Pumpkin Spice Soft Sugar Cookies: A Fall Baking Delight
Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time for all things pumpkin spice! These Pumpkin Spice Soft Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate the season. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with warm, comforting flavors. This recipe is straightforward, yields beautiful cookies, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the magic of autumn in every bite!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
* **Soft and Chewy Texture:** Unlike some sugar cookies that can be crisp, these are incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth good.
* **Perfect Pumpkin Spice Flavor:** The blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a classic pumpkin spice profile that isn’t overpowering.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it perfect for beginner bakers.
* **Beautiful Presentation:** The domed shape and optional frosting make these cookies visually appealing, perfect for gifting or serving at parties.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love to help with baking, and these cookies are easy for them to roll, cut out (if you choose to cut them), and decorate.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for these delightful pumpkin spice sugar cookies:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** The base of the cookie structure. Make sure to measure it correctly (see tips below).
* **Baking Powder:** This is the leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become soft. Use fresh baking powder for best results.
* **Baking Soda:** Baking soda reacts with the molasses in the brown sugar, contributing to the cookies’ chewy texture and rich flavor.
* **Pumpkin Pie Spice:** The star of the show! You can use a store-bought blend or make your own (recipe below).
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
* **Unsalted Butter:** Adds richness and tenderness to the cookies. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
* **Brown Sugar:** Adds moisture, chewiness, and a deeper molasses flavor. Pack it firmly when measuring.
* **Pumpkin Puree:** Provides moisture, flavor, and that signature pumpkin color. Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
* **Egg:** Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the other flavors and adds a touch of warmth.
* **Optional Frosting:** Powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract for a simple glaze, or your favorite frosting recipe.
### Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend (Optional)
If you prefer to make your own pumpkin pie spice, here’s a simple recipe:
* 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
* 2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
* 1 teaspoon ground cloves
* ½ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
Combine all the spices in a small jar and shake well. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly soft and delicious pumpkin spice sugar cookies:
**Yields:** Approximately 24 cookies
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 8-10 minutes
### Part 1: Preparing the Dough
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Creaming incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this point, but that’s okay. Just make sure everything is fully incorporated.
4. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until no streaks of flour remain.
5. **Chill the Dough:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
### Part 2: Baking the Cookies
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. **Shape the Cookies:** Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Alternatively, you can roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use cookie cutters to create different shapes. If rolling out the dough, be sure to chill it for a longer period of time (at least an hour) to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
3. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to bake slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
4. **Cool the Cookies:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they are still warm and soft.
### Part 3: Frosting (Optional)
1. **Prepare the Frosting:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
2. **Frost the Cookies:** Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the frosting over them using a spoon or a piping bag. You can also spread the frosting evenly over the cookies with a knife or spatula.
3. **Decorate (Optional):** If desired, decorate the cookies with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other toppings.
4. **Let the Frosting Set:** Allow the frosting to set completely before serving or storing the cookies.
## Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** The most common mistake in baking is incorrectly measuring flour. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack it down and result in too much flour in your dough.
* **Use Room Temperature Butter:** Softened butter is crucial for creaming properly with the sugar. It should be soft enough to easily press your finger into, but not melted.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
* **Bake Until Just Set:** Don’t overbake the cookies. They should be lightly golden brown around the edges and set in the center. They will continue to bake slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
* **Use Parchment Paper:** Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
* **Store Properly:** Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before serving.
## Variations and Additions
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nuts:** Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the dough for added texture and flavor.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or allspice, to customize the flavor.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** Top the cookies with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor.
* **Maple Glaze:** Use maple syrup instead of milk in the glaze for a warm, autumnal flavor.
* **Cut-Out Cookies:** Roll out the chilled dough and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
* **Brown Butter:** Brown the butter before creaming it with the sugar for a nuttier, more complex flavor. Be sure to let it cool slightly before adding the other ingredients.
## Serving Suggestions
These Pumpkin Spice Soft Sugar Cookies are perfect for:
* **Holiday gatherings:** Bring them to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other fall celebrations.
* **Gifting:** Package them in a festive box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
* **Afternoon tea:** Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee.
* **Dessert:** Serve them as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.
* **Snacking:** Enjoy them straight from the cookie jar whenever you need a sweet treat.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 150
* Fat: 7g
* Saturated Fat: 4g
* Cholesterol: 30mg
* Sodium: 75mg
* Carbohydrates: 20g
* Sugar: 12g
* Protein: 1g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?**
A: No, you should only use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which will affect the flavor and texture of the cookies.
**Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling or shaping.
**Q: Can I freeze the cookies?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them completely before serving. You can also freeze the unbaked dough. Shape the cookies, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
**Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?**
A: This could be due to a few reasons: the butter may have been too soft, the dough may not have been chilled enough, or the oven temperature may have been too low. Make sure to use room temperature butter, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, and preheat your oven to the correct temperature.
**Q: Why are my cookies dry?**
A: This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and bake the cookies until just set. Don’t overbake them.
**Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?**
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help bind the ingredients together.
## Conclusion
These Pumpkin Spice Soft Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall. They’re easy to make, delicious, and sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies. Happy baking!