Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

The Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is the ultimate treat for the fall season. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with pumpkin flavor, making them perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just enjoying at home with a cup of tea or coffee. With their delightful cream cheese frosting and sprinkle of cinnamon, they are sure to impress both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and creamy frosting creates an irresistible treat.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as-is or add your favorite toppings to customize each cookie.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping to roll the dough and decorate the cookies.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking these delicious cookies, make sure you have all the necessary tools ready. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: Ensures a smooth batter by easily blending butter and sugar.
• Baking sheets: Keeps cookies evenly spaced for uniform baking.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ⅓ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

For Rolling the Cookies

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. This process should take about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Mix in Pumpkin Ingredients

Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until everything is well combined. Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in several additions. After each addition, beat on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once mixed thoroughly, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

While your dough is chilling, prepare a rolling mixture by combining granulated sugar with cinnamon. Set aside for later use.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

After chilling, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Press each cookie ball down slightly using your palm or a spoon. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes until edges are barely browned.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 10: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until well blended.

Step 11: Frost Cookies

Spread cream cheese frosting over each cooled pumpkin cookie. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top before serving!

Enjoy your delightful Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These soft pumpkin sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall season. They pair wonderfully with various beverages and toppings, making them a delightful treat for both kids and adults.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweet pumpkin cookies beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat, serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate.
• Spiced Tea: Enjoy with a cup of spiced tea to enhance the seasonal flavors.

As Dessert Toppers

• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an indulgent touch.
• Caramel Sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce will add sweetness and richness.

At Parties or Gatherings

• Cookie Platter: Arrange these pumpkin sugar cookies on a festive platter with other fall treats.
• Gift Bags: Package cookies in decorative bags as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
• Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a station where guests can decorate their own cookies with frosting and toppings.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Achieving the perfect soft pumpkin sugar cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading during baking.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can make cookies dense.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be slightly underbaked to maintain their softness.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or nutmeg based on your taste preference.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the cookies cool fully before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These soft pumpkin sugar cookies can be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Apple Cider: The sweetness of apple cider enhances the pumpkin flavor perfectly.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
3. Pumpkin Soup: Serve alongside warm pumpkin soup for a comforting meal pairing.
4. Roasted Nuts: Offer roasted nuts as a crunchy side that pairs well with soft textures.
5. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies nicely.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Pair with yogurt layered with fruits and granola for a delightful breakfast option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect soft pumpkin sugar cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly skip chilling the dough: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Boldly overlook ingredient temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the texture of your cookies. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Boldly ignore measuring flour accurately: Scooping flour directly from the bag can result in using too much. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off.
• Boldly rush through mixing: Overmixing or undermixing can lead to tough cookies or uneven texture. Mix until just combined for the best results.
• Boldly forget about proper spacing: Placing cookies too close together on the baking sheet can cause them to merge. Leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F and heat the cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the soft pumpkin sugar cookies recipe.

How do I make my Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe fluffier?

To make your cookies fluffier, ensure you use fresh baking powder and don’t overmix once you add dry ingredients.

Can I substitute pumpkin puree in this recipe?

Yes, you can replace pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree for a different flavor profile.

What’s the best way to frost these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

Use a spatula or knife to spread cream cheese frosting evenly across each cooled cookie. For an extra touch, sprinkle cinnamon on top!

How long do these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months when frozen.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the dough before chilling for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These soft pumpkin sugar cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different spices or mix-ins. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Give this recipe a try during pumpkin season; you won’t regret it!