How to Make Pumpkin Cookies
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How to Make Pumpkin Cookies: A Sweet and Spicy Fall Treat
When fall rolls around, nothing says "cozy" quite like the taste of pumpkin cookies. These soft, fluffy treats are filled with the perfect combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices, making them the ultimate dessert for the season.
Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just looking for something different to bake, pumpkin cookies are a must-try!
Cozy Up with Delicious Fall Flavors – Explore the Best Autumn Recipe Ideas!
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a delicious pumpkin cookie recipe, give you some tips for perfecting your cookies, and answer some common questions about baking with pumpkin. Let’s dive into this tasty fall recipe!
Why Pumpkin Cookies Are Perfect for Fall
Fall is all about comfort foods, and what could be more comforting than a batch of freshly baked pumpkin cookies? They’re soft, slightly spiced, and have a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Pumpkin cookies also offer a healthier twist on traditional desserts. Pumpkin is packed with nutrients, including vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, so you can feel a little less guilty when reaching for that second (or third) cookie.
Plus, their natural moisture ensures that the cookies stay soft and tender, even after a few days.
Easy Pumpkin Cookie Recipe
This pumpkin cookie recipe is simple to follow and will yield about 24 cookies, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. Ready to get baking?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies
1. Don't Overmix the Dough
One common mistake when making cookies is overmixing the dough, which can lead to a denser, less tender cookie. Once you've added the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until the flour is incorporated. This will keep your cookies soft and fluffy.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For the best results, make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to mix more easily with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother dough and a more uniform texture.
3. Customize with Mix-Ins
While these pumpkin cookies are delicious on their own, you can easily customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins. Here are a few ideas to take your cookies to the next level:
- Chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent twist.
- White chocolate chips to balance the spices with some sweetness.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
- Raisins or dried cranberries for added texture and a slight tartness.
4. Add a Glaze or Frosting
If you want to make your pumpkin cookies even more decadent, consider adding a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting on top. For a quick glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a sweet, finishing touch.
For cream cheese frosting, beat together 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Spread it on top of the cookies and enjoy the extra layer of flavor.
Common Questions About Pumpkin Cookies
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but it requires a little extra work. First, roast the pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Keep in mind that fresh pumpkin can be more watery than canned pumpkin puree, so you may need to strain it to remove excess liquid before using it in your recipe.
Can I make pumpkin cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure that the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum to help the cookies hold their shape.
How should I store pumpkin cookies?
Store your pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you'd like to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Tip: Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers of cookies when freezing to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, it's easy to make pumpkin cookies vegan! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan butter or coconut oil. Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), and make sure your sugars are vegan-friendly. You can also use almond or coconut milk to replace any dairy.
Enjoy the Cozy Flavors of Pumpkin Cookies This Fall
Pumpkin cookies are a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving them for a treat later in the week, their soft, pillowy texture and warm spices make them an irresistible dessert.
Try this pumpkin cookie recipe the next time you're in the mood for something sweet and seasonal. And don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and mix-ins—the possibilities are endless! With these tips and tricks, you'll have a batch of delicious pumpkin cookies to share (or keep all to yourself) in no time.
Happy baking!
Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Pumpkin Cookies
Source: Preppy Kitchen
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