Whether you serve them as an aperitif or an after-dinner drink they are sure to be the hit of the night. These delicious and decadent martinis are chock full of warm Fall flavors.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Martinis:
- Vanilla Vodka
- Baileys Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
- Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- Cinnamon
How to make Pumpkin Spice Martinis
This recipe is quick and easy to make. Your guests will be more than impressed because they are delicious!
The key to this simple recipe is our Easy Pumpkin Spice Syrup. This recipe beats anything you can buy in a store with its fresh ingredients. You will love the warm Autumn flavors.
The Pumpkin Spice Syrup can be made ahead of time and kept on hand for many different recipes. You will also find this pumpkin syrup used in several recipes on our site, including Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Pie Boozy Shake. Both recipes can be found in the Beverages and Cocktails category on this site.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup can easily be kept in a squeeze bottle in your refrigerator so it’s ready to go whenever you want to make great recipe!
Step by step instructions for making Pumpkin Martinis:
- Fill a martini shaker with a half a cup of ice
- Add 2 ounces of Vanilla Vodka
- Add 1 ounce of Bailey’s Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
- Take the squeeze bottle of syrup and swirl the empty martini glasses with a ring of syrup along the rim of the glass
- Close the martini shaker tightly with a lid and vigorously shake
- Pour Pumpkin Spice Martini into prepared martini glasses
- Garnish with a small pinch of Cinnamon on top
Pumpkin Martinis 
Pinch of cinnamon on top
Looking for other martini ideas?
Pumpkin Spice Martinis
Equipment
- 1 Martini shaker
- 1 Martini glass
- 1 squeeze bottle optional
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce Bailey's Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
- 1 Glass Swirl pumpkin spice syrup, Recipe link in Notes below
- Pinch cinnamon, Garnish the top of martini
Instructions
- In a martini shaker add half a cup of ice.
- Add 2 ounces of Vanilla Vodka
- Add 1 ounce of Baileys Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
- Fill a squeeze bottle with pumpkin syrup and swirl the empty martini glasses with a ring of syrup along the rim of the glass
- Close the martini shaker with lid and shake vigorously
- Pour Pumpkin Spice Martini into prepared martini glasses
- Garnish with a small pinch of cinnamon on top and serve
Notes
- Click here for the recipe for Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Nutrition
They say “Welcome Fall”
These soft cookies are chock full of every Fall flavor including cinnamon, our homemade pumpkin spice, and pure pumpkin puree
When Fall rolls around we start looking for ways to use pumpkins whenever possible. These soft Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Cookies are cake-like and stay moist for days.
Pumpkin cookies are light and fluffy, almost like a pumpkin muffin top! The dough is easy to make in one bowl and doesn’t need to be chilled. We prefer to make the cookies smaller, but you can make them larger. Drizzling them with a warm cinnamon pumpkin glaze is the finishing touch!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclosure policy for more details.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cookies
These delicious little cookies have all the flavors most associated with Fall such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves.
Make our homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice mixture, if possible, because it’s so easy and it includes spices you likely already have in your spice rack. Our Pumpkin Pie Spice will really boost the flavor of these cookies, and all of your Fall desserts.
- Pumpkin Puree – Be sure you are using pure pumpkin puree, rather than pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling has added sweeteners, and more liquid, that you won’t need for these cookies.
- Butter – we use unsalted butter, but if you only have salted just use that and delete the salt in this recipe
- Sugar – these are cookies, after all 😀
- Egg – we use whole eggs for added richness
- Vanilla – we like to use Homemade Vanilla Extract – it’s so easy to make!
- Flour – All-purpose works best
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – make your own or buy a jar in any spice section
- Baking Soda, Baking Powder, and Salt – makes the cookies fluffy and balances the sweetness
- Chocolate Chips – we like semi-sweet or dark chocolate
- Pumpkin Spice Glaze – optional but, oh SO good, and includes powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, and milk
How to make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
The dough for these cookies comes together quickly in just one bowl.
- Make the Pumpkin Spice Mixture, if making your own, and set aside
- Beat butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy – about 2-3 minutes. The butter should be very light and fluffy.
