Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Glaze Recipe

If you’re searching for that perfect fall treat to cozy up your kitchen, look no further than this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Glaze Recipe. These cookies are the ultimate blend of soft, cakey pumpkin goodness paired with a luscious, nutty brown butter glaze that melts in your mouth. Every bite bursts with the warm spices of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, making it feel like a hug in dessert form. Whether you’re new to pumpkin baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become your go-to crowd-pleaser, bringing seasonal joy with every delicious bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these irresistible cookies. Each component plays a critical role—from the pumpkin’s moist texture to the blend of spices that create that signature warm flavor.

• 1/2 cup salted butter (softened): Softened butter helps create the perfect creamy base for your dough.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: Delivers depth of flavor and keeps the cookie tender and moist.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling—this gives the cookies their soft texture and vibrant color.
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet, warm flavor profile.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• 2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Use spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the cookies for that soft, cakey rise.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps add an extra touch of lift and fluffiness.
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon: A classic spice that makes pumpkin sing.
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Adds complexity and warmth.
• 3 tablespoons salted butter (for glaze): The star of the brown butter glaze with rich nuttiness.
• 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted): Sifting is essential for a smooth glaze with no lumps.
• 4-6 tablespoons cream or milk: Adjusts glaze consistency to your liking.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. This step ensures your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Glaze Recipe won’t stick and bake evenly, setting you up for success right from the start.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the softened butter for about two minutes until it’s smooth and creamy. Scrape the bowl sides to make sure every bit is evenly mixed—this step gives your cookies a velvety base.

Step 3: Add Sugars and Beat Until Fluffy

Incorporate both granulated and brown sugars, and beat for another minute until the mixture is fluffy. This aeration is what helps create a light texture in your cookies.

Step 4: Mix in Pumpkin, Vanilla, and Egg

Stir in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and egg. The dough will start to look grainy here, but that’s perfectly normal—it means all those delicious flavors are coming together.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In your measuring cup, lightly spoon and level the flour before adding it to your bowl. Create a well in the center and mix in baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice so they’re well distributed—this prevents any bitter clumps in your cookies.

Step 6: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Turn your mixer on low and combine the flour mixture with the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is incorporated; over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, and that’s not what we want here. Scrape the bowl edges and check for streaks, mixing gently if needed.

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Using two spoons, drop heaping tablespoon-sized dollops of sticky dough onto your lined baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the cookies are puffy and no longer shiny on top, signaling they’re perfectly baked—no raw batter here!

Step 8: Cool the Cookies Properly

Allow the cookies to cool on the pans for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack. For a quicker cool down, pop the rack in the freezer for about five minutes. This step lets the cookies set up perfectly before glazing.

Step 9: Make the Brown Butter Glaze

Melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir often and watch carefully as the butter foams and begins to brown with tiny nutty bits forming—this is where the magic happens. When you catch that irresistible nutty aroma, remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze and Glaze the Cookies

Sift powdered sugar over the browned butter in stages, whisking after each addition until smooth. Slowly add cream or milk to achieve your desired glaze thickness. Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the warm glaze over each one, letting it add that gorgeous glossy finish and a rich flavor boost.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

For a delightful touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or even finely chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze before it sets. These subtle additions add a lovely crunch and elevate the already spectacular spiced pumpkin flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of chai tea or a creamy latte to enhance the cozy fall vibes. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes for a dreamy dessert that’s sure to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies on a rustic wooden tray dusted with pumpkin pie spice or wrap them in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming gift. For festive occasions, drizzle extra glaze in a zigzag pattern and add edible gold or orange sprinkles for a fun, eye-catching display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies are best stored on a plate covered loosely with plastic wrap once the glaze has set. Because they’re wonderfully moist, airtight containers can make them soggy. Keeping them loosely covered helps maintain their soft texture without losing that fresh-baked taste.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies without glaze, placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and glaze them fresh for that perfect finish.

Reheating

Warming your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Glaze Recipe slightly enhances the soft texture and releases that wonderful aroma. Just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm gently in the oven before serving to revive their fresh-from-the-oven charm.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best not to use pumpkin pie filling because it contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor and texture of your cookies. Pure pumpkin puree ensures the right balance for the best results.

What makes these cookies so soft and cakey?

The combination of pumpkin puree, baking soda, baking powder, and careful mixing creates a tender, cake-like texture. Also, avoiding over-mixing keeps the dough from getting tough.

How important is sifting the powdered sugar for the glaze?

Sifting is crucial. It prevents lumps in your glaze and helps you achieve that smooth, glossy finish that beautifully coats the cookies without clumps or graininess.

Can I substitute the spices in the recipe?

While cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice are classic for these cookies, you can tweak the spice blend slightly to your preference, such as adding nutmeg or ginger. Just keep the balance so you don’t overpower the pumpkin flavor.

How long do the cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly, these cookies are best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days. Their delicate moisture and glaze shine brightest during this time, so savor them fresh!

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the full scoop on making these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Glaze Recipe, it’s time to bring those inviting fall aromas into your home. They’re truly a joy to bake and even more delightful to share. Whether for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these cookies will fill your kitchen with warmth and smiles. Give them a try—you’re going to love every soft, spiced, buttery bite!

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