Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies
Get ready for the flavors of fall with these delicious Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies! They are perfect for cozy nights in or festive gatherings with friends. Give your taste buds a treat with this easy and tasty recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
- 3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mix until well combined.
- 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- 5. Scoop dough by the tablespoonful and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
- 6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Popular questions:
- Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?
Yes, you can substitute 2-3 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices listed. - Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe. - Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, just make sure it’s well-drained before using. - Can I add nuts or raisins to the cookies?
Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor. - How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough in individual portions and bake as needed. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different. - Can I skip the spices if I don’t have them all?
You can adjust the spice blend to your preferences or omit any that you don’t have on hand. - Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can use margarine as a substitute, but the flavor may vary slightly. - Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
You can use almond extract for a different flavor profile in these cookies.
Helpful tips:
- 1. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for easier handling.
- 2. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness.
- 3. Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
- 4. Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
- 5. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch before serving.
- 6. Store cookies with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh.
- 7. Double the recipe for larger gatherings or to have extras for later.
- 8. Make a glaze with powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness.
- 9. Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
- 10. Get creative with cookie shapes using cookie cutters for fun variations.
Expert Secrets:
- 1. Creaming the butter and sugar well creates a light and tender cookie texture.
- 2. The balance of spices is key, adjust to your taste preferences for the perfect blend.
- 3. Using room temperature ingredients ensures even mixing and better cookie consistency.
- 4. Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies, mix just until combined.
- 5. Cool the cookies completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
- 6. Rolling the dough balls in cinnamon-sugar adds a tasty crunch to the cookies.
- 7. Baking soda helps the cookies rise, while baking powder gives them a light texture.
- 8. Experiment with different shapes and sizes for a fun cookie presentation.
- 9. Double the spices for a more intense pumpkin-spice flavor in the cookies.
- 10. Enjoy these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.