Pumpkin Spice Cookies with White Chocolate Chips and Halloween M&Ms Recipe

If you’re as obsessed with cozy fall flavors as I am, you’re going to absolutely swoon over my Pumpkin Spice Cookies with White Chocolate Chips and Halloween M&Ms Recipe. These cookies are the perfect balance of warm pumpkin spice, creamy white chocolate, and that fun burst of candy crunch from Halloween M&Ms. I love how festive and fun they feel – they’ve become my go-to treat during autumn and October celebrations, and I promise once you try them, they’ll be a staple in your seasonal baking, too.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this pumpkin spice cookie comes from simple pantry staples combined with just the right spice mix and festive candy. I usually recommend using fresh pumpkin spice if you can—I’ll share my easy DIY spice blend at the end—that way the spice flavor really pops!

• Plain flour: This is the base of your cookie dough, giving structure and softness.
• Bicarbonate of soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Cornflour: Adds a little softness and gives the cookies a slight chewiness I adore.
• Pumpkin spice mix: The star of the show—warm cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes a pinch of allspice. Homemade or store-bought both work!
• Unsalted butter: Creamy and rich, it ensures your cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and that deep caramel flavor that pairs amazingly with pumpkin spice.
• Granulated sugar: Gives just enough sweetness and helps crisp the cookie edges.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
• Vanilla extract: Lifts the overall flavor—always a must in my cookie recipes.
• White chocolate chips: They bring a creamy sweetness that pairs better than milk chocolate here.
• Orange, pumpkin, or Halloween M&Ms: For that seasonal pop of color and crunch—totally optional but highly recommended for the fun factor!

Variations

I like to keep this Pumpkin Spice Cookies with White Chocolate Chips and Halloween M&Ms Recipe pretty classic, but honestly, feel free to make it your own! I’ve tried swapping the white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate chips, and while they’re great, the white chocolate really balances the spice best.

• Dairy-Free Variation: I once made this with vegan butter and dairy-free white chocolate chips—a hit for my vegan friends and just as tasty.
• Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives extra crunch and complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.
• Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a bolder spice flavor, increase the pumpkin spice mix by half a teaspoon; for a milder taste, reduce it slightly.
• Cookie Bars: I often press the dough into a square pan and bake it as bars for easy slicing—just bake for around 20 minutes!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cookies with White Chocolate Chips and Halloween M&Ms Recipe

Step 1: Get Things Ready – Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 180ºC (or 160ºC if you’re using a fan oven). Line two or three large baking trays with parchment paper and set them aside. This prep step is key because once your dough is ready, you want to bake them immediately for the best texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

I use my electric whisk for this part because it’s so fast — cream the unsalted butter with both brown and granulated sugars for about two minutes until the mixture looks fluffy and lighter in color. If you’re whisking by hand, take a bit more time (around three minutes) and don’t rush, because this step traps air that helps give you those soft, tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Egg

Mix in the vanilla extract and then crack in the egg. Whisk again until everything is well combined and the batter feels smooth. Don’t overmix here—you want it just incorporated to keep the cookies tender.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, cornflour, and your pumpkin spice mix. Adding the cornflour is a neat trick I discovered that makes these cookies softer and less dense. Gradually add this dry mix to your butter-sugar-egg mixture, stirring until just combined—don’t overwork it, or the cookies may get tough.

Step 5: Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Halloween M&Ms

Now for the fun part! Add your white chocolate chips and festive orange or pumpkin-colored Halloween M&Ms. Gently fold them into the dough so they’re evenly distributed. The candy gives a delightful crunch and the white chocolate melts beautifully, creating pockets of creamy sweetness in every bite.

Step 6: Scoop, Bake, and Cool

Use a cookie scoop to portion out even spoonfuls of dough, then roll each into a ball and place them spaced apart on your baking trays. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes—you want the edges to be set and golden, but the centers still soft. After baking, leave the cookies on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them firm up and makes them easier to move without breaking.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cookies with White Chocolate Chips and Halloween M&Ms Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep things simple and let the Halloween M&Ms serve as the colorful garnish themselves, but if I want to jazz things up for a party, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra white chocolate looks gorgeous and festive.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a pumpkin latte if you’re feeling indulgent. For parties, I like to offer a glass of cold milk or even apple cider for that extra fall vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

I love assembling a Halloween-themed cookie platter with these Pumpkin Spice Cookies with White Chocolate Chips and Halloween M&Ms Recipe as the star. Add some pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies, candy corn, and little pumpkin decorations. Wrapping a few in cellophane bags tied with orange ribbon makes adorable gifts for neighbors or co-workers, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and honestly, they stay soft and tasty for 4 to 5 days—perfect for weekday snacks or last-minute entertaining.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I wrap chilled dough balls individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a treat, I bake straight from frozen, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If leftover cookies get a bit stale, I pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat them in a low oven for a few minutes—white chocolate melts and the cookies become soft and delicious again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Pumpkin Spice Cookies with White Chocolate Chips and Halloween M&Ms Recipe quickly became a fall favorite in my home. I love how each bite delivers that cozy pumpkin spice warmth with bursts of creamy white chocolate and colorful candy crunch—you’re basically biting into autumn itself. Give it a try this season, and I bet your family and friends will go crazy for it just like mine do. Baking is all about sharing moments and flavors, and this cookie recipe has been one of my happiest discoveries for bringing simple, joyful treats to the table.

Print