Indulge in the delightful taste of fall with these Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. With a perfect blend of warm spices, rich pumpkin puree, and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies will become your go-to treat for the autumn season. They not only capture the essence of pumpkin spice but also provide a nostalgic comfort that warms the heart.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this recipe because it embodies the spirit of the fall season, offering the wonderful flavors of pumpkin and warm spices in every bite. These cookies are irresistibly soft and chewy, making them the perfect fall treat for cozy gatherings, family events, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. The addition of pumpkin puree lends moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the hint of spices elevates their flavor profile, making them not just another cookie, but a comforting experience.
Introduction
As soon as autumn arrives, the air turns crisp, leaves begin to change color, and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the kitchen. Making these Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies brings a taste of the season right into your home. They’re incredibly easy to make and come out perfectly soft and chewy, making them ideal for sharing—or savoring all by yourself. Whether you’re planning a gathering or just want to treat yourself and your family, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp vanilla powder (replacing vanilla extract)
- 14 tablespoons (1 3/4 sticks) butter, room temperature
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together room temperature butter and sugar using a mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which helps achieve that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Gradually add the egg yolk, pumpkin puree, vanilla powder, and yellow and red food coloring (if using). Continue mixing until well incorporated. The pumpkin puree serves not only to flavor the cookies but also adds moistness, which is essential for creating that soft batch texture.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. This ensures that the leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing any clumps.
Step 4: Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until the flour disappears into the dough. The dough will be somewhat sticky, which is perfect for that soft finish.
Step 5: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough less sticky, leading to better shaping and texture.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray. This makes for easy removal of the cookies after baking.
Step 7: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands, and lightly coat each dough ball in sugar by rolling it around in a bowl of sugar. This adds a lovely sweetness to the outside and creates a beautiful finish when baked.
Step 8: Place the dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared cookie sheet and gently flatten them with a fork or spatula. Flattening helps the cookies spread and ensures even baking.
Step 9: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Don’t worry if they look soft; they will firm up as they cool, achieving the perfect chewy texture.
Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the pan briefly, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This allows air to circulate around the cookies and helps maintain their soft texture.
Enjoy your delicious pumpkin spice cookies!
COOKING Rating: ★★★★★
Serving Suggestions:
These Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or paired with fall-flavored drinks like spiced apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte. For an extra indulgent treat, sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting.
Tips:
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, they can be frozen for up to three months—just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
- Customization: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough if you want to mix things up a bit.
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains spices and sugar that may alter the cookie’s texture and flavor.
- Chilling Time: If you’re short on time, skip chilling the dough, but be aware that the cookies may spread more while baking.
- Baking Sheet: Using parchment paper instead of cooking spray can help with both cleanup and cookie release.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 120 per cookie (varies based on exact sizes and ingredients used)
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion
Incorporating the flavors of fall into your baking has never been easier or more delicious. These Soft Batch Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat to share with family and friends or to enjoy for yourself. The rich, moist texture, combined with the warm spices, captures the essence of autumn in every bite. So grab your mixing bowl and start baking these delightful cookies today.
FAQs:
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just be sure to cook and strain the pumpkin well to remove excess moisture.
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend should work well, but results may vary, so check your blend’s specific properties.
3. What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is overly sticky, refrigerate it for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will help it firm up.
4. Can I use sugar substitutes in this recipe?
While you can experiment with sugar substitutes, keep in mind that they may change the texture and sweetness of the cookies.
5. How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
Look for slight golden edges; cookies will appear soft in the center, which is okay as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
