Halloween Pumpkin Sugar Cookies: A Festive Treat for Spooky Season
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of delightful Halloween Pumpkin Sugar Cookies? These cookies blend the sweetness of a classic sugar cookie with festive pumpkin shapes and vibrant icing, making them the perfect treat for parties, class events, or simply to enjoy at home with loved ones. Today, I’m thrilled to share this easy recipe that you’ll definitely want to try. If you’d love to receive this recipe straight to your inbox, don’t hesitate to subscribe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about these Halloween Pumpkin Sugar Cookies? Not only do they boast a delightful buttery flavor and a soft, chewy texture, but they also add a pop of color to your holiday celebrations. The joy of rolling out the dough and cutting out pumpkin shapes with loved ones is priceless! Plus, the customization with sprinkles and icing makes them a canvas for creativity for everyone—big and small. If you’re looking for a family-friendly baking activity this Halloween, these cookies are a fantastic choice!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– Orange and green food coloring
– Halloween sprinkles (optional)
– 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
– 3 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for icing
Necessary Tools
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer or whisk
– Rolling pin
– Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Cooling rack
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Feel free to get creative! If you want to switch things up, you can use half powdered sugar and half brown sugar for a deeper flavor. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also add chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough for an extra twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide your dough into two portions. Needing just a few drops of orange food coloring, knead the color into one portion for your pumpkins, while the other portion receives green food coloring for the stems.
6. Roll out the orange dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies and shape small stems from the green dough, attaching them to the pumpkin cutouts.
7. Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack—this is where the delicious aroma will fill your home!
9. For the icing, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.
10. Decorate your cooled cookies with the icing, and sprinkle with Halloween sprinkles if desired. Let them set before indulging!
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are a perfect standalone treat, but they pair beautifully with hot apple cider or a glass of milk. Consider setting up a fun decorating station at your Halloween party—guests will love personalizing their cookies!
Pro Tips for Success
– Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
– Chill your cookie dough for 20 minutes before rolling if it’s too sticky.
– For evenly sized cookies, use a dough scoop to portion your dough before rolling it out.
Storing and Reheating
Store your decorated pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the undecorated cookies and thaw them before icing.
FAQ Section
– Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
– Can I use an electric mixer for this recipe?
Absolutely! An electric mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.
– How can I make my icing colorful?
Simply add a few drops of food coloring to your icing as you mix!
Conclusion
These Halloween Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also a fun way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. Their delightful flavor, combined with a touch of creativity, makes for an irresistible treat everyone will adore. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, share your baking experience, and snap some photos! Tag us on Pinterest or Instagram; we’d love to see your creations!
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional information per cookie (not including optional sprinkles):
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 6g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Sugars: 10g
– Protein: 1g
Enjoy your baking, and happy Halloween!
