Autumn's arrival brings with it the cozy aroma of pumpkin spice and the irresistible urge to bake. If you're looking for a simple yet spectacular dessert to impress your friends and family, or simply to enjoy a delicious treat on a chilly evening, look no further! This recipe for crisp pumpkin cookies delivers the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and satisfying crunch. These easy recipes are perfect for homemade cooking, making them a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures beautifully crisp cookies.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of spices throughout the cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step quick and easy.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will result in tough cookies. Stir in the nuts (if using).
Step 6: Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious homemade cookies warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Crisp Pumpkin Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming. This results in lighter and chewier cookies.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even crispier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent spreading.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chunk Pumpkin Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chunks to the dough for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Pumpkin Cookies: Increase the amount of spices to your liking for an extra warming flavor.
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
These delicious and easy-to-make crisp pumpkin cookies are the perfect addition to your autumn baking repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe provides a satisfying and delicious outcome that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!