Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, infused with the warm flavors of pumpkin and fall spices. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, making them a wonderful treat for autumn gatherings, Halloween parties, or a cozy day at home. With the sweet, subtle flavor of pumpkin and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies are a must-try for pumpkin lovers. They are easy to make, and their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them irresistible.
Why It’s Great
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are great because they offer the perfect combination of sweetness and spice, with a soft and tender texture that makes them stand out from traditional sugar cookies. The addition of pumpkin puree not only gives them a subtle pumpkin flavor but also keeps the cookies moist and chewy. These cookies are also versatile—you can enjoy them plain, decorate them with icing, or even sandwich them with cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just craving something sweet, these cookies are an ideal choice.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and any optional spices like ginger and cloves.
- Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies should remain soft in the center. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze the dough, roll it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
Helpful Notes
- Pumpkin puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
- Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste. You can increase the cinnamon or add more cloves and ginger for a spicier cookie.
- Rolling in sugar: Rolling the cookie dough in granulated sugar before baking gives the cookies a slight crunch on the outside while keeping them soft inside.
FAQs
1. Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?
Yes, you can use 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a simpler spice blend.
2. Can I add frosting to these cookies?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with these cookies. You can either frost them individually or make cookie sandwiches with a layer of frosting in the middle.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
4. Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil instead of butter, but the cookies will have a slightly different texture and flavor.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure.
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are the perfect autumn treat, offering all the warmth and coziness of fall in a soft, spiced cookie. Easy to make and full of flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite for pumpkin lovers. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a dusting of sugar, or frosted with cream cheese icing, these cookies are a versatile and delicious way to celebrate the season. Bake a batch today and enjoy the sweet, spiced goodness!