Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, irresistibly festive treat, this Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies capture the essence of autumn with a tender crumb infused with warm spices and the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree. Perfectly soft and lightly spiced, they’re an ideal project for cozy afternoons, holiday baking marathons, or anytime you want to sprinkle a little seasonal magic into your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to mix these delightful Pumpkin Spice Cutouts is incredibly simple thanks to a selection of pantry staples, each adding its unique charm to the final cookie. From the aromatic ground spices that bring warmth and depth to the lively pumpkin puree that keeps every bite moist and tender, every ingredient plays an important role.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for your cookies, keeping them soft yet sturdy.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures your cookies get a light, tender rise without overpowering the texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that classic warm spice note essential for any pumpkin treat.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a subtle zing that complements the sweetness beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Lends a rich, nutty undertone that deepens the spice profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Offers an earthy, aromatic punch to elevate flavor complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies all the delicious flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and tenderness to each tender bite.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness with a delicate crunch that contrasts the soft dough.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Imparts moisture and a lovely caramel depth to the cookies.
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show, lending natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable fall vibe.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together for a smooth, easy-to-roll dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm flavors with a sweet, floral touch.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Essential for crafting smooth, glossy icing perfect for decorating.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency of your icing, making it easy to pipe or spread.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): Adds flavor depth to the sweetness of your glaze.
• Food coloring (optional): Lets you add playful or festive hues to your finished cookies.
• Sprinkles or other decorations (optional): The fun finishing touches to personalize your festive cutouts.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. This blend of dry ingredients brings the distinctive pumpkin spice flavor that makes these cutouts so special. Setting this mixture aside ensures they’re evenly distributed when combined with the wet ingredients later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for an airy base that translates to tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies filled with sweetness and depth.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Incorporate the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Beat until just combined. The pumpkin puree introduces moistness and subtle sweetness, while the egg helps bind everything, creating a smooth, soft dough that’s ready for those next flavorful steps.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Aim for a dough that’s soft but not overly sticky—if it feels too wet, adding a tablespoon of flour at a time helps you reach the perfect texture for rolling. This gentle mixing ensures the cookies stay tender without becoming tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it much easier to roll out and cut cleanly without warping or sticking. Plus, it helps the flavors meld beautifully, intensifying that warm pumpkin-spice goodness.

Step 6: Roll Out and Cut the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create festive or classic shapes and place them on the baking sheet, leaving about one inch between each cookie to allow for gentle spreading.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cutouts for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. This timing helps maintain the soft interior texture that makes these cookies so loved. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely — a crucial pause for perfect decorating.

Step 8: Decorate the Cookies (Optional)

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth to make a simple yet luscious icing. You can tint it with food coloring if you wish to brighten your cookies with pops of color. Once the cookies are fully cooled, add your icing with a piping bag or spoon, then sprinkle on decorations for that extra festive flair.

Step 9: Enjoy

Allow the icing to set completely before serving so your designs hold beautifully. These Pumpkin Spice Cutouts are the perfect treat to share with friends and family, capturing the heartwarming flavors of fall in every bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe

Garnishes

Simple decorations like a dusting of cinnamon sugar or colorful sprinkles can add a playful, festive touch to your Pumpkin Spice Cutouts. For a more sophisticated presentation, try a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts to complement the warm spice flavors.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of spiced chai, hot apple cider, or a classic latte. Serving them alongside a bowl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also elevate your dessert experience, turning a humble cookie into a seasonal indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Pumpkin Spice Cutouts on a decorated platter with fresh autumn leaves or small pumpkins for an inviting centerpiece. Wrapping a few cookies in clear cellophane tied with a rustic ribbon makes for charming gifts. You can even string them on a decorative twine to create a fun edible garland for festive celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Carefully store your leftover Pumpkin Spice Cutouts in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy these spiced delights throughout the week or share with friends and family.

Freezing

If you want to keep your cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents sticking and keeps them tasting just like fresh when thawed. Frozen cookies last up to 3 months, perfect for getting a jumpstart on holiday treats.

Reheating

Warm your cookies lightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness. Avoid overheating to keep the icing intact and the spice flavors vivid. Alternatively, serving them at room temperature preserves their tender crumb and delicious texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually the most convenient choice. If using fresh pumpkin puree, make sure it’s well cooked and drained slightly to avoid excess moisture that can alter the dough consistency.

Can I make this dough ahead and freeze it before baking?

Yes! The dough freezes beautifully. After mixing and shaping into discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.

What’s the best way to avoid sticky dough when rolling out?

Chilling the dough for at least an hour is key, along with lightly flouring your workspace and rolling pin. If the dough still feels sticky, dust it gently with a little flour but avoid adding too much, which can make the cookies dense.

Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?

Definitely! A stand mixer with a paddle attachment works wonderfully for creaming the butter and sugars and blending the dough evenly. It frees up your hands and helps keep the process smooth and efficient.

Are these cookies vegan or can I make them vegan?

As written, they include butter and eggs, but you can try vegan substitutes like plant-based butter and a flax egg. Keep in mind texture and flavor may vary slightly, so experimenting with small batches is a great idea to perfect your vegan version.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe offers a heartwarming way to welcome the flavors of autumn into your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, cozying up on a crisp day, or searching for a sweet crowd-pleaser, these cookies deliver that perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and tender crumb. I encourage you to grab your mixing bowls and start creating these charming, flavorful cutouts that promise to brighten any gathering with their festive spirit.

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