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Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin sugar cookies are the perfect sweet treat for the fall season, blending the rich flavors of pumpkin with warm spices. With a crisp exterior and a flavorful bite, these cookies are not only delicious but also easy to customize with frosting or fun shapes. They're an ideal dessert to share with family and friends on cozy autumn days.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 30
Calories: 138kcal

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting

  • 1 - 1 ¼ cups unsifted confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tablespoon meringue powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • Orange liquid food coloring optional

Instructions

Prepare the Cookies:

  • Whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat pastry flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  • In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  • Add the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla; beat until combined.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until just combined (about 2 minutes).
  • Divide the dough into 2 disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 8 hours).

Baking:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Roll out one disk of dough at a time to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes until the center is dry to the touch. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting (Optional):

  • Whisk together 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, meringue powder, and salt.
  • Gradually whisk in milk, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
  • Adjust consistency by adding the remaining 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • Add food coloring if desired, and decorate the cookies.

Storage:

  • Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Notes

Enjoy your pumpkin sugar cookies!