Pumpkin Pie Cookies: Thanksgiving Desserts Easy

These Pumpkin Pie Cookies are the perfect Thanksgiving desserts easy enough for anyone to whip up. I remember the first time I made these with my son, Jake. We had flour flying everywhere, but the laughter and delicious smell made it all worth it.

Why You’ll Love It

• They combine the classic flavors of pumpkin pie in a fun, bite-sized treat.
• Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or cozy family nights.
• They’re easy to make, even for beginner bakers.

Pure Comfort

There’s something about the warm spices and creamy pumpkin that just wraps you in a cozy hug. These cookies are not only delightful to eat but also a joy to bake, filling your kitchen with that wonderful fall aroma.

What You Need

• 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g) – Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – Add nutmeg for extra spice.
• 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g) – Margarine can be used as a substitute.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (100 g)
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g) – Coconut sugar is a great alternative.
• 1 1 large egg – Flax egg can be used for a vegan option.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (120 g) – Fresh pumpkin can be used if cooked and pureed.
• 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (60 g) – Walnuts or almonds can work too.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Total: 27 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. The spices will create a lovely aroma as you mix.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes, and you’ll notice the mixture turning a pale color.
4. Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. You’ll see a beautiful orange color emerge from the pumpkin.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to be tender.
6. Fold in the chopped pecans for a delightful crunch. The nuts will add texture and flavor to your cookies.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread slightly while baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should look set but still soft in the center.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without falling apart.

Make It Perfect

• For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the dough.
• If you want a sweeter cookie, drizzle them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk.
• Be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Mix It Up

• Substitute the pecans with chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
• Add a dash of nutmeg or cloves for a spicier flavor profile.
• Make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Pair with a warm cup of spiced chai or apple cider.

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FAQs

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Pie Cookies are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving desserts easy enough for anyone to make. With their warm, comforting flavors, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy some fall baking magic!