Iced Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

Bake these pumpkin cookies topped with icing for a sweet fall treat. This easy recipe is perfect for holidays and cookie trays.

Ingredients

These are the simple, kitchen staple ingredients youll need to make this pumpkin cookie recipe:

• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add warmth and flavor.
• Leaveners: Baking soda and baking powder help the cookies rise.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor.
• Sugars: White sugar is used for the dough, while confectioners sugar is used for the icing.
• Butter: Softened butter is used in the dough, and melted butter is part of the icing.
• Pumpkin: Use canned pumpkin puree or homemade pumpkin puree.
• Egg: One large egg binds the dough and adds moisture.
• Vanilla: Vanilla extract brings flavor to both the cookies and the icing.
• Milk: Three tablespoons of milk help create the perfect icing consistency.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your delicious pumpkin cookies:

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease two cookie sheets.
2. Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream together sugar and softened butter until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined.
6. Step 6: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Flatten each slightly with the back of a spoon.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the centers are set. Switch the cookie sheets halfway through baking for even results.
8. Step 8: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
9. Step 9: While the cookies cool, make the icing. In a bowl, mix the confectioners sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Step 10: If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies using a fork.

How to Store Iced Pumpkin Cookies

Once the icing is completely cooled and set, store the cookies in an airtight at room temperature for up to a week. If stacking the cookies, place parchment or wax paper between the layers to avoid sticking.

Can You Freeze Iced Pumpkin Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies! For best results, freeze the dough before baking. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for an hour, or until solid. Transfer the dough to a zip-top freezer bag, remove excess air, and store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready, bake and ice the cookies according to the recipe.

Nutrition Information

This recipe yields 36 servings. Each cookie has the following nutritional values:

• Calories: 122
• Fat: 3g (4% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (10% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 13mg (4% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 121mg (5% Daily Value)
• Carbohydrates: 22g (8% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 1g
• Calcium: 15mg (1% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (3% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 30mg (1% Daily Value)

Soft and spiced, these iced pumpkin cookies are a perfect fall treat. But how did this dessert come about? Lets dive into the history, regional variations, and unique qualities of this delightful cookie!

History of Iced Pumpkin Cookies

The origins of pumpkin-based desserts trace back to the early American colonists, who incorporated native squashes, including pumpkin, into their baking. Early pumpkin pies and puddings were staples in New England cuisine. However, the trend of pumpkin-flavored cookies became widely popular in the 20th century, especially with the rise of canned pumpkin puree in the 1940s. Iced pumpkin cookies, as we know them today, likely gained widespread recognition during the fall season when pumpkin became synonymous with harvest celebrations and Halloween. They were particularly favored as an easy-to-make treat that would add a seasonal touch to any cookie platter.

Regional Variations of Pumpkin Cookies

While pumpkin cookies are beloved nationwide in the U.S., different regions have put their own spin on the recipe. In the Midwest, where pumpkin farming is abundant, you'll find many variations of these cookies. Some recipes feature added spices like cloves or allspice, while others might use brown sugar for a richer flavor. The Northeast, known for its pumpkin pie tradition, often incorporates more cinnamon and nutmeg, with a thicker, cream cheese frosting. Southern states, where sweet potatoes are also widely used, sometimes swap the pumpkin for sweet potato puree, creating a unique, lighter texture. Regardless of the regional variation, these cookies are a seasonal favorite across the country.

How Iced Pumpkin Cookies Differ from Similar Treats

When compared to other fall favorites like pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffins, iced pumpkin cookies stand out due to their soft, cake-like texture. While pumpkin bread and muffins are often denser and rely on a heavier batter, pumpkin cookies use a slightly lighter dough that bakes into soft, pillowy morsels. The icing, often made with a sweet glaze or cream cheese frosting, adds an extra layer of flavor that you wont find in many other pumpkin treats. This makes iced pumpkin cookies a more indulgent and festive option, perfect for sharing at parties and gatherings.

Where Are Iced Pumpkin Cookies Typically Served?

Iced pumpkin cookies are often seen at autumn-themed events such as Halloween parties, Thanksgiving celebrations, and fall bake sales. Theyre a popular choice for potlucks and seasonal cookie exchanges, where their bright, festive appearance and the aroma of pumpkin spice make them an irresistible option. These cookies are also a favorite on dessert trays during the colder months, where they complement the other spiced treats of the season. Whether at a family gathering, a school bake sale, or a casual holiday party, iced pumpkin cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.

Interesting Facts About Iced Pumpkin Cookies

• Did you know that the pumpkin in the cookies isnt just for flavor? It also helps keep the cookies moist and tender, making them much softer than typical drop cookies.
• Many people mistakenly believe that pumpkin-based cookies are heavy, but the addition of baking powder and soda ensures that they remain light and airy!
• In recent years, these cookies have gained a loyal following due to the growing popularity of pumpkin spice lattes and other pumpkin-flavored treats, making them a staple of the fall season.
• Though iced pumpkin cookies are often served with a sweet glaze, you can easily switch it up by using a cream cheese frosting, which adds a tangy, rich flavor that balances the sweetness of the cookies.

So, whether youre making them for the first time or youve been baking them for years, iced pumpkin cookies are a perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall. With a history rooted in American baking tradition and endless possibilities for customization, these cookies will remain a favorite for years to come.

FAQ about Iced Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

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