If you’ve been dreaming of that perfect blend of autumn warmth and cozy sweetness, then this Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These cookies capture everything wonderful about fall, with soft, tender bites infused with just the right balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warming spices, all crowned by a subtle pumpkin flavor that makes each cookie feel like a warm hug. Trust me, once you make these cutouts, they’ll become your go-to treat for everything from holiday parties to mid-afternoon snack cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity—you only need everyday kitchen staples combined with a few special touches that bring incredible flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays its role perfectly, from the butter’s richness to the pumpkin’s moisture, and of course those aromatic spices that make the cookies unforgettable.
- 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour: The sturdy base that ensures your cookies hold their shape during baking and cutting.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Just a hint to help your cookies rise gently without puffing up too much.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The classic warm spice that immediately evokes cozy vibes.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle spicy zing that complements the cinnamon.
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if possible): A slightly sweet and nutty spice that lifts the flavor beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice: A secret weapon spice that enhances the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks): Provides richness and tenderness for melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- 2/3 cup granulated white sugar: Balances the spices with a clean, sweet crunch.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark): A touch of molasses flavor and extra moisture.
- 1 egg: Binds all the ingredients together, creating structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (best quality available): Deepens the flavor and adds an inviting aroma.
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that adds moistness and that signature pumpkin taste.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by tossing together the flour, baking powder, and all your spices in a large bowl. This step is key because evenly mixing the dry ingredients makes sure every bite bursts with warm, balanced flavor. Use a whisk to really blend everything well before moving on to the wet components.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In your electric mixer, beat the butter until it’s nice and smooth. Then add both the granulated and brown sugars, whipping until the mixture is fluffy and light. This aeration is what gives the cookies a tender texture and subtle sweetness that plays perfectly with those bold spices.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Pumpkin
Next, crack in your egg and pour the vanilla extract plus the luscious canned pumpkin puree right into that buttery sugar blend. Beat everything together until fully combined—this mixture will start to look rich and glossy, almost like the promise of fall in a bowl.
Step 4: Scrape Down Bowl Sides
Don’t skip this little but important step. Use a spatula to scrape down any batter clinging to the sides of your bowl to make sure all ingredients are perfectly incorporated, resulting in uniform dough consistency.
Step 5: Slowly Add Flour Mixture
With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour and spice blend. This gentle approach prevents flour from flying everywhere and helps you get the perfect dough texture. Mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a cohesive ball.
Step 6: Knead and Chill the Dough
Dump your dough on a clean work surface and knead it a bit to incorporate any leftover bits. Then divide it into two large balls, flatten them into disks, wrap snugly in plastic wrap or bags, and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This resting period is vital for easy rolling and perfect cookie shape retention.
Step 7: Roll Out and Cut Shapes
Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness and use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Whether you opt for classic leaves, pumpkins, or simple circles, these cutouts bring a festive look to the table.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your cutouts on ungreased baking sheets and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 9 to 11 minutes, adjusting time based on cookie size. Keep an eye on them—they should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center. Let them cool slightly before moving to the next delicious stage.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your warm pumpkin spice cutout cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. For extra flair, consider topping them with finely chopped toasted nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot apple cider, a frothy chai tea latte, or even a rich dark coffee. The aromatic spices in the drinks perfectly complement the warmth in the cookies, making every bite and sip feel like an indulgent seasonal treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into gifts by stacking them with parchment paper between layers in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon. You can also use them to decorate a beautiful dessert platter alongside fall-inspired fruits and nuts, making your gathering feel extra cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover pumpkin spice cutout cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and soft for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain that just-baked moisture level.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the wrapped dough disks before baking or freeze baked cookies in a single layer in freezer bags. Thaw them overnight at room temperature for easy access to your seasonal favorites any time of year.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies, warm them slightly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that soft texture and enhances the pumpkin spice aroma, making them taste almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, but make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth and allow it to cool before using. The consistency should be similar to canned pumpkin to keep the dough moist yet manageable.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll out and cut without sticking or tearing. It also helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
For a vegan version, you can substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and replace the egg with a flax egg or another egg replacer. Keep in mind this may slightly change the texture and flavor.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is well-chilled before cutting and baking, and avoid using too much butter. Rolling the dough to an even thickness also helps ensure consistent baking and minimal spreading.
Are these cookies good for decorating with icing?
Absolutely! Their firm texture once cooled makes them ideal for decorating with royal icing, buttercream, or even a simple glaze, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try this Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe—it’s an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves that perfect fall flavor. Whether you bake these for a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon treat, or just to fill your home with the smell of autumn spices, they truly bring a little joy in every bite. So roll up your sleeves, get those cutters ready, and enjoy every delicious moment!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the warm flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Spice Cutout Cookies. Featuring a buttery dough infused with aromatic pumpkin pie spices and smooth pumpkin puree, these cookies are perfect for holiday baking or anytime you crave a cozy treat. They are soft, flavorful, and easy to cut into festive shapes, making them an ideal choice for shareable holiday gifts or seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2/3 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (best quality available)
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and allspice until evenly blended to develop the signature pumpkin spice flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated white sugar and brown sugar, beating continuously until the mixture is fluffy and fully combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated, ensuring moisture and flavor throughout the dough.
- Scrape Bowl Sides: Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to evenly incorporate all ingredients and prevent any flour pockets.
- Incorporate Dry Mixture: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour and spice mixture to the wet ingredients. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and gently knead to incorporate any remaining flour or dough bits, ensuring a smooth and cohesive dough.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two large balls, place each into plastic bags or wrap tightly with plastic wrap, flatten into disks, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up for easier rolling.
- Roll and Cut Shapes: On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough to desired thickness and use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes for baking.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange cutouts on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes, depending on cookie size, until set but still soft in the center. Remove and let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated nutmeg for more intense flavor rather than pre-ground nutmeg.
- Make sure dough is chilled sufficiently to prevent cookies from spreading during baking.
- Use good quality vanilla extract to enhance the overall taste.
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove as soon as edges are set.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Optional: Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing or a simple glaze for festive presentation.
