Infuse the Spirit of Halloween with Pumpkin Spice Halloween Cookies
As the leaves turn and the air turns crisp, what better way to ring in the Halloween season than with some festive baking? Pumpkin Spice Halloween Cookies, with their warm autumnal spices and spooky decorations, are perfect for a seasonal treat. Whether you’re baking with family or for a Halloween gathering, these cookies bring both delight and deliciousness to the table. If you love this recipe, don’t forget to subscribe to receive more delightful recipes by email!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Pumpkin Spice Halloween Cookies capture the essence of fall in each bite. With the perfect blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, the aroma alone is captivating. Not only are they flavorful and soft, but they’re also an engaging project for families, as decorating them can be a creative adventure for kids and adults alike. Plus, the recipe is straightforward enough for even novice bakers to achieve magical results!
Ingredients
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup packed brown sugar
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Halloween-themed cookie cutters
– Royal icing in assorted colors (orange, black, white, green)
Necessary Tools
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk
– Electric mixer
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Cookie cutters
– Rolling pin
– Baking sheets
– Parchment paper
– Wire racks
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
For a twist, try using pumpkin pie spice in place of individual spices. To add texture, mix in chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts. Adding chocolate chips or raisins can also be a delightful surprise in these cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Add in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
4. Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
5. Divide the dough into halves, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
6. On a floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut with Halloween-themed cookie cutters.
7. Place cookies on prepared sheets and bake 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on racks.
8. Once cooled, use royal icing to bring your Halloween designs to life with color and creativity.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies make a perfect snack with a glass of milk or hot cider. They are also a festive addition to any Halloween party platter.
Pro Tips for Success
Chill the dough thoroughly for the best results when cutting shapes. Use a light touch when rolling out the dough to keep it from sticking. When decorating, let your imagination run wild!
Storing and Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies and thaw before icing.
FAQ Section
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
While fresh pumpkin is an option, ensure it’s well pureed and not too watery.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Spice Halloween Cookies are more than just a sweet treat. They are an experience, combining the joy of baking with the spirit of Halloween. Easy to make and delightful to eat, they are bound to become a fall tradition in your household. If you try this recipe, please leave a review, share your photos, or tag your creations on Instagram!
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