- Add the sugar and beat for an additional 2 minutes until creamy
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and blend well, then add pumpkin puree and mix until completely combined and no streaks remain
- Slowly add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, Pumpkin Pie Spice mixture, and flour
- Mix until just combined but DON’T over-mix
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and then mix by hand until combined
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. If you don’t have any parchment on hand be sure to spray your baking sheet with non-stick spray
- Drop the cookies onto the tray using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop. The dough will be sticky so we suggest using a cookie scoop, if possible
- Bake for 10-11 minutes
- Cookies should be golden with no shine remaining
- Let the cookies rest for about 1 minute before removing them to a cooling rack to cool completely before adding the glaze
Variations for add-ins
These cookies can be made with other add-ins besides chocolate chips. We suggest dried cranberries, dried cherries, or chopped pecans. Anything that works with pumpkin is perfect so get creative!
How to make easy Pumpkin Glaze
- Whisk together sifted powdered sugar, pumpkin spice or pumpkin syrup, and room-temperature milk in a bowl until smooth
- The Pumpkin Glaze on top of the cooled cookies really makes them special.
- Use either Pumpkin Syrup or Pumpkin Pie Spice. Both work equally well for this glaze.
- Put the cooling rack of cookies over a baking sheet to catch the extra drizzle. Spoon glaze over cookies in a back-and-forth motion and let dry for about 30 minutes.
Note: The glaze does not set completely hard so if you are planning to take the cookies somewhere then don’t stack them, instead just transport them in a single layer.
Helpful tools to use when making Pumpkin Cookies:
Cookies are generally easy to make but there are a few tools that will make it even easier. Here are a few of my favorite tools for making cookies:
More great cookies and desserts to try:
- Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie – a classic recipe with a fun twist
- Easy Blondie Bars – an easy treat with a brown sugar flavor
- Dark Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – a traditional deep dark chocolate cookie packed with flavor
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – a classic with a twist
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 7.5 ounces pumpkin puree, (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Pumpkin Spice Glaze:
- 1 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 Tablespoons Pumpkin Spice Syrup, or 2 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1-2 Tablespoons milk
Instructions
Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add sugar and beat for 2 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla and mix just until combined. Add pumpkin puree and mix to combine.
- Slowly add baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and flour. Mix until just combined, but do not overmix. Gently fold in chocolate chips, by hand. (The dough will be sticky)
- Drop cookies onto parchment-lined sheets by the tablespoon, or use a cookie scooper.
- Bake for about 10-11 minutes or until slightly firm to the touch and the tops are dry. Rest on baking sheet for about 1-minute and then remove to a wire cooling rack and let cool completely.
Pumpkin Spice Glaze:
- In a small bowl whisk together the powdered sugar, pumpkin spice syrup or mix, and 1 Tablespoon of milk, until the sugar dissolves completely. Add more powdered sugar if too thin or more milk if too thick.
- Place the cookies on a cooling rack with the baking sheet underneath to catch the excess glaze. Spoon glaze over cookies in a back and forth motion. Let dry for about 30-minutes.
Notes
- The glaze for these cookies is not a hard-set glaze so if transporting leave the cookies in a single layer (don’t stack them)
- Pumpkin spice mixture can be stored in a glass jar and stays fresh about 3 months
Nutrition
There is a lot of love for the Pumpkin Spice Latte that was made famous by Starbucks. This seasonal favorite comes back every Fall and for good reason! It’s creamy, flavorful, and really delicious!
What’s not to love? Well, maybe the artificial ingredients, the cost, and the fact that you have to leave your cozy house on a Sunday morning to get your “fix”! We came up with a version we love and we think you will too.
Ready to get started? Just click the “jump to recipe” button or keep reading for more tips and ideas. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclosure for more details. We only recommend products we love and use.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Latte
- 2 shots of espresso (or 1/4 cup of very strong coffee)
- 1 Tablespoon pure pumpkin puree – not pumpkin pie mix
- 1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice mix – we love this homemade version
- 1 Tablespoon Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- 8 ounces milk – 2% is our top choice
- Whipped cream for garnish, optional but so delicious!
How to make Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Here is our foolproof recipe for a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte!
This recipe is for an 8-ounce latte. Adjust accordingly if you want a larger serving.
- Prepare 1-2 shots of your favorite espresso, or 1/4 cup strong coffee, and add to a coffee mug
- Add 1 Tbsp pumpkin puree, 1 Tbsp of pumpkin pie spice mix, and 1 Tbsp of homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup and mix to combine
- Froth 1 cup of milk until hot and foamy. We use nonfat or 2% but any type will work. If you don’t have a frother use your blender to froth
- You can also substitute almond or soy milk but keep in mind it won’t froth up quite the same
- Add the frothy milk to the espresso mix
- Top with fresh whipped cream
- Dust with a pinch of cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Sit back in your pajamas and enjoy!
