If you love fall flavors, get ready to treat yourself to my Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Icing. These cookies are soft, fluffy, and packed with pumpkin spice goodness. Topped with a sweet maple icing, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. Follow my simple steps and tips to bake these delicious treats that everyone will ask for. Let’s dive into the world of pumpkin magic!
Ingredients
Key Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
The heart of these cookies is the canned pumpkin puree. It gives them a soft texture and a warm flavor. Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. The mix of granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. Essential spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create that cozy autumn vibe.
Ingredients for Sweet Maple Icing
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
– A pinch of salt
This icing is simple yet delightful. The powdered sugar makes it sweet and smooth. Maple syrup adds a rich flavor, perfect with pumpkin. Milk adjusts the icing’s thickness; add more for a drizzle. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness well.
You can find the full recipe to make these soft pumpkin cookies and icing. Enjoy baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Dough
1. Start by creaming the butter and sugars. In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Beat them until the mix is light and fluffy. This step adds air, which makes the cookies soft.
2. Next, mix in the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir until everything blends well. The pumpkin keeps the cookies moist.
3. Now, combine the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Slowly mix this into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; you want it just combined.
Baking the Cookies
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Drop the dough onto the baking sheet. Use rounded tablespoons of dough and leave some space between each cookie. They will spread while baking.
3. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers remain soft. This softness is normal and gives the cookies their signature texture.
Making the Icing
1. While the cookies cool, whisk the icing ingredients. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of milk, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth.
2. Adjust the icing consistency. If it’s too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time. You want it to drizzle easily over the cookies.
For the full recipe, you can refer to the recipe card above. Enjoy these soft pumpkin cookies with icing as a perfect treat!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies
– Ensuring proper mixing: Start by creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy. This step adds air, making your cookies soft. Mix in the pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla next. Then, add the dry ingredients slowly. Stir just until combined; don’t overmix.
– Baking time adjustments: Each oven can be different. For this recipe, set your timer for 10-12 minutes. Check for lightly golden edges. The centers should look soft and slightly puffy. They will firm up as they cool.
– Cooling tips for soft texture: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them stay soft. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for keeping that perfect texture.
Icing Tips
– Achieving the right icing consistency: Mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk. The icing should be pourable but not runny.
– Drizzling vs. spreading the icing: For a drizzle, use a spoon or piping bag. If you want a thicker layer, spread it with a knife. Both methods look great and taste delicious. Choose what you like best!
– Storage tips for icing leftovers: If you have extra icing, store it in an airtight container. It can sit in the fridge for up to a week. Before using, stir it well. You may need to add a splash of milk to get it back to the right consistency.
For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the taste of your cookies in fun ways. Adding chocolate chips gives a sweet, rich flavor. Try mixing in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can also add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a nice crunch. Just chop them small before mixing them in.
Using different spices can make your cookies unique. Cloves and allspice add warmth and depth. Swap out some cinnamon for these spices in your dough. A pinch can transform the taste and surprise your friends.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need gluten-free cookies, you can easily swap the flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure it has a good mix of starches and proteins for texture.
For vegan cookies, replace the butter and eggs. Use coconut oil or vegan butter in equal amounts for the butter. You can substitute eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let this sit for five minutes before adding it to your dough. These swaps keep the cookies soft and tasty.
For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Storage Info
Storing Cookies
You can store soft pumpkin cookies at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to extend their life, you can refrigerate them. Just make sure to use a container that seals tightly. This keeps the cookies soft and moist.
Freezing Cookies and Icing
You can freeze unbaked dough for up to three months. To do this, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dollops until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Label it with the date for easy tracking.
For baked cookies with icing, wait until the icing has set. Then, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They will stay fresh for about two months. When ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
You can check the Full Recipe for detailed steps on making these delicious cookies. Enjoy!
FAQs
How do I know when my pumpkin cookies are done?
You can tell when your pumpkin cookies are done by looking at them closely. The edges should be a light golden color. The center will look soft and might seem a bit undercooked, which is okay. They will firm up as they cool. If you press lightly on the cookie, it should not feel doughy.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Start by cooking your pumpkin until it’s soft, then mash it. Make sure to remove as much water as possible. Fresh pumpkin may be less sweet, so you might want to add a bit more sugar. Check the texture to ensure it matches canned pumpkin puree, which should be smooth and thick.
What can I do if my icing is too runny?
If your icing is too runny, don’t worry! You can thicken it easily. Add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness. If you want to adjust it for drizzling, add a bit of milk. Just remember, a small amount goes a long way. Keep mixing until it looks smooth and glossy.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above to make these delightful soft pumpkin cookies with icing!
In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for soft pumpkin cookies and sweet maple icing. I shared step-by-step instructions, helpful baking tips, and exciting variations you can try. Remember to mix well and watch your baking time for perfect results. You can also adjust the icing for your taste. Baking these delicious cookies should be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and share these treats with friends and family!
