If you love cozy fall flavors wrapped up in a sweet treat, then this Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe is going to be your new favorite! These cookies capture everything wonderful about autumn with their warm blend of spices, tender pumpkin-infused dough, and perfect cutout shapes that make them as charming as they are delicious. Whether you decorate them with royal icing or enjoy them plain, these cookies offer a delightful balance of soft textures and spicy sweetness that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to nailing this Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building the cookie’s comforting flavor and soft yet sturdy texture, making the final result irresistible in both taste and look.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender but sturdy cookie dough perfect for cutouts.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft but keep their shape.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a slight lift while contributing to a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the spices.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Classic autumn spice that brings warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a little zing and complexity to the spice profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives an earthy sweetness that complements the pumpkin.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Intensifies the spiced character with its aromatic punch.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping achieve the perfect cookie texture.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure for shaping.
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree: Brings moistness, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors for a luscious bite.
- Optional: royal icing or cream cheese frosting: Perfect for decorating and making your cookies festive.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures that your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving every bite consistent flavor and texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step aerates the dough, which helps produce soft, tender cookies that aren’t dense or heavy.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture and beat until smooth and fully combined. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and richness while infusing that iconic autumn flavor right into your dough.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently to form a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix at this point to avoid tough cookies. Once the dough comes together, divide it in half for easier handling.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Flatten each half into a disk, wrap securely in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial because it firms up the dough, allowing for easier rolling and cleaner cookie shapes when cutting out your designs.
Step 6: Roll Out and Cut Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then carefully transfer them to the baking sheets, leaving some space between cookies for slight spreading.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until their edges just start to turn golden. This timing ensures a soft cookie with a lightly crisp edge. After baking, cool the cookies on the sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Decorate (Optional)
Once cooled, decorate your Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe with royal icing or cream cheese frosting to add a personalized and festive touch. Whether you add simple dots, intricate designs, or just a drizzle, your cookies will look as delightful as they taste.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of spiced glaze elevates these cookies beautifully. Consider edible gold glitter or colored sugar to add a sparkly flair perfect for holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of chai tea, hot apple cider, or a creamy pumpkin latte. The complementary spices in your drink of choice will bring out the best in these fall treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe on rustic wooden platters or tiered cake stands for a charming display. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with twine creates thoughtful edible gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their softness. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps keep them moist longer by absorbing excess air.
Freezing
The dough can be frozen either before or after cutting. Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed as usual. Baked cookies also freeze well; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If your cookies have lost a bit of their softness, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds to warm them up and revive their tender texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin puree?
Canned pumpkin puree is preferred because it has consistent moisture and texture, but if you want to use fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth, then drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy dough.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut sharp-edged shapes that hold their form during baking. It also prevents excessive spreading and enhances flavor development.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, adjusting slightly for texture. However, results may vary, so it’s best to experiment with small batches first.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and soft for about 5 days. Beyond that, they may dry out but can be refreshed with a quick warm-up.
What are some decorating ideas for these cookies?
Try classic royal icing in fall colors like orange, brown, and cream, or use cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast. You can also use sprinkles, edible glitter, or piped designs like leaves, pumpkins, or swirls to match the season.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe is such a joyful way to bring fall flavors and festive fun to your kitchen. Each bite is a cozy hug of spice and pumpkin that’s perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a beloved part of your seasonal baking traditions!
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Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Cutouts are soft, flavorful cookies infused with warm autumn spices and pumpkin puree. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday decorating, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice with a tender texture that holds beautifully for cutout shapes. Decorate with royal icing or cream cheese frosting for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- Royal icing or cream cheese frosting for decorating
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and uniform in color.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing to ensure a tender result.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each into a disk, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier handling and cleaner cookie cutouts.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness, then cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cutouts on the prepared baking sheets with slight spacing.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden, avoiding overbaking to maintain softness.
- Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preparing them for decorating.
- Decorate (Optional): Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing or cream cheese frosting as desired for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easier rolling and cleaner cutout shapes.
- For added festive flavor, sprinkle cookies with cinnamon sugar immediately after baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
