Fall is not just a season; it's an experience that comes with a delightful array of flavors, among which pumpkin stands out as the star ingredient. If you're looking to spice up your autumn with some delightful treats, look no further than these five easy pumpkin cookie recipes. From the classic pumpkin spice cookies to unique twists like pumpkin chocolate chip and pumpkin streusel cookies, this guide will help you bake the perfect fall treats.
Classic Pumpkin Spice Cookies
The quintessential fall cookie, these pumpkin spice cookies are straightforward yet satisfying. Here’s how you can make them:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon ground clove.
- In a separate bowl, cream together ¾ cup of softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Mix in 1 egg and 1 cup of pumpkin puree.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended.
- Drop by rounded spoonful onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are slightly golden.
🔍 Note: For a softer cookie, ensure not to overmix the dough, and bake until the edges are just set.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Combining the autumnal taste of pumpkin with the irresistible allure of chocolate chips, this recipe adds a sweet twist to your cookie plate:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix 1 cup of canned pumpkin, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 1 egg in a large bowl.
- Sift 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking soda in another bowl, then combine with the wet ingredients.
- Stir in 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Pumpkin Pecan Cookies
Enhance your pumpkin cookies with the nutty richness of pecans for a delicious treat that’s perfect for tea time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a large bowl.
- Add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 cup of pumpkin puree; mix well.
- In another bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and ½ teaspoon ground cloves.
- Stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans.
- Drop by tablespoon onto baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Pumpkin Streusel Cookies
These cookies bring an extra layer of texture with a crunchy streusel topping:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- To make the dough, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves.
- Cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 ½ cups of sugar, 1 egg, and 1 cup of pumpkin puree. Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
- For the streusel, mix ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cold butter, and ¼ cup of chopped walnuts.
- Scoop cookie dough onto baking sheets, top each cookie with streusel mix, and bake for 15-18 minutes.
Vegan Pumpkin Cookies
Even those on a vegan diet can enjoy the cozy taste of pumpkin in this delightful recipe:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- In another bowl, whisk 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of applesauce, and ¼ cup of vegetable oil.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until well mixed.
- Scoop onto baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cookies are set.
🍂 Note: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise and texture in your vegan cookies.
In summary, these five easy pumpkin cookie recipes offer something for everyone this fall, from the classic to the unique. With each recipe, you can experiment with ingredients and toppings to make them your own. Whether you're baking for a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering, these treats are sure to bring the warmth and joy of the season to your tastebuds.
Can I substitute pumpkin puree for another ingredient?
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Yes, you can use canned pumpkin pie filling or make your own pumpkin puree by roasting fresh pumpkin and blending it until smooth. However, keep in mind that pumpkin pie filling has added spices and sugars which might alter the flavor profile of your cookies.
How do I store these pumpkin cookies?
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Store your pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re looking to keep them longer, they can be frozen in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
What are some alternatives to chocolate chips in pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?
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You can use white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a different texture and flavor profile.
Can these recipes be adapted for gluten-free diets?
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Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help with binding.
