Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These pumpkin spice cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. With their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor profile, they are ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee. The combination of pumpkin puree and aromatic spices creates a unique cookie that is both satisfying and comforting. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these easy-to-make cookies that will fill your kitchen with the inviting scent of fall!
Ingredients
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 2 tsp pumpkin spice
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (approximately 1 cookie) contains:
– Calories: 120
– Total Fat: 5g
– Saturated Fat: 3g
– Carbohydrates: 18g
– Sugars: 9g
– Protein: 1g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the pumpkin puree and egg, mixing until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
10. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute pumpkin puree with applesauce for a lighter version. Additionally, use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. Gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose flour for a gluten-free variation.
Serving and Pairings
These pumpkin spice cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They also make a delightful addition to any fall dessert platter.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too much flour can make the cookies dry; measure accurately.
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies; mix just until combined.
- Not chilling the dough may result in cookies spreading too much.
- Underbaking can make cookies too soft; ensure they are golden at the edges.
- Using old spices can diminish flavor; always check freshness.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Let the cookies cool completely before drizzling caramel.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure it is cooked and pureed to match the consistency of canned pumpkin.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the center looks slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook as they cool.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
What can I use instead of pumpkin spice?
You can create your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice if you don’t have pumpkin spice on hand.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
Pumpkin spice cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With their soft texture and rich spices, they are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a sweet treat. Try this recipe and experience the warmth and comfort these cookies bring to your table!
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the pumpkin puree and egg, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.