Lauren Jacobs
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie Recipe
Did you know that pumpkin spice season brings in over $500 million annually in the U.S., according to Statista? If you want to join the trend with a sweet twist, these pumpkin spice sugar cookies are a must-try for fall. Combining warm, cozy spices with the fun of cut-out cookies, they're perfect for decorating and sharing. In this blog post, you'll learn how to make and decorate your own batch of these seasonal favorites.
Why Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are Perfect for Fall
Fall is the ideal time to bake with spices that capture the essence of the season. This pumpkin spice sugar cookie recipe adds those festive flavors while still providing a sturdy dough that holds its shape when using cookie cutters. Whether you’re making pumpkins, leaves, or any other autumn-themed shapes, these cookies will bake up perfectly.
Benefits of Using Pumpkin Spice in Sugar Cookies
Rich Flavor
Adding pumpkin spice to your cookie dough creates a delightful depth of flavor. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger work together to provide a balance between sweet and spicy, making these cookies irresistible.
Versatility for Decoration
This pumpkin spice sugar cookie recipe works just like a traditional sugar cookie recipe, allowing you to cut out various shapes without the cookies spreading too much. This makes them ideal for decorating with royal icing, which will adhere beautifully to the surface.
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
If you’ve ever wondered how to make pumpkin sugar cookies, it’s easier than you think. Start by mixing your dry ingredients, including pumpkin pie spice. Prepare the dough, roll it out, and use your favorite fall-themed cookie cutters to shape the cookies. The dough is easier to handle after it has been chilled.
Tips for Baking Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Even Rolling
For even baking, roll your dough to a consistent thickness. Using powdered sugar instead of flour to roll out the dough can add a subtle sweetness and help prevent the dough from sticking.
Bake Similar-Sized Cookies Together
When baking, make sure to group cookies of the same size on each sheet. This ensures they bake evenly and come out perfect.
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup Crisco shortening
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk
1/2 cup organic pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon LorAnn Pumpkin Spice Bakery Emulsion
560 g flour (about 4 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Mix the Fats:
In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature unsalted butter and Crisco shortening. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Add Sugars:
Add both sugars and mix for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Incorporate Pumpkin and eggs:
Add the organic pumpkin puree and eggs and mix until fully combined.
Flavoring:
Stir in the vanilla extract and LorAnn Pumpkin Spice Bakery Emulsion.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Together:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on medium speed until well combined and a dough forms.
Chill the Dough:
After preparing the dough, refrigerate it for 3-4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop and the dough to firm up.
Cut Out Shapes:
Once the dough is chilled, roll it out to your desired thickness and use cookie cutters to shape your cookies. Put a little bit of flour on your counter or parchment paper to help you roll it out easier.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 6-7 minutes or until the bottoms are light brown. Place on a drying rack until cook.
Your pumpkin spice sugar cookies are now ready for decorating!
FAQs About How to Decorate Pumpkin Cookies
How do I decorate pumpkin spice sugar cookies?
Start by using royal icing for smooth finishes and add detailed designs with colored icing. You can use piping bags with fine tips for precision and stencils for intricate patterns.
What type of icing works best for pumpkin sugar cookies?
Royal icing is the best option for decorating pumpkin spice sugar cookies. It dries hard, allowing you to create layers and detailed designs.
FAQs About The Cheerful BakerWho is The Cheerful Baker?
The Cheerful Baker is a cookie decorator specializing in custom cookies, cookie cutters, and online cookie decorating classes.
Does The Cheerful Baker offer online classes?
Yes, The Cheerful Baker offers online cookie decorating classes for all skill levels, with easy-to-follow tutorials for decorating cookies.
