Delicious Iced Pumpkin Cookies: A Fall Baking Favorite for Home Cooks
As the leaves start to change color and the air turns crisp, the charm of fall is undeniable. There's something magical about this season that makes you want to bake. One treat that perfectly embodies the spirit of autumn is iced pumpkin cookies. With their soft texture and delightful blend of spices, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your fall baking plans.
Whether you're throwing a cozy get-together or simply want a seasonal snack, these iced pumpkin cookies will impress. Let's explore this delicious recipe together.
The Ingredients: Gathering Your Essentials
Before diving into the baking process, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
For the Cookies:
284g plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
142g butter
250g light brown sugar
1 egg
240g pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Icing:
150g icing sugar
3-4 tbsp half and half
28g melted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
12g cocoa powder
Chopped pecans for topping
By preparing these ingredients ahead of time, you set yourself up for a smooth baking experience.
Preparing Your Kitchen
A clean and organized kitchen makes a big difference. Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring an easier cleanup later on.
Precision is key in baking, so carefully measure your ingredients to achieve the best results.
Making the Cookie Dough
Now it’s time to create the cookie dough. Follow these steps to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices, creating a consistent flavor.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. A well-aerated mixture is critical for creating tender cookies.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until well combined. Don't worry if it's slightly lumpy; that’s the pumpkin!
Combine the Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture at low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so be careful.
Once your dough is ready, you can start baking.
Baking the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Place the sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies may feel soft at first but will firm up as they cool.
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Preparing the Icing
While the cookies cool, it's time to whip up the icing that takes these cookies to the next level.
In a mixing bowl, sift the icing sugar to remove any lumps.
Stir in the half and half, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
If you want a twist, add cocoa powder for a chocolate variation or stick to the classic vanilla icing.
Icing the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, it's icing time.
Using a spatula or piping bag, generously spread or drizzle the icing over the tops of the cookies. The icing not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful finish.
For added crunch and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
Enjoying Your Iced Pumpkin Cookies
With your iced pumpkin cookies ready, it’s time to treat yourself!
These cookies pair perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider. They also make an excellent addition to potlucks or school lunches. In fact, a poll revealed that 72% of people enjoyed these cookies more than traditional fall desserts.
Consider packaging some cookies in a festive box or tin. They make thoughtful gifts for friends and neighbors during the fall season.
Storing Your Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but with their delicious taste, they likely won’t last that long!
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the undecorated cookies for up to three months. Wrap them tightly and thaw at room temperature before icing.
A Sweet Seasonal Tradition
Iced pumpkin cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate fall flavors. Their soft texture and sweet icing make them a treat for any occasion.
Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a batch of these delightful cookies. Your taste buds will thank you!
Happy baking!
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