Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies

Introduction:

Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies are a delightful autumn treat featuring a soft, cake-like texture with a hint of warm spices. These cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, giving them a signature crinkled appearance and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for cozy fall afternoons or holiday gatherings!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Rolling:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be sticky.

Chill the Dough:

1. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to handle.

Shape the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl.
3. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls.
4. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar until completely coated.
5. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the Cookies:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the tops have cracked.
2. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

1. Enjoy your Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies with a warm beverage or as a sweet treat anytime. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter in place of unsalted butter.
• Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
   • It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree to avoid added spices and sugar that could alter the flavor.
2. How can I make the dough easier to handle?
   • If the dough is too sticky, chill it for longer or lightly flour your hands when shaping the cookies.
3. Can I skip chilling the dough?
   • Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape. Skipping this step might result in flatter cookies.
4. What can I use instead of powdered sugar for rolling?
   • Granulated sugar or a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon can be used.
5. Can I use a different type of flour?
   • Yes, but be aware that the texture may vary. Whole wheat flour or alternative flours may produce denser cookies.
6. How can I ensure even baking?
   • Ensure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper and that cookies are spaced evenly.
7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can refrigerate or freeze the dough in advance. Just make sure to thaw it before baking.
8. What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
   • You can use a tablespoon to portion out the dough. Just roll the dough into balls with your hands.
9. Can I add frosting to these cookies?
   • Yes, a cream cheese frosting or glaze can be a delicious addition.
10. What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
    • Ensure your dough is well chilled and that your oven temperature is accurate. Adjust baking time if necessary.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies are a festive and delightful treat that embodies the flavors of fall. With their soft, spiced centers and signature crinkled tops, these cookies are perfect for any autumn occasion. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or store them for later—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!

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