delight, making each bite irresistibly decadent.

How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Setting the right temperature upfront ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out with that perfect golden edge and soft center we all love.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter with both the light brown and white sugars. Use an electric mixer to cream them until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step creates the perfect base texture for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Vanilla

Next, pour in the pumpkin puree along with the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until it’s fully incorporated, turning your batter a lovely warm hue and adding a velvety moistness to the dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, so be gentle here.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where your cookies start to get that irresistible little bursts of melted chocolate.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop heaping two-tablespoon portions of dough, spacing them a few inches apart. If smaller cookies are your vibe, feel free to make those smaller! Bake them for 13 to 18 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden while the centers remain soft and matte.

Step 7: Final Touches and Cooling

The moment these beauties come out of the oven, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top so they melt gloriously on the warm surface. If you want them a bit flatter, try giving the cookie tray a few gentle slams on the oven rack to encourage spreading before they set. Let them cool for at least 30 minutes to firm up perfectly before enjoying.

How to Serve Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

A close-up image of four thick round chocolate chip cookies stacked on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, the top cookie is broken in half showing melted dark chocolate chunks inside, the cookies have a golden brown color with visible chocolate chips scattered on the surface, the texture looks soft and chewy, in the background there is a blurry white object giving a light airy feel, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon on top for a delicate finish. For extra indulgence, drizzle melted white chocolate or caramel over the cooled cookies for a treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cozy cup of spiced chai, pumpkin latte, or your favorite herbal tea to complement the autumnal flavors. They also go beautifully alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies Recipe on a wooden platter lined with autumn leaves or rustic parchment paper for seasonal flair. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a whipped cream cheese frosting or pumpkin spice buttercream for a show-stopping cookie sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This preserves their soft texture while keeping the pumpkin and chocolate flavors fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to three months without losing any of their moist, tender charm.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, simply heat a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Watch that chocolate melt again and enjoy a freshly baked experience anytime.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes! Pure canned pumpkin puree works perfectly here, offering consistent texture and flavor. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling with added sugars or spices.

Are these cookies completely dairy free?

You can make them dairy free by using dairy-free butter alternatives. The recipe specifies butter but doesn’t mind if you swap in your favorite plant-based version.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can easily make your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. The cinnamon and spice combo is key to that authentic pumpkin flavor.

Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

Absolutely! Just adjust baking time accordingly—smaller cookies may bake faster, whereas larger ones might need a few extra minutes to cook through.

Will these cookies be cakey or chewy?

They strike a lovely balance, with a soft, tender crumb that leans toward cakey but remains moist and chewy thanks to the pumpkin and brown sugar.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about enjoying homemade cookies that are both gluten free and bursting with classic fall flavors. This Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is easy to make, deeply comforting, and sure to become a seasonal favorite. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear once you share these tender, chocolate-studded treats with your loved ones.