I don’t really like pumpkin, but I keep finding ways that I love it like these cookies and my Paleo Pumpkin Muffins/Cupcakes. These cookies are soft with a just enough pumpkin spice to make you feel all the cozy fall feels. My kids love the frosting, which is such a win as paleo frostings can be hard to pull together. You could also leave off the frosting and toss in some chocolate chips instead.
Need a nut-free option? I have you covered!
Perfect for any fall celebration or treat. Delicious!

Paleo Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1/4 cup palm shorting*
- 1/2 cup maple sugar*
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/4 cup almond flour
- 3/4 cup tapioca flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Frosting
- 1/4 cup palm shortening*
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 ` cup maple sugar*
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350. Line a cookie sheet with parchment.
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Cream shortening, sugar, egg, pumpkin and vanilla.
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Add all the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
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Scoop small spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon) of batter onto the cookie sheet, spacing about 2" apart. Bake for 10-11 minutes in the 350 degree oven.
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While baking, combine all the frosting ingredients in a small bowl, whisking or beating with a mixer to combine.
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Let the cookies cool completely, and then frost. Enjoy! We love these stored in the fridge or freezer for a thicker frosting texture.
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Cookies can be frozen in a single layer and then stored in the freezer in a sealed container for 3+ months.
Recipe Notes
NUT-FREE SUBSTITUTION - I definitely prefer the almond flour/tapioca flour combo above, but I know that's tough for a nut-free homes. To make this nut-free, use 2/3 cup cassava flour total to replace the almond + tapioca flour. This will result in a smaller batch of cookies.
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Can I use coconut sugar or ghee instead? Yes, these will turn out with coconut sugar and ghee, but I have found maple sugar and palm shortening game-changing for better Paleo cookies and highly recommend! I get mine on Amazon.
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KETO VARIATION: Use Lakanto Golden Monkfruit Sugar instead of the maple sugar in the cookies, and all Golden Monkfruit Sugar in the frosting instead of the honey + maple sugar in the frosting
My 14 year old made these for the family and we loved them. The frosting has a buttery flavor and texture that is whipped and creamy. Your recipes are helping all 6 of us to eat better.
I’m so happy your family loved them and how great your 14 year old made them. Thank you!
I made these and my picky teens loved them! Love love love all that you do, thank you!
I’m so happy these were enjoyed even by the picky teens – thank you!