Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite

Introduction:

Pumpkin Spice Cutouts are the perfect treat for autumn, combining the classic flavors of pumpkin and spices in a delightful cookie form. These festive cookies are ideal for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of tea. They are topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and optional sprinkles, making them both delicious and visually appealing.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 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 Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Orange and black sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Roll and Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Decorate: Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies. Decorate with orange and black sprinkles if desired.
9. Serve or Store: Let the glaze set before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter and a non-dairy milk for the glaze.
• Spice Adjustments: Adjust the spices to your taste. For a more intense flavor, increase the cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Decorations: Instead of orange and black sprinkles, try colored sugar or edible glitter for a festive look.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
• Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin puree? Yes, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
2. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead? No, canned pumpkin pie filling contains spices and sugar, which will alter the flavor of the cookies.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Make sure the dough is well-chilled before rolling out, and avoid overmixing.
4. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into discs or logs, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
5. How thick should I roll the dough? Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness to ensure the cookies hold their shape and have a nice texture.
6. Can I make the cookies without a cookie cutter? Yes, you can use a knife or a glass to cut out circles or other shapes if you don’t have cookie cutters.
7. What if I don’t have parchment paper? You can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the baking sheets as an alternative.
8. Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
9. How do I get the glaze to set quickly? Allow the glaze to dry at room temperature. For faster setting, place the cookies in a cool, dry area.
10. Can I use a different type of frosting? Yes, you can use cream cheese frosting or royal icing as alternatives to the vanilla glaze.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Cutouts are a delightful and festive treat that captures the essence of fall. With their spiced flavor and sweet glaze, they’re sure to be a hit at any autumn gathering. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with variations, these cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Enjoy baking and sharing these tasty treats!

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