Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are a delightful fall treat blending warm spices and moist pumpkin puree into a soft, flavorful cookie. Topped with a sweet maple glaze, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and autumnal flavors, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree (well-drained)
- ⅓ cup vegetable shortening
- ⅓ cup (75g) salted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (dark or regular)
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- Prepare Pumpkin Puree: Gently squeeze the moisture from the canned pumpkin puree using a paper towel or coffee filter to remove excess liquid, then discard the liquid and set the puree aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In another large bowl, beat the vegetable shortening, softened salted butter, and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, the well-drained pumpkin puree, and pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in 2 to 3 portions, mixing well after each addition until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, setting it aside.
- Roll Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the chilled dough out until it is approximately ¼ inch thick.
- Cut Cookies: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough, then carefully transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies lose their glossy appearance on top and are slightly puffed. Cooking time may vary depending on cookie size.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: In a bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency—thicker for piping, thinner for drizzling.
- Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, pipe, drizzle, or spread the maple glaze over the top for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the pumpkin puree well to prevent soggy dough.
- The dough can be refrigerated overnight if preferred.
- Cookie cutters of various shapes can be used to match seasonal themes or preferences.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Use room temperature egg to ensure even mixing.
- Store glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: pumpkin sugar cookies, fall cookies, maple glaze cookies, pumpkin dessert, spiced cookies, holiday cookies