Crushed Pumpkin Cookie Recipe: Sweet Autumn Treats

Autumn is synonymous with the warmth of spices and the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin. Crushed pumpkin cookies are the perfect treat to capture the essence of fall. This blog post will guide you through the steps to create these delicious cookies, rich in pumpkin and warm spices, offering a unique twist to traditional cookie recipes.

What You'll Need

Before diving into the art of making crushed pumpkin cookies, let's gather our ingredients:

• 1 cup of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of crushed graham crackers
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar (for dusting)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat for easier cookie removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves). This ensures your cookies have an even distribution of flavors.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add both granulated and brown sugars, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the texture of your cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. Mix until everything is well combined, ensuring no lumps remain in the pumpkin puree.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Add the Crush

Fold in the crushed graham crackers. This gives the cookies a unique, crunchy texture that complements the moistness from the pumpkin.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten the top slightly with a fork or your fingers. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool and Dust

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Enhancing the Recipe

Variations

• Add ¹⁄₂ cup of white chocolate chips or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
• Try using brown butter instead of regular butter for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
• Substitute ¹⁄₄ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate pumpkin twist.

Presentation Tips

• Serve with a drizzle of caramel or a cream cheese frosting to elevate these cookies from a snack to a dessert.
• Layer them in mason jars with a ribbon for homemade gifts.
• Use festive cookie cutters for seasonal shapes.

Storing and Serving

🌟 Note: Pumpkin cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them between layers of parchment paper.

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cider, tea, or coffee. They are perfect for autumn gatherings, Halloween parties, or just as a comforting treat after a chilly day.

In summary, crushed pumpkin cookies offer a delightful blend of fall flavors, providing warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you're baking them for yourself or sharing them with others, this recipe will surely become a staple in your autumn baking repertoire.