Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Pumpkin has been a staple in American cuisine since the early colonial period. While pumpkin pie and bread were more popular initially, the idea of pumpkin cookies emerged much later as people experimented with incorporating pumpkin puree into desserts
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk and spatula
- Hand or stand mixer (optional)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- 1 cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins:If desired, fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Shape the Cookies:Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake the Cookies:Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly firm.
- Cool the Cookies:Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.