Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a deliciously spiced pumpkin cookie that combines the warmth of fall flavors with the satisfying crunch of oats and nuts. These cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds but also packed with wholesome ingredients like flax meal and dried cranberries. Perfect for cozy gatherings or when you simply want to enjoy a homemade delight, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1/4 cup flax meal
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes, Total Time: approximately 35 minutes, Yield: about 24 cookies
Prepare to enjoy the delightful balance of spices, pumpkin, and textures in each bite. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for snacks or dessert throughout the week. Happy baking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, blend the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, flax meal, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, followed by half of the pumpkin puree. Mix until just combined. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and pumpkin puree, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Add-ins
Gently fold in the dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips, and chopped pecans.
Step 6: Portion Cookie Dough
Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop heaping three-tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set.
Step 8: Cool Cookies
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Variations
Feel free to substitute dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor.
Texture
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them, and for crispier cookies, bake them a minute or two longer.
Measure Ingredients Accurately
Use the spoon and level method for measuring flour and oats to ensure accurate quantities.
Cook techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Start by mixing softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This technique helps to aerate the butter, creating a lighter cookie texture.
Combining Ingredients
When adding dry ingredients to the wet mixture, do so in two stages. This gradual incorporation allows for a more even distribution of flour, oats, and spices without overmixing.
Folding in Mix-ins
When adding ingredients like dried cranberries, chocolate chips, and pecans, gently fold them into the dough. This prevents crushing the mix-ins and ensures they remain evenly distributed.
Portioning Dough
Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to form the cookie dough into heaping three-tablespoon portions. Space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for spreading during baking.
Baking
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set. Remove them while they still appear slightly underbaked as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Cooling Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set properly and helps prevent breakage.
FAQ
Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the pumpkin puree with applesauce or mashed bananas, but this may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
Is it possible to omit the nuts?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use nuts, feel free to omit them or replace them with an equal amount of chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use quick oats, rolled oats provide a chewier texture. If using quick oats, expect a slightly different texture in the cookies.
Conclusion
These delicious cookies combine the warm flavors of autumn, featuring pumpkin, spices, and a delightful mix of textures from oats, cranberries, chocolate chips, and pecans. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm drink, they encapsulate comfort and joy in every bite.
More recipes suggestions and combinations
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Substitute pumpkin puree with grated apples and add extra cinnamon for a classic flavor boost.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Replace the butter with peanut butter and increase the chocolate chips for a rich, nutty treat.
Molasses Spice Cookies
Use molasses instead of pumpkin puree and adjust spices for a gingerbread-inspired version.
Chewy Trail Mix Cookies
Incorporate mixed nuts and seeds along with dried fruits for a healthy, energy-packed snack.
Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Substitute pecans with walnuts and increase chocolate chips for a classic favorite.
Maple Pecan Cookies
Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and mix in toasted pecans for a unique twist on flavor.
