Irresistible Pumpkin Almond Cookies Recipe: Autumn’s Sweet Joy
Crisp autumn afternoons invite delightful pumpkin almond cookies that blend warmth and sweetness into every delectable bite.
Seasonal spices weave magic through each morsel, creating a sensory experience that feels like a cozy embrace.
Nutty almonds add unexpected crunch while pumpkin’s velvety texture promises comfort in every nibble.
Home kitchens will come alive with rich aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg dancing around these irresistible treats.
Soft and chewy, these cookies deliver pure seasonal joy without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
You’ll find yourself returning to this delightful recipe whenever autumn whispers its sweet invitation.
Cookies That Wrap Almond and Pumpkin into Fall Flavor
Halloween Pumpkin Brownies Ingredient Breakdown
Base Ingredients:Dry Ingredients:Finishing and Decorative Ingredients:Pumpkin Almond Cookies Fall Baking Instructions
Step 1: Warm Up the Oven
Prepare your oven by heating it to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
Step 2: Whip the Butter
Beat softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookie mixture.
Step 3: Sweeten the Mixture
Gradually add powdered sugar and blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Introduce Pumpkin Magic
Fold in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to distribute the autumn flavors evenly.
Step 5: Spice It Up
Add these delightful ingredients:Blend everything until well combined.
Step 6: Build the Cookie Dough
Slowly incorporate almond meal on low speed, then gradually add flour in three separate additions to create a perfect dough consistency.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.
Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Divide the chilled dough into equal portions and roll into balls. Create a gentle thumb impression in the center of each cookie.
Step 9: Create Pumpkin Details
Use a butter knife to make delicate slits around the edges, giving each cookie a charming pumpkin-like appearance. Press a whole almond into the center of each cookie.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden and develop a firm exterior.
Step 11: Add the Finishing Touch
While the cookies are still warm, gently brush them with honey to create a beautiful, glossy glaze. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 12: Serve and Store
Enjoy your homemade harvest cookies immediately or store in an airtight container to preserve their delicious flavor and texture.
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FAQs
You’ll need butter, powdered sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, almond meal, flour, cinnamon, allspice, salt, almonds, and optional orange food coloring.
Yes, you can use ground almonds or replace it with finely chopped almonds, though the texture might slightly change.
By making thumb impressions in the center and using a butter knife to create slits around the edges, which mimics a pumpkin’s natural segments.
These cookies contain gluten and nuts, so they might not be appropriate for those with wheat or nut allergies. Always check individual ingredient sensitivities.
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Pumpkin Almond Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
Seasonal pumpkin almond cookies offer a delightful autumn embrace with warm spices and nutty crunch. Crisp edges and tender centers promise a comforting sweet treat that connects harvest memories with modern baking charm.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup whole almonds
- 1/2 cup almond meal
Spices and Flavoring:
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon allspice powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sweeteners and Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 drops orange food color (optional)
- Honey (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking workspace by lining a sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter until airy and light, gradually incorporating powdered sugar until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
- Introduce pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to create a smooth consistency.
- Enhance the mixture with optional orange food coloring, then integrate cinnamon, allspice, and salt, ensuring even distribution.
- Gently fold in almond meal at low speed, then methodically add flour in three incremental stages to maintain a consistent texture.
- Encase the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 15 minutes to solidify.
- Partition the dough into uniform portions, roll into spherical shapes, and create a gentle indentation at the center of each cookie.
- Craft a pumpkin-like aesthetic by delicately scoring the edges with a knife, then nestle an almond into the center of each cookie.
- Transfer the cookies to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until they develop a golden exterior and maintain a firm structure.
- While still warm, apply a glossy honey glaze, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Preserve any remaining cookies in an airtight container for future enjoyment.
Notes
- Adjust almond meal for gluten-free options by substituting with certified gluten-free almond flour or a mix of alternative nut flours.
- Enhance moisture by adding an extra tablespoon of pumpkin puree if the dough feels too dry or crumbly.
- Create dairy-free variations by replacing butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives for a similar rich texture.
- Reduce sugar content by using a monk fruit or stevia-based powdered sweetener without compromising the cookie’s delicate flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Marcus Hale
Founder & Recipe Storyteller
Expertise
Education
Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.
At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.