Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

The Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat that will fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting scents of fall. These cookies are soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced, making them ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply indulging yourself. With their creamy frosting and hint of pumpkin flavor, they are sure to be a hit among kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm and cozy taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for various occasions such as holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy afternoon snack.
• Frosting Delight: Topped with cream cheese frosting, these cookies are not only soft but also decadent.
• Batch-Friendly: This recipe makes a generous amount (36 cookies), so you can share with friends and family or save some for later.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools to make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for a light cookie texture.
• Baking sheets: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for the Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe:

For the Cookies

• 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 the Sugar Coating

• 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).

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy using an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin Mixture

1. Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat on low speed until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg.

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in several additions.
2. Beat on low speed after each addition and scrape down sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Sugar Coating

While dough chills:
1. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

After refrigeration:
1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball.
2. Roll each ball in the sugar/cinnamon mixture.
3. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper about an inch apart.

Step 8: Bake

Press down slightly on each cookie using your palm or a spoon:
1. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are very slightly browned.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Once baked:
1. Remove from oven and let cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Step 10: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl:
1. Beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 11: Frost Cookies

Finally:
1. Spread cream cheese frosting on top of each cooled pumpkin cookie.
2. Sprinkle additional cinnamon if desired and enjoy!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Soft pumpkin sugar cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. They pair wonderfully with different beverages and toppings, making them perfect for any occasion.

With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top for added richness and sweetness.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Enjoy these cookies alongside hot cider, coffee, or tea. The warm drinks complement the spices in the cookies perfectly.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange your pumpkin sugar cookies on a festive platter with other fall-themed treats like mini pies and spiced nuts for a charming dessert display.

Gift Them

• Pack these cookies in decorative bags or boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the autumn season.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

To ensure your soft pumpkin sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent spreading during baking.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to a dry texture.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be slightly soft when you take them out; they’ll firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice amounts according to your taste. Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavor depth.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your soft pumpkin sugar cookies can elevate your fall gatherings. Here are some excellent options:

1. Warm Apple Cider
   A classic fall beverage that complements the flavors of pumpkin beautifully.

2. Creamy Pumpkin Soup
   A savory dish that creates a delightful contrast between sweet and savory flavors.

3. Spiced Nuts
   Roasted nuts with cinnamon and maple syrup provide a crunchy balance to soft cookies.

4. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese; their creaminess pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies.

5. Mini Pumpkin Pies
   Serve bite-sized versions of this seasonal favorite for an extra pumpkin kick.

6. Caramel Sauce Dip
   A rich caramel dip enhances the sweetness of your cookies, perfect for drizzling or dipping!

7. Vanilla Ice Cream
   Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates an indulgent dessert experience that’s hard to resist.

8. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad featuring apples and pears adds freshness to balance out the richness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always use room temperature butter to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping the refrigeration step: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes for optimal shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined to maintain that soft, tender texture.
• Not measuring flour accurately: Using too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use the spoon and level method for precise measurement.
• Ignoring baking times: Baking cookies for too long will make them hard. Keep an eye on them and remove them when edges are lightly golden.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes for soft cookies.
• Microwave: Heat individually for 10-15 seconds; do not overheat as they may become hard.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid to warm through gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe.

Can I use pumpkin spice instead of individual spices?

Yes! You can replace the separate spices with pumpkin spice mix for added convenience.

What makes these cookies soft?

The combination of pumpkin puree and proper mixing techniques helps keep these cookies soft and tender.

How do I customize my Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for additional flavors and textures!

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during fall. Their delightful softness and rich pumpkin flavor make them a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite add-ins or frostings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the deliciousness!