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Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cozy autumn flavors and the charm of homemade cookies, this Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe is your new best friend. These cutouts bring together the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves with the rich moisture of pumpkin puree, creating cookies that are soft yet sturdy enough to hold delightful shapes. They bake up beautifully with a golden edge and offer endless fun for decorating or savoring plain with a cup of your favorite fall beverage. Whether you’re baking for a seasonal gathering or just because, this recipe is a comforting celebration of all things pumpkin and spice.

Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to whip up these scrumptious cookies? The ingredients are simple pantry staples, but each one plays a crucial role—from the soft butter creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture to the fragrant pumpkin and warm spices bringing those signature fall flavors.

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the perfect sturdy base for your cookies to hold their shape during baking.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a bit of lift and browning for appealing golden edges.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spice flavors.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a zesty bite that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Rounds out the spice blend with a subtle earthy note.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way to deepen the flavor complexity.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, tender texture and helps the dough come together smoothly.
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Gives moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for depth.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create slight crispness on the edges.
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree: The heart of the recipe, adding moistness and that irresistible pumpkin flavor.
  • 1 large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to the cookies’ tender structure.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its lovely aroma.
  • Flour for rolling: Keeps the dough from sticking and makes rolling out a breeze.
  • Icing and sprinkles (optional): Perfect for decorating and adding a festive touch.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all your warming spices in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening agents and aromatic spices are evenly distributed, creating an even flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture because it incorporates air while nicely blending the sweet notes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The pumpkin adds moisture and natural sweetness, complementing the sugar and butter mixture perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixes

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender instead of tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two halves and flatten each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Out Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes, then place each cookie on parchment-lined baking sheets for easy cleanup.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents breakage and ensures perfect texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

While these cookies are delicious on their own, a little decorating never hurt anyone! Use royal icing, cream cheese frosting, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a seasonal flair. Colorful sprinkles add a cheerful crunch and a festive look that’s sure to brighten up any cookie plate.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe cookies pair wonderfully with a warm beverage. Try serving them alongside a spiced chai latte, a pumpkin-flavored coffee, or a cozy hot apple cider. The complementary flavors will make your snack time feel like an autumn celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board decorated with cinnamon sticks and small pumpkins for a charming display. You can also string them with food-safe ribbon as edible garlands or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with twine for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week, perfect for nibbling through the week or sharing with friends.

Freezing

If you want to stash these cutouts for later, freeze them unfrosted by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature before decorating.

Reheating

Though these cookies are best eaten fresh or at room temperature, you can gently warm them for a few seconds in the microwave to bring back that soft, comforting feel. Just be careful not to heat too long or they may become crumbly.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin puree?

While fresh pumpkin can be used, canned pumpkin puree provides consistent moisture and texture essential for this recipe. If you use fresh, be sure to cook and puree it thoroughly, and adjust moisture levels accordingly as fresh pumpkin can be wetter or drier.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

The magic of a Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe lies in its warm spice blend, but you can simplify by using a pre-made pumpkin pie spice mix. If you’re missing one or two spices, the cookies will still taste great – just adjust to your preference!

How thick should I roll out the dough for the best cookies?

About 1/4 inch thick is ideal—it allows the cookies to hold their shape and have a tender, cakey texture. Rolling thinner will yield crispier cookies, which is also delicious if that’s your preference.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but be mindful the texture might change slightly. Consider adding a binding agent like xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain one.

What is the best way to decorate these cookies?

Royal icing is a classic choice for cutout cookies as it hardens nicely and lets you get creative with colors and designs. Alternatively, a thick cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spices for a softer, tangier finish.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe enough if you’re looking to bring warmth, spice, and a little festive fun to your kitchen. These cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall, and they’re just as joyful to bake as they are to eat. Give them a try—you’re going to fall in love with every bite, I promise!

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Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 55 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 36 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these Pumpkin Spice Cutouts, perfectly spiced and tender sugar cookies ideal for fall celebrations. Made with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies are soft, flavorful, and easy to decorate with icing and sprinkles, making them a festive treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional

  • flour for rolling
  • icing and sprinkles for decorating (optional)


Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely incorporated and smooth.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms without overworking.
  5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up and enhance flavor.
  6. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the dough is prepared for baking.
  7. Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut your desired shapes and transfer them to parchment-lined baking sheets.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cutouts for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden, ensuring a tender texture.
  9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Decorate: Once cooled, optionally decorate with icing and sprinkles to customize your festive cookies.

Notes

  • For crispier cookies, roll the dough slightly thinner before cutting.
  • These cookies maintain their shape well, making them excellent for fall-themed cutouts.
  • Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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