Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

When autumn arrives, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are the ideal way to embrace the season, combining the cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with the sweetness of a classic sugar cookie. Perfect for holiday gatherings, a weekend treat, or just because, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, these cookies are perfect for you!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s everything required to create the perfect pumpkin sugar cookie and the pumpkin spice glaze.

Cookie Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Pumpkin Spice Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk or water
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Preparation of Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Follow these easy steps to bake a batch of soft and flavorful pumpkin sugar cookies that will melt in your mouth.

1. Mixing the Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your cookie sheets with parchment paper, baking mats, or a light coat of cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, canola or vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth. Don’t worry if the mixture appears slightly lumpy; this is normal for pumpkin-based dough.

2. Adding the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and ground cloves to the wet mixture. Blend on low speed initially to prevent flour from flying everywhere, then gradually increase the speed as needed until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and you achieve a smooth, cohesive dough.

3. Forming the Cookies

Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie (roughly the size of a golf ball) and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

4. Flattening the Cookies

To flatten the cookies, dip the bottom of a glass into granulated sugar, then gently press down on each dough ball to create a disc about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat dipping the glass in sugar for each cookie to ensure an even coating and prevent sticking.

Baking the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

1. Preheating and Preparing

Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for evenly baked cookies. Arrange the cookies on the baking sheets with enough space between them to allow for spreading.

2. Baking Time and Temperature

Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they should be just set around the edges but still soft in the center. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes; they should still be warm when you add the glaze, ensuring it melts slightly into the cookies for the best texture.

Making the Pumpkin Spice Glaze

1. Ingredients for the Glaze

For the glaze, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons of milk or water, and 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice in a medium-sized bowl. Adjust the amount of milk or water to achieve your desired consistency—add more for a thinner glaze or less for a thicker one.

2. Mixing the Glaze

Mix until smooth and no lumps remain. The glaze should be thick but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more liquid, a teaspoon at a time.

Decorating and Serving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

1. Techniques for Glazing

Using a spoon or small offset spatula, spread a generous amount of glaze over each warm cookie. The warmth of the cookies will help the glaze set perfectly. Allow the cookies to sit for a few minutes to let the glaze harden slightly.

2. Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or a rustic wooden board. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a bit of extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon over the glaze while it is still wet. These cookies also look beautiful when served on a plate lined with a colorful napkin or seasonal decorations.

How to Store Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

1. Storing at Room Temperature

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To prevent the cookies from sticking together, place parchment paper between the layers.

2. Freezing Tips

These cookies freeze well, either glazed or unglazed. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Variations

1. Gluten-Free Option

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

2. Vegan Adjustments

To make these cookies vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg, and substitute the milk in the glaze with a non-dairy alternative.

3. Different Flavors to Try

For a twist on the classic pumpkin flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough or incorporating a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

FAQ About Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Can I Use Different Spices?
  Yes, feel free to customize the spices to your liking! Ginger, allspice, or cardamom can add a unique twist to your cookies.
• How to Make These Cookies Ahead?
  You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, bring the dough to room temperature and proceed with the recipe.
• How to Prevent the Cookies from Spreading?
  Make sure the butter is not too warm when you mix the dough, and avoid overmixing once the flour is added. Also, refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking if you find the cookies are spreading too much.

conclusion

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover, especially during the fall season! They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it and subscribe to our blog for more delicious ideas!

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