Description
Sweet autumn magic unfolds with these pumpkin sugar cookies, blending warm spices and classic comfort. Crisp edges, tender centers, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar invite you to savor seasonal bliss in each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancer:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal non-stick baking.
- Combine all dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger – in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, then gently fold in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, blending until the ingredients are fully integrated.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to create a uniform dough without overmixing.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dough portions onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches between each cookie and gently flattening the tops.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and slightly soft centers – a sign of perfectly textured cookies.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Prepare the icing by whipping powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Once cookies are completely cooled, decorate with the prepared icing, adding food coloring if desired for a festive touch.
Notes
- Ensure butter is truly softened at room temperature for creamy, smooth cookie texture that blends perfectly with sugar.
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain authentic flavor and prevent excess moisture in cookies.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create more defined, structured cookie shapes.
- Customize by adding white chocolate chips or chopped pecans into the dough for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg