Description
Seasonal pumpkin sugar cookies blend warm autumn spices with luxurious cream cheese frosting for an irresistible sweet treat. Delicate and perfectly balanced, these cookies promise to delight your taste buds with their rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Additional Flavoring:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by setting the oven temperature to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
- Create a smooth base mixture by thoroughly blending softened butter, pumpkin puree, and sugar until fully incorporated. Introduce egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the texture becomes uniform and silky.
- Separately combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg – using a whisk to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agent.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between each cookie to prevent spreading and touching during baking.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of doneness.
- Remove cookies from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely before frosting.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Once cookies are entirely cooled, generously apply the cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag for even coverage.
- Optional: Enhance the presentation by dusting the frosted cookies with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon for additional flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Achieve the perfect texture by ensuring butter and pumpkin puree are at room temperature before mixing, creating a smoother, more uniform dough.
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the cookie’s soft, cake-like consistency.
- Control cookie thickness by chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, which prevents excessive spreading and maintains a more uniform shape.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the spice mixture, creating a more nuanced autumn-inspired cookie profile.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg