Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe

Nothing captures the essence of crisp autumn days quite like Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe. These delightful cookies bring together the warm, inviting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the softness of pumpkin puree, making each bite a cozy celebration of the season. Perfectly cut into charming shapes and glazed with a sweet vanilla icing, this recipe is your go-to for sharing smiles and sweetness, whether at a festive gathering or a quiet afternoon tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a special role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance for your Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and the ideal soft crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to lighten the dough.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all of the sweet and spicy flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth to every bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a slightly sweet and nutty depth to the mix.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle zing that complements the pumpkin.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Brings a smoky, aromatic note that rounds out the spice palette.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness with a light, fine texture.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives moisture and a deep caramel undertone.
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: The heart of the recipe, offering natural moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients and adds tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with a lovely fragrant note.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the smooth glaze that brings sweetness and shine.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for perfect drizzling or spreading.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds vanilla flavor to the glaze for a cohesive taste.
• Orange and black sprinkles (optional): To add festive fall colors and a little crunch.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off cleanly without sticking—a critical setup for picture-perfect cutouts.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Doing this first spreads all those glorious spices evenly throughout the dough and prevents clumping, which is essential for uniform flavor in every cookie.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until fluffy and light. This step is where the magic starts—creating the perfect airiness that makes these cutouts tender but not cakey.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Blend in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract with the creamed butter mixture until completely combined. The pumpkin keeps your cookies moist and adds that deeply seasonal flavor, while the egg binds everything with just the right amount of lift.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. This careful combination keeps the dough tender and prevents overmixing, so the cookies stay soft after baking.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough

Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters, cut out your seasonal shapes, then place them on the baking sheets, leaving space between each. This step is where the fun really begins, turning your dough into festive fall treats.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your cutouts in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, looking for lightly golden edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is key for the glaze to set properly later.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth. Adjust the milk by tablespoonfuls to get a consistency that can be poured or spread easily—this glaze is what gives your cookies that irresistible sweet finish.

Step 9: Decorate

Drizzle or spread the glaze over your cooled cookies and sprinkle with orange and black sprinkles if you like. Not only do sprinkles add a festive pop of color, but they also make these cookies party-ready for any fall celebration.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a scattering of seasonal colored sprinkles can turn your Pumpkin Spice Cutouts from simple to stunning. Freshly ground nutmeg or a cinnamon stick alongside adds a charming touch to the presentation and enhances the cozy vibe.

Side Dishes

Serve these cutouts with a warm cup of spiced apple cider, a bold pumpkin latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The spices in the cookies pair beautifully with these classic fall beverages and desserts, making every bite a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your cookies on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins for a show-stopping centerpiece. You could also package them in mason jars tied with raffia ribbons to give as thoughtful homemade gifts that carry the essence of fall.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps preserve their soft texture and keeps the glaze from hardening too much, so they taste just as fresh as the day you baked them.

Freezing

You can freeze the unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen dough cutouts last up to 3 months; just thaw completely before baking and icing. Frozen baked cookies should be eaten within a month for best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Cutouts warm, gently reheat them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives their soft texture and enhances the aroma of spices, making them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually the most common choice, providing consistent moisture and flavor that’s ideal for Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum can yield similar results. Just be mindful that the texture might be slightly different but still wonderfully delicious.

What is the best way to prevent the cutouts from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your dough is chilled before rolling and cutting. This firms up the fats, helping the cookies keep their shape. Also, avoid overworking the dough which can cause excess gluten and spreading.

Can I skip the glaze if I want a less sweet cookie?

Definitely! The cookies are flavorful and soft on their own thanks to the pumpkin and spices. The glaze is optional and mainly adds sweetness and a lovely finish.

How far in advance can I make these cookies for a party?

You can bake the cookies up to two days ahead and glaze them on the day of the event to keep them fresh and visually appealing. Storing them properly in airtight containers is key.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that nothing says autumn quite like Pumpkin Spice Cutouts: A Fall Favorite Recipe. These cookies combine cherished flavors with playful shapes and a delightful glaze, making them a wonderful treat to bake and share. Give this recipe a try and watch how it fills your kitchen and heart with the irresistible spirit of fall. Happy baking!

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