Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin cookies are a delicious and festive treat, perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy evenings at home. With their warm spices and soft texture, they truly capture the flavors of the season. Decorating these cookies not only makes them visually appealing but also allows for creativity. Whether you are baking with kids or enjoying some time in the kitchen, decorating pumpkin cookies is a fun and enjoyable activity.
How to Make Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or nuts
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the pumpkin puree and egg, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips or nuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before decorating.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies
You can serve pumpkin cookies warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own or paired with a warm beverage like coffee or apple cider. For a fun touch, try serving them on a festive platter during a fall gathering, and let guests decorate their own cookies!
How to Store Pumpkin Cookies
To keep your pumpkin cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them by placing them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to three months. Just let them thaw before decorating and serving.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Cookies
- Make sure to use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor.
- Softened butter will help achieve the right texture, so take it out of the fridge ahead of time.
- If you want more flavor, you can add more spices like ginger or cloves.
- For a fun twist, try adding orange or white chocolate chips for decoration.
Variation
You can easily mix up this recipe by adding different flavors or toppings. Consider using cream cheese frosting for a richer taste or adding caramel drizzle for a sweet touch. You can also add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for festive decoration.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, just ensure that it is cooked and pureed until smooth.
How long can I keep decorated cookies?
Decorated cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Pumpkin Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive pumpkin cookies with warm spices, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the pumpkin puree and egg, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips or nuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before decorating.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to five days. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated.