Introduction
Fall isn’t complete without the comforting flavors of pumpkin. These delightful pumpkin cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with seasonal spices. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 stick butter, softened
1 cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
Topping Ingredients
⅓ cup sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Prep Time
1 hour 30 minutes (includes refrigeration time)
Cook Time
13 to 15 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 45 minutes
Yield
Approximately 24 cookies
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract; slowly beat to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin spice.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating to combine.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1½ hours.
6. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. For the topping, combine the sugar, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
8. Scoop out the dough with a cookie scoop, roll it into a ball, then roll it in the topping mixture. Place on the baking sheets and press each cookie down to flatten slightly.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan until set before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Step 2
Add in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract; slowly beat to combine.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin spice.
Step 4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating to combine.
Step 5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1½ hours.
Step 6
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7
For the topping, combine the sugar, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 8
Scoop out the dough with a cookie scoop, roll it into a ball, then roll it in the topping mixture. Place on the baking sheets and press each cookie down to flatten slightly.
Step 9
Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 10
Allow the cookies to cool on the pan until set before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
Notes
Note 1
Ensure that the butter is completely softened to achieve a smooth mixture.
Note 2
Chilling the dough is essential for shaping the cookies and enhancing their flavor.
Note 3
The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies.
Note 4
For an added touch, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough before chilling.
Cook Techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Start by using a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until they are smooth and creamy. This step is essential for achieving a light texture in the cookies.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once the wet ingredients are mixed, gradually incorporate the dry ingredients to ensure an even distribution. This helps the cookies rise properly and have the right consistency.
Chilling the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for at least 1½ hours. Chilling the dough solidifies the fats, resulting in cookies that spread less during baking, allowing them to maintain their shape and texture.
Baking Temperature
Preheat your oven to 350°F before baking. This ensures that the cookies cook evenly and achieve a golden-brown exterior.
Cookie Scooping and Shaping
Use a cookie scoop to evenly portion the dough, then roll it into a ball. Rolling in the topping mixture before placing it on the baking sheet adds flavor and texture to the cookies.
Cooling the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking pan until set before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. This prevents them from breaking apart and helps maintain their shape.
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.
What can I substitute for pumpkin spice?
If you don’t have pumpkin spice, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal parts.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be golden brown on the edges and slightly soft in the center when they are finished baking.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute butter with margarine or a similar quantity of vegetable shortening for a non-dairy option.
Conclusion
These pumpkin spice cookies are a delightful treat, perfectly blending the warm flavors of fall with a soft, chewy texture. The combination of pumpkin puree and spices creates a comforting cookie that is sure to be a hit during the season. Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven or save some for later—if they last that long!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a rich and indulgent twist on the classic pumpkin cookie.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Cookies
Incorporate a cream cheese filling for a delightful surprise in every bite, mixing together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla for the filling.
Maple Glazed Pumpkin Cookies
Drizzle a maple syrup glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of flavor that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
Pecan Pumpkin Cookies
Mix in chopped pecans for added crunch and texture, giving the cookies a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin.
Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies
Substitute a portion of the flour with oats to create a heartier cookie that combines the chewy texture of oatmeal with the warmth of pumpkin spice.
Chocolate Dipped Pumpkin Cookies
After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an exquisite touch that enhances the flavors of the original cookie.
