Pumpkin Spice Cutouts

Introduction

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen. These Pumpkin Spice Cutouts have quickly become a beloved tradition in our family, especially during the fall. The soft, flavorful cookies are not only easy to make but are also perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. My family loves the combination of spices, the hint of pumpkin, and the delightful sweetness that these cookies bring. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking to indulge in the flavors of autumn, these cutouts are sure to impress.

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

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

2. Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten them into discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to roll out.

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, leaving 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. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them 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. 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 as desired.

6. Serve

Allow the icing to set completely before serving. Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Cutouts, perfect for sharing or indulging in the flavors of fall!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: About 24 cookies (depending on size)
• Calories: 130 kcal per cookie
• Total Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 2g

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

• Display on a platter: Arrange the cookies nicely on a decorative plate.
• With beverages: Serve alongside coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• Decorate creatively: Use icing and sprinkles to enhance the visual appeal.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, ensure your spices are fresh. Old spices can lose their potency.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing.
3. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
4. Experiment with Cutters: Use seasonal cookie cutters like leaves or pumpkins for a festive touch.
5. Customize the Icing: Feel free to experiment with different colors of icing for fun decorations.

Recipe Variations

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in chocolate chips for a sweeter twist on these cookies.
• Different Frosting: Try a cream cheese frosting instead of the vanilla icing for a richer flavor.
• Use Other Purees: Substitute pumpkin with butternut squash or sweet potato for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions

• As Party Favors: Package decorated cookies in cute bags as party favors.
• During the Holidays: Serve these cookies at holiday gatherings or family get-togethers.
• With Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before rolling out and baking.
• Storing Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, store them in the fridge.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use canned pumpkin?
   Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers will look set but may be soft.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a few days in advance and keep it refrigerated.
4. What if my dough is too dry?
   If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or water to help bring it together.
5. How can I make these cookies spicier?
   Increase the amount of ground spices or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm kick.
6. Do I have to chill the dough?
   Chilling the dough is recommended to help with rolling and cutting, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
7. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
8. How should I store decorated cookies?
   Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent the icing from smudging.
9. Can I omit the icing?
   Yes, these cookies are delicious on their own without icing.
10. What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
    Use a piping bag for detailed designs or simply drizzle icing for a more casual look.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Cutouts are more than just cookies; they embody the spirit of fall and bring warmth to any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them with family on a cozy weekend morning or sharing them at a festive party, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tries them. With their soft texture and delightful spices, they capture the essence of autumn in every bite. Try this recipe, and watch it become a cherished tradition in your home!

Print