Step 1: Make the Flax “Egg”

1. Combine Flaxseed and Water: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water. Stir well and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. This mixture will act as a binder, replacing eggs in this vegan recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened plant-based butter (or coconut oil), brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
2. Add Pumpkin and Vanilla: Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and prepared flax “egg” to the bowl. Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture may look a bit wet, but that’s normal for pumpkin-based cookies.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices give the cookies their signature pumpkin pie flavor.
2. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

1. Chill the Dough: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and enhances the flavors.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Portion the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffy. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
4. Cool on Wire Rack: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Add Optional Toppings

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: For a decadent touch, frost the cooled cookies with vegan cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon.
2. Cinnamon Sugar: Lightly dust the cookies with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic pumpkin spice touch.
3. Chopped Nuts: For added texture, sprinkle the cookies with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking, or press the nuts into the frosting if using.