The season is here. The onslaught of pumpkin spice recipes can either be seen as a frightful epidemic (Pumpkin Spice Clorox?!) or the best time of year (Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes!). Either way, it can be overwhelming, especially if you’re looking to cook up pumpkin spice goodness at home. So I’ve narrowed it down to six praiseworthy pumpkin spice recipes that are subtle, but bursting with autumnal taste.
Related: How to use pumpkin seeds: 9 creative recipes from deliciously healthy to totally decadent.
Packed with the delicious flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, the Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies at Seasons and Suppers (above) inspire some serious cookie goals. I like Jennifer’s advice about keeping the dough in the fridge and baking off rounds on demand so that you can devour them fresh from the oven each time. No pretty leaf stencils? A dusting of fresh powdered sugar will do just fine. Believe me.
The Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes at Well Plated combine buckwheat flour and the delicious flavors of pumpkin and maple for a perfect fall brunch. As if the yum factor wasn’t enough, you can make this batter in the blender, as in no separate mixing bowls, thank you very much.
Pumpkin spice recipes are polarizing, with drinks being among the most hotly debated. Some folks line up at their local Starbucks, while other turn up their noses at the thought of yet another seasonal pumpkin drink. I’m going to keep my personal opinion a secret and suggest the Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe at The Kitchn for the serious pumpkin drink aficionados. Made with real pumpkin, spices, and creamy frothed milk, this is the fall drink to savor.
Related: 5 easy weeknight dinners featuring September’s seasonal produce
The nutty Pumpkin Spice Granola at A Night Owl is sweetened with brown sugar and maple syrup, two natural pairings for pumpkin. You can dial the pumpkin spice up or down depending on your taste, then use this simple treat to top yogurt. Or flip the script and make this granola the main topped with whipped cream for a dessert treat.
Smothered in cream cheese frosting, the Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes at The Gracious Wife are the ultimate fall indulgence. Subtly flavored with pumpkin spice, but big on real pumpkin flavor, the whole family will want to make these a seasonal staple.
Related: 7 delicious caramel apple recipes for fall, from healthy to decadent.T
Often what makes a pumpkin spice recipe truly marvelous is when fresh ingredients are used to make that signature fall taste, like with this Spicy Pumpkin Soup at Simply Recipes. In just a few simple steps, this creamy fall soup makes a hearty family dinner. And don’t be put off by spicy—Elise uses fresh ginger, not chiles, to give this soup its zing.
