Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Icing are the perfect fall treat, combining the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with a sweet, creamy icing. These cookies are soft, chewy, and ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a warm beverage.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

For the Icing:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cookies:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Shape and Bake:

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Icing:

In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the icing.
Once cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of icing on top of each cookie.

Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy these delightful cookies with friends and family!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: Makes about 24 cookies

Variations

Spiced Version: Add additional spices like cloves or allspice for a more robust flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the iced cookies for an extra sweet touch.
Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating: To refresh cookies, microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at low heat.

10 FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Icing can also be frozen separately.
What can I substitute for eggs?
Use a flax egg or applesauce (1/4 cup) as a substitute for the egg.
How can I make the icing thicker?
Add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, chocolate chips can be mixed into the dough for added sweetness.
What type of flour can I use?
All-purpose flour is recommended, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends.
How can I make the cookies more flavorful?
Letting the dough chill for an hour can enhance the flavors.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Use a piping bag for detailed icing work or a simple knife for spreading.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use granulated sugar substitutes, but check the conversion ratios.
What do I do if my dough is too sticky?
Add a bit more flour until the dough reaches a workable consistency.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Icing are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. With their soft texture and sweet icing, these cookies are perfect for sharing during the holiday season or enjoying at home. Easy to make and versatile, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every delicious bite!