Grandma’s Pumpkin Cookies

Ingredients Needed for Your Perfect Pumpkin Cookies

Crafting these delectable pumpkin cookies requires a thoughtful selection of both dry and wet ingredients, culminating in an optional but highly recommended cream cheese frosting. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired flavor and texture. For optimal results, ensure all cold ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin.

For the Cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies, providing structure. Proper measurement is key – spoon and level!
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents work in harmony to give the cookies their signature soft, slightly puffy, cake-like texture.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The quintessential fall spices that infuse these cookies with their warm, inviting aroma and flavor. Feel free to adjust to your taste, or add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra complexity.
• Salt: A crucial ingredient that enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning and texture.
• Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture. Ensure it’s truly softened (room temperature) for a smooth, homogenous batter.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! Make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. It adds moisture, flavor, and a beautiful orange hue.
• Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds to the richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla always rounds out the flavors beautifully.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

While the recipe card below provides detailed quantities, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for the indulgent frosting:

• Cream Cheese (softened): The base of our creamy, tangy frosting. Full-fat cream cheese works best for richness and stability.
• Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds body and richness to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it gives the frosting its smooth texture and sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese.
• Milk (or heavy cream): Used to achieve the perfect spreading consistency.

**Be sure to scroll to the recipe card below for detailed quantities and exact directions!**

This recipe uses just one cup of pumpkin puree, leaving you with extra from a standard can. Don’t let it go to waste! Explore these fantastic ideas for canned pumpkin recipes to make the most of your leftovers, from savory soups to more sweet treats.

How to Make these Homemade Pumpkin Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful pumpkin cookies is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly soft, flavorful cookies every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking and easy cleanup. Having everything ready before you start mixing will make the process much smoother.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking thoroughly ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for uniform rise and flavor in your cookies. Set this bowl aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended. This creaming process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which contributes to the soft texture of the cookies. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

To the creamed butter and sugar, add the pumpkin puree, large egg, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat the mixture on medium speed until all the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter appears smooth and uniform. Ensure there are no streaks of unmixed egg or pumpkin.

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry mixtures together. Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients, adding about a third at a time. Beat on low speed after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until no dry streaks of flour remain.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop (a small one, about 1.5 tablespoons, works perfectly) or a rounded tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheets. Leave adequate space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes in your preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly golden and firm to the touch. The centers may still look soft, but they will set as they cool.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 2 to 3 minutes. This crucial step allows them to firm up slightly before you attempt to move them. Then, carefully transfer the warm cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cooled before frosting, otherwise, your frosting will melt!

The Art of Frosting: Glaze vs. Cream Cheese Perfection

Once your old-fashioned pumpkin cookies have completely cooled, it’s time for the final, delightful touch: frosting! You essentially have two delicious paths you can take to frost these beauties, or, of course, enjoy them plain (though, honestly, where’s the fun in that?!).

Option 1: Simple Powdered Sugar Glaze

For a quicker, lighter option, a simple powdered sugar glaze is an excellent choice. It offers a delicate sweetness and a subtle sheen. To make it, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 to 3 tablespoons of milk. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a pourable, drizzly consistency. This glaze adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.

Option 2: Indulgent Cream Cheese Frosting (Highly Recommended!)

However, if you’re like me, any excuse to add luscious cream cheese frosting is a welcome one! This thick, creamy, and tangy frosting is an absolute dream paired with these spiced pumpkin cookies. It creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that truly elevates the entire experience. I’ve often used this frosting on other fall favorites like pumpkin bars or classic carrot cake, and it’s equally spectacular here. Its rich flavor and smooth consistency make it the ideal complement to the tender pumpkin base, transforming each cookie into a truly gourmet treat. I genuinely urge you to give the cream cheese frosting a try – you won’t regret it!

Expert Tips for Baking Perfect Pumpkin Cookies

Achieving consistently delicious results with these pumpkin cookies is easy with a few simple tricks up your sleeve:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: This is paramount for both the cookies and the frosting. Softened butter and cream cheese blend much more smoothly with other ingredients, creating a homogeneous batter and frosting without lumps. Take them out of the refrigerator at least 30-60 minutes before you start.
• Measure Flour Correctly: For soft, tender cookies, avoid over-packing your flour. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with the back of a knife. Too much flour can result in dry, dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough rather than tender cookies.
• Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sweeteners that will alter the flavor profile of this recipe.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker, more pipeable cream cheese frosting, gradually add more powdered sugar until your desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it’s just right for spreading.
• Proper Cooling is Key: Always allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before applying frosting. Frosting warm cookies will cause it to melt and slide right off.
• Consider Add-ins: While perfect as is, these cookies are fantastic with additions like chocolate chips (white chocolate or semi-sweet), chopped pecans or walnuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting for a sweet-and-salty twist.

Serving Suggestions for Your Fall Favorites

These delightful pumpkin cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of serving occasions. Enjoy them simply with a tall glass of cold milk, which perfectly complements their rich, spiced flavor. For a more adult treat, pair them with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing cup of your favorite tea – a chai latte or an Earl Grey would be particularly lovely. The recipe yields approximately three dozen cookies, ensuring you’ll have plenty to share at family gatherings, holiday parties, or as thoughtful gifts for friends and neighbors. They also make an excellent addition to a dessert platter or a cozy weekend brunch spread.

Storage Best Practices for Freshness

To keep your old-fashioned pumpkin cookies tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Store any leftover frosted pumpkin cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration to maintain its texture and prevent spoilage. If you plan to store them for longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for an hour or two before serving.

Customizing Your Pumpkin Cookies

These old-fashioned pumpkin cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also offer a wonderful canvas for customization. Consider folding in a cup of white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough for an extra layer of sweetness. Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. For an intensified spice profile, you could add a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or allspice to the dry ingredients. A drizzle of caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting would also be an indulgent touch, making them even more special for holiday gatherings.

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Old Fashioned Pumpkin Cookies

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Cream Cheese Frosting

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