Autumn's arrival brings with it a wave of cozy vibes and delicious flavors. And what better way to celebrate the season than with these incredibly soft and flavorful pumpkin butter cookies? This easy recipe delivers a homemade treat that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). These cookies are not only delicious but also a relatively quick and healthy addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and easy recipes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant autumnal dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until well combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. If using nuts, gently fold them into the batter now.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers might still appear slightly soft; they will firm up as they cool.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy these delicious pumpkin butter cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite autumnal beverage.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Butter Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened; this will help create a smooth and creamy batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cookie Size Matters: Using a cookie scoop for consistent size ensures even baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra warm flavor.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful twist.
- Glaze it: Drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients and serving sizes. However, expect these cookies to be relatively high in calories, fat, and sugar due to the ingredients used, making them an occasional treat rather than a daily staple in a healthy meal plan.
These pumpkin butter cookies are a delightful addition to your fall baking repertoire. Their soft texture and warm spices make them a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade cooking with this simple yet rewarding recipe. Perfect as part of your healthy meals or as a delicious dish to share, these are sure to become a family favorite. They're also an excellent option for those seeking best recipes to add to their collection of easy recipes.