Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies

These Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies bring the warmth and comforting flavors of fall to your dessert table. With a perfect balance of sweet sugar and aromatic pumpkin pie spice, these soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are ideal for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to indulge in a seasonal treat. Easy to make and full of flavor, they are sure to become a fall favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
6. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast, or stir in chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Icing: Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness and decoration.
• Dough Chilling: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. You can freeze them for up to 3 months in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
2. What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
   If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in a 4:2:1:1 ratio.
3. Can I make these cookies without an egg?
   Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) as a substitute.
4. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen for a few extra minutes.
5. Can I make the cookies thicker?
   For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, or flatten the dough balls slightly before baking.
6. Can I add frosting to these cookies?
   Yes, these cookies would be delicious with cream cheese frosting or a glaze drizzled over them.
7. What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
   If your cookies spread too much, chill the dough before baking and ensure your cookie sheets are not too warm.
8. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
   Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar, which will give the cookies a slightly richer flavor.
9. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies should be golden brown around the edges. You can also test by gently pressing on the center of a cookie—if it springs back, they are done.
10. Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?
    Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies. If you make them larger, bake them a little longer; if smaller, reduce the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a simple, homemade treat. Their soft texture and the sweet warmth of pumpkin pie spice make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to bring comfort and joy to your autumn days.

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