Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe

If you’re longing for a treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, look no further than Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe. These delightful cookies are a warm hug of traditional pumpkin flavors combined with cozy spices that make every bite feel like a crisp fall afternoon. The tender texture, thanks to pumpkin puree, pairs beautifully with the sweet and spiced icing on top, making these cookies not just delicious, but irresistibly charming. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become your seasonal go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Preparing Pumpkin Spice Cutouts is wonderfully straightforward, and each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that iconic fall flavor and perfect cookie texture. From fragrant spices to creamy butter and smooth pumpkin puree, these essentials come together effortlessly.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your cutouts, giving structure and a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay light and soft.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to create the perfect texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spice flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The quintessential pumpkin spice element that fills your kitchen with warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty depth to the spice blend.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle zing that livens up every bite.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A powerful spice that brings richness and complexity.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates tenderness and richness in the dough.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while contributing to the cookie’s crisp edges.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a slight caramel note that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that keeps these cutouts moist and flavorful.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together while contributing to a soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For making the smooth, sweet glaze to finish the cookies.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency to perfection.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a lovely aromatic touch to the icing.
• Orange and black sprinkles (optional): Perfect for festive decoration that really brings the fall vibes.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining two baking sheets with parchment paper is a small step that ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a medium bowl. This blend of spices defines the cozy flavor profile and gets evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent taste.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step traps air, helping the cookies stay soft and tender.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract with the creamed butter and sugars until everything is fully combined. The pumpkin not only adds moisture but enhances that unmistakable fall flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing could lead to tougher cookies, so stop once everything is incorporated and the dough comes together.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Out Shapes

Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters to cut charming shapes, placing each cutout on your prepared baking sheets. This is where the fun begins, as you see those adorable bursts of autumn come to life.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a soft golden hue. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack – this resting time helps them firm up perfectly without becoming dry.

Step 8: Make and Apply the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over your cooled cookies for a sweet indulgence that pairs perfectly with the spicy dough.

Step 9: Decorate and Let Set

Add orange and black sprinkles if you like a festive touch. Allow the glaze to completely set before serving. These cookies aren’t just a treat for the palate but a feast for your eyes as well!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe

Garnishes

Simple is often best, so a drizzle of the glaze combined with colorful autumnal sprinkles elevates these cookies wonderfully. If you want a sophisticated touch, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar right after glazing can add a warm sparkle.

Side Dishes

These Pumpkin Spice Cutouts pair beautifully with hot beverages like chai tea, spiced latte, or good old-fashioned coffee. For a cozy autumn gathering, serve them alongside a bowl of creamy apple cider or rich hot chocolate to fully embrace season’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking the cookies on a rustic wooden platter with seasonal accents like mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and colorful leaves for a charming display. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with twine makes for an adorable homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pumpkin Spice Cutouts keep best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps the cookies retain moisture and keeps the glaze nicely intact without cracking.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either before or after glazing. Place unbaked cutouts on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, or freeze baked cookies in a sealed container with parchment between layers. They stay fresh for up to three months.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave works wonders. This will revive their softness without melting the glaze too much. Avoid prolonged heating, which can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually what most bakers use for convenience and consistency. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

How thick should I roll out the dough?

Rolling the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness is ideal for these cookies. It ensures they bake evenly and have that lovely cutout shape without becoming too thin and crispy or too thick and doughy.

Can I substitute the spices with a pre-made pumpkin pie spice?

Yes, using a pumpkin pie spice blend is a great shortcut. Substitute the individual spices with about 2.5 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the same warm flavor.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before cutting?

This recipe doesn’t require chilling, which makes it faster and easier to prepare. The dough is soft enough to roll and cut right away, but if it feels too sticky, popping it in the fridge for 15 minutes can help.

What if I don’t have pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters?

No worries! Any cookie cutter shape will work perfectly. Autumn leaves, acorns, or even classic circles or stars can showcase the Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe just as beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a seasonal staple. The combination of tender pumpkin-spiced dough with sweet, glossy glaze makes every bite a celebration of fall’s best flavors. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and experience that cozy magic yourself. Happy baking and even happier snacking!

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