Making homemade ingredients
The first step is to make our all-purpose easy Pumpkin Pie Spice. You can also pick up a jar at any market. This spice blend can be used all season for pies, bread, scones, and muffins, but we started off by using it in our Pumpkin Spice Syrup.
Our Pumpkin Spice Syrup is easy to make and is honestly like Fall liquid gold! Pour it on pancakes and waffles, or use it as a base for a pumpkin glaze on cakes. It makes a fun mixer in a cocktail, as well. We love it in Pumpkin Spice Martinis and Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes.
No espresso machine? No problem
If you don’t have an espresso maker just substitute a really strong cup of coffee. Since espresso is stronger you will need to double the amount if using strong coffee.
Other Pumpkin recipes to try
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Creamy Pumpkin Milkshakes
- Pumpkin Spice Martinis
- Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Spicy Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Equipment
- Espresso Maker
- Milk Frother (or blender)
Ingredients
- 1-2 shots espresso Depending on how strong you like your lattes (or 1/4 cup very strong coffee)
- 1 Tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1 pinch pumpkin pie spice mix
- 2 Tbsp Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- 1 cup milk
- Whipped Cream, for garnish
Instructions
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso and add to a mug.
- Add pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice mix, and the pumpkin spice syrup to the espresso in the mug and stir well to combine.
- Froth 1 cup of milk and slowly pour it into the mug of espresso.
- Top with whipped cream and dust with a sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice mix. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if desired
Notes
- Calories based on fat-free milk
- Dusting with cinnamon tastes great too!
- Link to our homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice blend
- Link to our easy homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Nutrition
The world is crazy for Pumpkin Spice Lattes so why not make your own at home?
Sometimes that craving hits but you just don’t want to get out of your pajamas and hit the drive-thru, right?
Jump to RecipeI love homemade cappuccinos and lattes because they are so easy and economical to make in your own kitchen. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are super easy to make at home after you make this simple syrup.
Making your own version is a healthier option than store-bought brands. There are no artificial ingredients in this 5 ingredient syrup, whereas commercial products have high fructose corn syrup as the main ingredient. Our version contains warm Fall spices and real pumpkin puree to give it an authentic flavor that can’t be beat.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Syrup:
We are technically making a ramped-up version of simple syrup. For a complete tutorial visit our post on How To Make Simple Syrup.
- Brown Sugar – We use dark brown which gives us that caramel flavor that makes this syrup special
- Pumpkin Puree – Be sure to use puree instead pumpkin pie mix which has a lot of added ingredients and is less dense.
- Vanilla Extract – We love to make our own with just 2 ingredients
- Water
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Homemade (see below) or purchase a good quality store version
I like to make my own Pumpkin Pie Spice blend every Fall. It’s easy with just 6 spices blended together that you’re likely to already have on hand. It’s like a bit of Fall in a jar!
How to make pumpkin spice simple syrup:
This recipe could not be easier to put together because it takes just 5 minutes to gather the ingredients and 5 minutes to cook.
- Gather all ingredients and add everything (except vanilla) to a medium saucepan
- Bring to a quick boil and simmer over medium heat for about 4 minutes, stirring often
- Continue stirring until all of the brown sugar is dissolved – the easiest way to test this is to dip a spoon in and check for any remaining granulated sugar at the bottom of the pan
- Add vanilla, and mix well, simmering for an additional 1 minute
- Remove from the heat and cool for 5 minutes in the pan
- Whisk the mixture to make sure it is well combined and strain into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove any solids
- Cool completely, transfer and store in a sealed glass jar, refrigerated, for up to 2 months
- If using in icing or frostings bring to room temperature before using to ensure it incorporates well
- Check before using – if the mixture looks cloudy it’s time to discard it and make fresh syrup
Combine all ingredients together (except vanilla) and cook
Making a thicker Syrup:
If you want a thicker syrup, also known as Rich Simple Syrup, to use for pancakes, waffles, French toast, or as a drizzle, just return to a clean pan, heat, and reduce down to the desired thickness. We used a thicker version as part of a drizzle on our pumpkin spice cookies below.
