Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Cookie Recipe
Introduction to Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Pumpkin spice sugar cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the sweetness of sugar cookies. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home, these cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. With a soft texture and a creamy cinnamon frosting, they are sure to become a favorite for both kids and adults alike!
A Personal Story Behind My Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Journey
Growing up, autumn was always my favorite season. The air turned crisp, and the leaves transformed into beautiful shades of orange and red. One of my fondest memories is baking with my grandmother during this time, especially when it came to pumpkin-flavored treats. The smell of pumpkin spice wafting through our kitchen was pure comfort. I’ve carried that love into my adult life, and now I want to share this easy and delightful pumpkin spice sugar cookies recipe with you all.
What Makes This Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is the use of pumpkin puree, which not only adds flavor but also enhances the cookie’s moistness. The combination of spices—cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice—creates a warm, inviting aroma that is quintessentially autumn. Plus, the cinnamon frosting is the perfect finishing touch, elevating these cookies from delicious to irresistible. And best of all, this recipe is vegan-friendly, making it inclusive for everyone to enjoy!
The Full Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cinnamon Frosting:
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened
- 3 teaspoons vanilla paste (or extract)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Tip: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few flour streaks are okay!
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling the dough is crucial for better texture.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Scoop 2-inch balls of dough and flatten them into disks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart for even baking.
- Bake on the center rack for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. Tip: The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- For the Cinnamon Frosting: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to combine all frosting ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate if preparing in advance.
- Spoon the frosting into a piping bag fitted with the Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe the frosting in a swirl on top of the cooled cookies, starting from the middle and moving outwards.
- Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosting and enjoy your delicious pumpkin spice sugar cookies!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
These pumpkin spice sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or simply enjoy them with a warm cup of cider or tea. For a festive touch, consider adding orange food coloring to the frosting. You can also top the cookies with chopped nuts or sprinkles for extra texture. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these cookies your own!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that measures cup-for-cup with regular flour.
How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to three months; just make sure to layer them with parchment paper.
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
Absolutely! If you’re not following a vegan diet, feel free to use regular butter for a richer flavor.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 180
- Servings: 24 cookies
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Equipment
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer For creaming the ingredients.
- Baking sheet For baking the cookies.
- Parchment paper To line the baking sheet.
- Cookie Scooper Optional, for uniform cookie sizes.
- Piping bag For frosting application.
- Wilton Piping Tip #2A For decorating the cookies.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 cup vegan butter softened
- 0.25 cup pumpkin puree
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Frosting
- 1 cup vegan butter softened
- 3 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
- 0.33 cup brown sugar
- 3.25 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Scoop 2-inch balls of dough and flatten them into disks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake on the center rack for 10-12 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to combine all frosting ingredients until smooth.
- Spoon the frosting into a piping bag fitted with the Wilton Piping Tip #2A and pipe the frosting on top of the cooled cookies.
- Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosting and enjoy your delicious pumpkin spice sugar cookies!