01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set aside.
02 -
In a large stainless steel pan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir occasionally as it foams and crackles. When brown bits appear and a nutty aroma forms, remove from heat. Pour into a glass measuring cup and refrigerate, stirring every 20 minutes for 45–60 minutes until cooled to 70–75°F, ensuring the butter remains liquid.
03 -
Spread pumpkin puree evenly on a plate. Cover with paper towels and press lightly to absorb excess moisture. Repeat with fresh paper towels until puree measures approximately 1/3 cup and has a soft, playdough-like texture. This prevents cakey cookies.
04 -
Combine cooled browned butter with dark brown sugar and white sugar in a mixing bowl. Whisk for 1 minute until mixture resembles wet sand. Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree; whisk until smooth and fully combined.
05 -
Fold all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice blend, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Chill dough in refrigerator for at least 5 minutes to firm up; longer if needed for thicker cookies.
06 -
Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Shape chilled dough into balls approximately 3 tablespoons each. Roll thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and arrange on prepared trays, spacing 2–3 inches apart.
07 -
Bake cookies one tray at a time for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centers remain slightly underbaked. Remove from oven and cool completely on trays placed over wire racks to set and intensify flavor.