Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Cookies with Molasses and Raisins

These vegan spiced pumpkin cookies are soft, perfectly sweet, and bursting with warm fall flavours. Imagine the comfort of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg wrapped into a tender cookie with a hint of molasses—the kind of treat that pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply indulging in the season, these cookies are delightfully easy to make and sure to impress.

We first tried these cookies on a crisp fall weekend, and they instantly became a hit in our kitchens. The combination of wholesome whole-wheat pastry flour, pumpkin puree, and sweet raisins creates a cookie that feels like a hug in every bite. Plus, they’re packed with a bit of fiber and a lot of love, making them a treat you can feel good about.

What Makes These Cookies a Healthier Fall Treat?

Let’s dig into what makes these cookies not only delicious but also a healthier option for your fall baking endeavors. Here’s why we love them:

• Pumpkin puree: A great source of beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), pumpkin puree supports your immune system while adding moisture and natural sweetness to the cookies.
• Whole-wheat pastry flour: This flour provides the benefits of whole grains without sacrificing a delicate, tender texture. It’s lower in gluten than regular whole-wheat flour, making it perfect for cookies.
• Molasses: A rich source of iron, calcium, and potassium, molasses adds depth to the flavor while delivering a small nutritional boost.
• Warm spices: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice bring anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while making your kitchen smell amazing.

Recipe Info

• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 36 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients for Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these wonderfully spiced cookies. We’ve included some tips to help you get the best results:

• 2/3 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar or 1/3 cup Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking
• 3/4 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as canola or avocado)
• 1/4 cup dark molasses
• 1 cup raisins

Optional: Cooking spray or parchment paper for preparing the baking sheets.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

Ready to bake? Follow these simple, beginner-friendly steps for perfect spiced pumpkin cookies:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F and coat three baking sheets with cooking spray or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole-wheat pastry flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar (or Splenda), pumpkin puree, oil, and molasses until smooth and well combined.
4. Bring it all together: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the raisins.
5. Drop the batter: Using a tablespoon, drop the batter onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart.
6. Bake the cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes, switching the baking sheets back to front and top to bottom halfway through, until the cookies are firm to the touch and lightly golden.
7. Cool and enjoy: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool before serving or storing.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies

Here are some helpful tips from our kitchen to ensure you get the best results:

• Measure your flour correctly: Fluff the flour with a spoon, lightly scoop it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing it in, which can result in dense cookies.
• Use fresh spices: Spices lose potency over time. For the best flavor, use fresh ground or grate your own nutmeg.
• Substitute wisely: If you’re out of molasses, you can substitute an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
• Freeze extras: These cookies freeze beautifully. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Storing and Freezing Tips

Made more cookies than you can eat in two days? No problem! Here’s how to store them:

• Short-term storage: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days at room temperature.
• Long-term freezing: Wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months.

To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about an hour, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s what you can expect per cookie (based on 36 servings):

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 1g
• Total Fat: 1.5g
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g

Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose and whole-wheat pastry flours for a quality gluten-free all-purpose blend. Check that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.

How do I substitute the raisins?

If raisins aren’t your favorite, try chopped dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or even toasted nuts for a different twist.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking.

What’s the best way to serve these cookies?

We love pairing them with a warm chai latte or a hot mug of cider for a cozy fall treat!

Ready to Bake?

We can’t wait for you to try these delightful spiced pumpkin cookies. They’re cozy, wholesome, and packed with fall flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. If you make this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below, or share a photo and tag us on Instagram @SimplyNourishedLife. Need more fall treats? Check out our apple-cinnamon muffins and pumpkin spice granola for more seasonal inspiration!