Pumpkin Spice Cutouts

Introduction

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s something magical about the arrival of fall. One of my favorite ways to celebrate this season is by baking, and these Pumpkin Spice Cutouts have become a family tradition. Each bite is a warm embrace of autumn flavors, with the delightful spices that remind us of cozy gatherings and holiday cheer. My kids absolutely love helping with the decorating, turning each cookie into a unique masterpiece. Whether for a special occasion or just a fun weekend project, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

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

For the Icing (optional):

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles or other decorations (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. This blend of spices creates the foundation of flavor for your cookies. Set this bowl aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This process helps to aerate the mixture, resulting in a lighter cookie. Next, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

2. Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten each into discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps the flavors meld beautifully.

3. Roll Out and Cut the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, transferring them to the prepared baking sheet with about 1 inch of space between each cookie.

4. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The delightful aroma of spices will fill your kitchen! Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Decorate the Cookies (optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If desired, add food coloring to the icing to make your cookies even more festive. Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a piping bag or a small spoon to decorate them with the icing. Add sprinkles or other decorations to personalize each cookie.

6. Serve

Let the icing set completely before serving. Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Cutouts, perfect for sharing with friends and family or indulging in the flavors of fall!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: About 24 cookies (depending on size)
• Calories: 130 kcal per cookie

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve cookies on a festive platter.
• Pair with warm beverages like cider, tea, or coffee.
• Include in a fall-themed dessert spread for gatherings.
• Package as gifts for friends and neighbors.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor of the cookies significantly.
2. Experiment with Shapes: Use seasonal cookie cutters like leaves or pumpkins to add to the festive feel.
3. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the sugar in the dough slightly.
4. Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
5. Add Nuts: Consider folding in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the iced cookies for an extra indulgent touch.
• Maple Icing: Replace vanilla extract in the icing with maple extract for a different flavor profile.
• Spiced Rum: Add a splash of spiced rum to the icing for an adult twist on these cookies.
• Frosted Variants: Use cream cheese frosting instead of icing for a rich, tangy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside other fall treats such as caramel apples or pecan pie bars.
• Make a cookie platter with a variety of cookies to impress guests at a gathering.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert option.
• Offer as part of a fall brunch spread with pumpkin muffins and chai lattes.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Baked Cookies: Once cooled, baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
   Yes, but ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
2. What can I substitute for eggs?
   You can use a flax egg or applesauce as a vegan alternative.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers will look slightly soft.
4. Can I omit the icing?
   Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own.
5. What’s the best way to decorate?
   A piping bag gives you the best control for intricate designs.
6. How should I store leftovers?
   Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough a few days in advance and refrigerate.
8. What kind of food coloring works best?
   Gel food coloring provides vibrant colors without affecting the icing’s consistency.
9. Can I add more spices?
   Yes! Feel free to adjust spices to your taste preferences.
10. Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
    Yes, both the dough and baked cookies freeze well.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Cutouts are more than just cookies; they embody the essence of fall with their warm spices and inviting aroma. Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to simple family treats, these cookies bring joy to the table. With easy-to-follow steps and the option for fun decorations, they are not only delicious but also a delightful project for the whole family. Embrace the flavors of fall and create lasting memories with these sweet treats!

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