Beginnerbakes
Back to Recipes

Cookies

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Maple Drizzle

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished Mar 31, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
American 27 mins beginner-friendlyeasystep-by-stepno-fussvegan-optionsdairy-freelow-fatspicedholidaykid-friendlyminimal-ingredientssnackcomfort-foodfall-baking

Soft, chewy vegan pumpkin spice cookies made with warm fall spices and drizzled with a pure maple syrup glaze. This easy, beginner-friendly, dairy-free recipe uses minimal ingredients and comes together quickly, perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or a cozy fall snack.

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Maple Drizzle
Prep 15 min
Cook 12 min
Total 27 min
Servings 18
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook12 min
Total27 min
Servings18
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican
Add To Favorites

Ingredients

Servings 18
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/2 teaspoon each ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for drizzle)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (for drizzle)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until well blended.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir just until all flour is incorporated. Do not overmix to keep cookies tender.
  5. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space cookies about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly during baking.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and cookies spring back lightly when touched. The centers should still be soft.
  7. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the cookies cool, prepare the maple drizzle by whisking powdered sugar and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. If too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until desired consistency.
  9. Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over each cookie using a spoon or fork. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving.
  10. Enjoy your vegan pumpkin spice cookies as a comforting seasonal snack or share them at your next holiday gathering!

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Ingredient Substitutions for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Adjust ingredients easily to suit preferences or dietary needs without compromising taste or texture:

  • Pumpkin Puree: Substitute with homemade butternut squash or sweet potato puree for similar moisture and flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar or date sugar as natural, less processed sweeteners.
  • Maple Syrup: Agave nectar or brown rice syrup serve as good alternatives if maple syrup is unavailable.
  • Vegetable Oil: Replace with melted coconut or avocado oil for healthful fats and subtle flavor variation.
  • All-Purpose Flour: For gluten-free baking, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend including xanthan gum as needed.
  • Powdered Sugar (Drizzle): Substitute with coconut powdered sugar or a blend of powdered erythritol and arrowroot starch for a lower-sugar glaze option.

These ingredient swaps make the recipe flexible and accessible while keeping the cookies delicious and simple.

Equipment Needed

To bake these delicious vegan pumpkin spice cookies with maple drizzle, gather these essential beginner-friendly baking tools for a smooth process:

  • Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for wet ingredients and a medium bowl for dry ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement ensuring consistent texture and flavor.
  • Whisk or Fork: To combine dry ingredients and whisk the maple glaze smoothly.
  • Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For evenly portioning dough and consistent cookie size.
  • Baking Sheets: Two sturdy sheets to bake the cookies evenly.
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
  • Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, keeping them crisp rather than soggy.
  • Small Bowl: For mixing the maple drizzle.
  • Spoon or Fork (for Drizzling): To create an attractive maple glaze drizzle on cooled cookies.

Having these tools ready will make baking easy and enjoyable, especially for baking beginners!

Ingredient Prep Notes

Pumpkin Puree: Use pure canned pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and added spices. Homemade roasted pumpkin or butternut squash puree also works well; drain excess moisture for best dough texture.

Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds chewiness and depth of flavor. Coconut sugar can substitute for a natural alternative.

Maple Syrup & Powdered Sugar (Drizzle): Use pure maple syrup for authentic sweetness. For a nut-free vegan glaze, mix powdered sugar with almond or oat milk instead of water.

Oils: Vegetable or melted coconut oil work great; coconut oil adds a subtle richness and pairs well with spices, while neutral oils like sunflower or canola yield a milder flavor.

Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for texture. For gluten-free options, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with xanthan gum if needed.

Spices: Pumpkin pie spice blends are convenient. Alternatively, make your own blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves and adjust to taste.

Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Both are necessary to achieve light, tender cookies. Avoid using only baking powder as it may cause density.

Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract or a vegan-friendly vanilla paste without alcohol from animal sources for best flavor.

Oven Note

Follow these simple oven tips to ensure your vegan pumpkin spice cookies bake perfectly—with a soft, chewy texture perfect for beginners:

  • Fully Preheat Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C) before baking for consistent temperature.
  • Use Middle Rack: Bake cookies on the middle rack for even heat distribution and to avoid burning.
  • Line Bakeware: Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal and even baking.
  • Space Cookies Adequately: Leave at least 2 inches between dough portions to allow spreading without merging.
  • Watch Bake Time: Check cookies at 10 minutes. They are done when edges look set and centers spring back slightly. Slightly underbaking keeps cookies soft.
  • Limit Oven Door Opening: Avoid opening the oven during bake time to maintain temperature.
  • Cool Properly: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

These tips help achieve perfect pumpkin spice cookies every time. Enjoy your baking journey!

Easy Upgrade Ideas

Customize your vegan pumpkin spice cookies with these easy, beginner-friendly ideas that add flavor and texture:

  • Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and nutty depth.
  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1/3 cup for melty chocolate surprises in each bite.
  • Swap Maple Drizzle: Try a vegan cream cheese frosting or dust with cinnamon sugar instead of glaze.
  • Dried Fruit: Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins for natural sweetness and chew.
  • Boost Spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or extra pumpkin pie spice for warmer, richer flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for gluten intolerance.
  • Seed Toppings: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on cookies before baking for crunchy texture and festive appeal.
  • Mini Cookies: Make smaller dough balls for bite-sized snacks perfect for parties or kids.

These upgrades keep the recipe fun and adaptable while preserving its beginner-friendly nature.

Related Articles

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

More Recipes

Explore more recipes you may like.

Reviews

Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.

Sign In To Review

No reviews yet.

Newsletter

Stay In The Loop

Get fresh recipes, articles, and updates from Beginnerbakes.