Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie seasoning and balanced with the sweetness of sugar. These cookies combine the richness of butter with the moistness of pumpkin puree, making them a perfect treat for fall or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pumpkin spice
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preparing the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice until well combined, then set aside.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air for a soft texture.
- Incorporating Wet Ingredients: Add the pumpkin puree, large egg, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until a smooth and consistent batter forms, ensuring even distribution of flavor and moisture.
- Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the previously whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly until a soft, pliable dough forms without overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Forming the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Baking: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for lightly golden edges and for the tops to appear set but not browned. This ensures a soft, tender cookie center.
- Cooling: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set further, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and allows cookies to firm up to perfect texture.
Notes
- For more pronounced pumpkin flavor, use freshly pureed pumpkin instead of canned if available.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for better creaming and texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft when removed and will firm up as they cool.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin sugar cookies, pumpkin spice cookies, fall cookies, soft pumpkin cookies, holiday cookies, pumpkin puree dessert
