Fall is officially here, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious pumpkin sugar cookies! These soft batch cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee on a cozy autumn day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree
– 1 cup of white sugar
– 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information:
Each cookie contains approximately:
– 100 calories
– 5g of fat
– 12g of carbohydrates
– 1g of protein
– 8g of sugar
– 1g of fiber
Popular questions:
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
– Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the cookies.
2. Can I substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter?
– Yes, you can substitute with melted butter for a slightly different flavor.
3. Can I omit the spices if I don’t have them all on hand?
– You can omit some spices, but they add to the flavor profile of the cookies.
4. How should I store these cookies?
– Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for longer freshness.
5. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?
– Yes, you can customize the cookies by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
6. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
– Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be slightly different.
7. How can I make these cookies softer?
– Be sure not to overbake them, as they will be softer when slightly underbaked.
8. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
– Yes, you can freeze the dough in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
9. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
– Yes, you can use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
10. Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?
– Yes, you can use pumpkin pie spice if you prefer a more convenient option.
Helpful tips:
1. Add a dash of black pepper for a subtle kick of flavor.
2. Roll the dough in cinnamon sugar before baking for an extra pop of sweetness.
3. Chill the dough before baking for thicker, chewier cookies.
4. Use a cookie scoop for evenly-sized cookies.
5. Add a cream cheese frosting drizzle for a decadent touch.
6. Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor.
7. Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats.
8. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a festive touch.
9. Press a pecan or walnut half on top of each cookie before baking.
10. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Expert Secrets:
1. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal results.
2. Use a silicone baking mat for even baking and easy cleanup.
3. Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough cookies.
4. Store cooled cookies with a slice of bread to maintain softness.
5. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
6. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet to set properly.
7. Experiment with different types of sugar for varied texture and flavor.
8. Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.
9. Add a touch of maple syrup to the dough for a hint of sweetness.
10. Have fun decorating the cookies with colorful sprinkles or icing for special occasions.