How long does simple syrup last?
Once cooled and refrigerated the mixture will last in the refrigerator for about 2 months. However, just like anything else, use your best judgment, and if it becomes cloudy it’s time to toss it and make a fresh batch.
Using Pumpkin Spice Syrup in recipes:
The possibilities are endless but here are some of our favorite ways to use this syrup:
- Pumpkin Spice Lattes
- Pumpkin Spice Cookies
- Our Buttermilk Pancakes are great with this syrup drizzled on top
- Pumpkin syrup on waffles or French Toast
- Pumpkin syrup brushed on your carrot cake before frosting it
- Make a Pumpkin Glaze – just use the syrup in place of water with powdered sugar
- Add to your coffee or hot chocolate for a Fall kick
- Make our Pumpkin Spice Martini
- Make a compound pumpkin butter for your spreading on bread
- Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes
This syrup would make a fun little gift for a pumpkin-loving friend, in a small bottle, with a ribbon.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree (100% puree, not pie filling)
- 1 Tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Making the syrup
- Combine all ingredients, except vanilla, in a medium pan. Whisk to blend.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 4 minutes. Make sure all of the sugar is dissolved.Add vanilla and simmer 1 more minute.
- Into a medium bowl strain the syrup through a very fine strainer, or a strainer with cheesecloth set inside. Discard the solids.
- Pour into a mason jar and allow to cool. Seal tightly and refrigerate.
For a thicker syrup:
- If you want a thicker syrup, return to a clean pan and reduce on low heat until desired thickness.
Notes
Nutrition
Great for Fall syrups, pumpkin spice lattes, pies, pancakes, cakes and more
The warm and fragrant scent of Pumpkin Pie spice dates back to early America but its exact origin appears to be unknown. Now days it has become a hallmark of Thanksgiving meals and a variety of Fall recipes, because it has a warm comforting flavor and scent.
Through the years pumpkin pie recipes have evolved with the addition of different spices. Making a great Pumpkin Pie has become a Fall holiday tradition and it always requires pumpkin pie spice. It’s really easy to make your own spice blend at home and it guarantees that the mix will be fresh for all your Fall baking.
What is in Pumpkin Pie Spice?
There are just six spices you will need to make this simple spice blend so it’s important that they are all fresh for the best flavor:
- Powdered Ginger
- Ground Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Mace
- Cinnamon
- Ground Cloves
How to make Pumpkin Pie Spice:
Simply blend all 6 spices together in a bowl, or just add them to a glass jar, and shake it up. Be sure to shake the jar every time you use it to make sure it’s well blended.
This recipe makes about one ounce of the spice mixture, and a little bit will go a long way.
If you are planning to bake a lot you can easily double or triple this recipe. Most recipes will use 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons.
Be sure to store the mix in a cool dry place, tightly sealed. It will remain fresh for about 6-months.
How long do spices last?
- Ground spices will lose their freshness the quickest and typically last about 6 months once they’ve been opened. The best way to test for freshness with ground spices is to give them a sniff. If the spices don’t have any fragrance it’s time to say goodbye and get some fresh ones!
- Whole spices can last for up to five years, but again make sure they are still fragrant before using
Ideas for using Pumpkin Spice:
The possibilities are endless but here are a few of our favorites:
- Traditional Pumpkin Pie
- Flavorful Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- The all time favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Pumpkin Spice Cookies studded with chocolate chips and an optional pumpkin spice glaze
- Pumpkin Bread or Muffins
- French Toast – sprinkle into the egg batter for a boost of flavor!
- Pumpkin Pancakes – Add 1 teaspoon to our Buttermilk Pancake recipe
- Add to your favorite Carrot Cake batter and icing
- Banana Bread – add 1 teaspoon to our Buttermilk Banana Bread recipe for a warm Fall flavor
- Coffee Cake – try it in our Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake
(When adding to cakes and muffin recipes, just add into the flour mixture)
Making homemade Pumpkin Spice syrup is a super simple way to use this spice mix. The syrup is perfect for Pumpkin Lattes!
Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon powdered ginger
- 1 Tablespoon ground nutmeg
- 1 Tablespoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon mace
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a jar and shake well. Keep in cool dry place for up to 6 months
Notes
- Want it spicier? Add a dash more clove and ginger
- Want a warmer spice blend? Add an extra dash of nutmeg
