Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Halloween

Oh, Halloween! The time of the year when little ghosts and goblins roam the streets, and the sweet scent of treats fills the air. One of my personal favorites aligns perfectly with this spooky season: **Pumpkin Sugar Cookies**! Let me tell you, the moment you take these cookies out of the oven, you’ll be hit with an aroma that can only be described as fall in dessert form.

I first discovered this recipe during a cozy October gathering with friends where we carved pumpkins and exchanged our favorite frightful recipes. As soon as we tasted these chewy, spiced cookies adorned with colorful frosting, I knew I had found a new tradition. The pumpkin adds a delightful twist that complements the sugary sweetness – ”who knew pumpkin could be so fun?” you might exclaim! Grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

What’s in Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

All-purpose flour: The base of our cookies! I usually go for unbleached flour; it just seems a bit more wholesome to me.

Granulated sugar: This is where the sweetness comes in—it’s essential for that delightful sugary crunch on the outside of the cookie.

Pumpkin puree: Canned or homemade, this magical ingredient adds moisture and a subtle pumpkin flavor. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling.

Butter: Who doesn’t love butter? It’s key to achieving that soft and chewy texture. I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness.

Baking soda: This little leavening agent adds lift to our cookies, making them nice and fluffy.

Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice: These warm spices are like a cozy hug in cookie form. They embody the essence of fall!

Egg: Helps bind everything, and gives the cookie that rich texture.

Vanilla extract: Just a splash of vanilla will elevate the flavors and round out the sweetness.

Powdered sugar (for frosting): This is what transforms our cookies into little ghosts and pumpkins!

Is Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Good for You?

Now, let’s discuss the health angle. While these cookies are undoubtedly a treat, it’s good to keep moderation in mind; after all, they are cookies!

Pumpkin puree: This is the star ingredient and brings some nutritional benefits. It’s loaded with Vitamin A and fiber, plus its vibrant color is a sign of antioxidants. Yay for orange foods!

Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg not only make your house smell like a bakery, but they also have health benefits too! Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels, and nutmeg is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Mind you, the sugar and butter content doesn’t make these the healthiest snack on the block. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option or alternative sweeteners, there are plenty of substitutions out there!

Ingredients

– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon ground allspice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar (for frosting)

This recipe makes about 24 delightful cookies!

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, nothing is worse than waiting for your oven while the cookie dough is calling your name!

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Whisk it together until well mixed.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until everything is well incorporated.

5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to be tender.

6. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop dough onto a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. These cookies won’t spread much, so make them the size you want!

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now!

8. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

9. Finally, once cooled, get creative with frosting! You can use a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk, tint it with food coloring, or just sprinkle with additional powdered sugar. Happy decorating!

Cookie Creativity Tips!

– Want to amp up the pumpkin flavor? Add some pumpkin spice to the dough!
– You can also mix in chocolate chips for a delicious twist—who can resist chocolate?
– Consider rolling your dough balls in a sugar-cinnamon mixture before baking for an extra sweet touch.

I hope you give these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies a try! The mix of warm spices and pumpkin makes for a cozy treat, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging by yourself (I won’t tell!). Plus, let’s be honest, they’ll look so cute on your fall-themed snack platter. If you try this recipe, I would love to hear how it turned out for you. Happy baking and happy Halloween!

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