Introduction
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Icing are soft, chewy, and full of warm, spiced pumpkin flavor. Topped with a sweet icing that adds just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or a cozy treat with a cup of tea. Easy to make and wonderfully festive, these cookies will bring the comforting taste of pumpkin spice to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
- Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a perfectly soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Full of Fall Flavors: Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger come together to create that classic autumn taste.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe accessible for all levels of bakers.
- Perfect for Decorating: The icing adds a sweet touch and makes these cookies great for decorating with kids or for festive occasions.
- Great for Sharing: These cookies are ideal for potlucks, parties, or holiday cookie swaps.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Food coloring (optional, for decorating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Mix and Chill the Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
- Make the Icing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If desired, add cinnamon or food coloring to the icing.
- Drizzle or spread the icing over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag. Let the icing firm up for 15-20 minutes before serving the cookies.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve these delicious pumpkin sugar cookies with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Enjoy the soft, spiced flavor and sweet icing!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Ideas: These cookies are perfect on their own or paired with a warm beverage like apple cider or chai tea.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep the cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Tips: Freeze uniced cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and ice them fresh when ready to serve.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
While these cookies are a sweet treat, they still offer some benefits:
- Source of Beta-Carotene: Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, which is good for eye health.
- Lower in Calories: Compared to traditional cookies, the pumpkin puree adds moisture and allows for a slightly reduced fat content.
- Customizable for Health: Use whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar, or add oats for a healthier version.
FAQs
- Is fresh pumpkin puree an option instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it is well-drained and has a smooth consistency. - Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. - Is it possible to add extra spices to the dough?
Of course! Feel free to enhance the flavor by adding spices like cloves, allspice, or even pumpkin pie spice. - How can I keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling the dough in the refrigerator before baking will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. - Can I use an alternative sweetener for the icing?
Yes, a sugar substitute like powdered erythritol works well if you’re looking for a low-sugar option. - What is the best way to store the cookies so they stay soft?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread inside to help retain moisture. - Is it okay to double this recipe for a larger quantity?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a bigger batch for gatherings or parties. - What if I don’t have ground ginger on hand?
No worries—you can leave it out or use additional cinnamon or nutmeg instead. - How can I thicken the icing if needed?
To make the icing thicker, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness. - Can I make these cookies in different shapes?
Absolutely! Use cookie cutters to create a variety of fun shapes to suit any occasion.
Enjoy baking these delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Icing—they’re a perfect fall treat that everyone is sure to enjoy!