As the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing quite like the comforting flavor of pumpkin. These pumpkin cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy during the autumn season, and they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- If using walnuts, fold them into the batter.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your delicious pumpkin cookies!
Nutritional Information
One serving (1 cookie) of these pumpkin cookies contains:
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for these pumpkin cookies is approximately 25 minutes, including prep and baking time.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Mixing spoon or electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family during autumn gatherings or as a sweet after-dinner dessert.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chocolate chips or raisins to the batter for an extra burst of flavor. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cloves or allspice, to give the cookies a unique twist.
Substitutions
If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute it with mashed sweet potato or butternut squash. You can also use chopped pecans or almonds instead of walnuts, or leave them out altogether if you prefer.
Storage
Store your pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened before mixing it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and creamy batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter or the cookies may become tough. Mix until just combined.
- For even-sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking apart.
Notes
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, but you can easily double or halve the recipe to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, so it will alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. Stick with pure pumpkin puree for the best results.
Yes, these cookies freeze well. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
We recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture, but you can use margarine if you prefer. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing it with the sugar.
These pumpkin cookies are the perfect way to indulge in the flavors of fall. They’re soft, chewy, and full of warm spices that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them on your own, these cookies are sure to put a smile on your face. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a glass of milk and enjoy!