Introduction
Soft pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a favorite for both baking enthusiasts and those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. The warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg combined with a soft, cake-like texture make these cookies a must-have for any autumn gathering.
Pumpkin cookies are a great way to enjoy the seasonal flavors of pumpkin in a portable and easy-to-eat form. Whether you are hosting a Halloween party, a Thanksgiving dinner, or simply craving a cozy dessert on a chilly evening, these soft pumpkin cookies are sure to hit the spot.
In this article, we will walk you through the ingredients you need, the steps to make these delicious cookies, some variations to try, helpful tips for perfecting your recipe, and answer some frequently asked questions about soft pumpkin cookies.
So, let’s dive into the world of soft pumpkin cookies and learn how to bake up a batch of these delectable treats!
Ingredients
To make soft pumpkin cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup canned pumpkin
– 1 cup white sugar
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 large egg
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon milk
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful and moist cookie that is perfect for any occasion.
Steps
Follow these steps to make soft pumpkin cookies:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. Mix well until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir until just combined.
4. Form Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
5. Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
Here are some fun variations you can try to customize your soft pumpkin cookies:
1. Add Chocolate Chips
Stir in a cup of chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a delicious chocolatey twist.
2. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar
Before baking, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting
Top the cooled cookies with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.
4. Pecan Topping
Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the cookies before baking for a crunchy addition.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you perfect your soft pumpkin cookies:
1. Use Canned Pumpkin
Opt for canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling for the best texture and flavor.
2. Don’t Overmix
Be careful not to overmix the cookie dough to avoid a tough texture. Mix until just combined.
3. Allow to Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent them from breaking.
4. Store Properly
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
Soft pumpkin cookies are a wonderful treat that embodies the flavors of fall in every bite. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of hot cider, as a lunchbox surprise, or as a dessert at your next gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
With simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless variations to try, soft pumpkin cookies are a versatile and delicious treat that you can enjoy throughout the season. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these delightful cookies.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about soft pumpkin cookies:
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: While fresh pumpkin can be used, canned pumpkin puree is preferred for its consistent texture and flavor.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Q: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Soft pumpkin cookies are a delightful fall treat with warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These cake-like, moist cookies are easy to make and perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dinners, or a cozy dessert on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
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1 cup canned pumpkin
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1 cup white sugar
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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1 large egg
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon milk
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. Mix well until smooth.
-
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir until just combined.
-
Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
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Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
