Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seasonal Flavors: The combination of pumpkin and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings a cozy, autumnal taste.
Soft Texture: The addition of pumpkin puree results in moist and tender cookies.
Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, these cookies are accessible for bakers of all levels.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups white sugar
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Icing:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two cookie sheets.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the white sugar and softened butter until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary.
Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the icing over them using a fork or spoon.

Servings and Timing

Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes for cooling and icing
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Add-Ins: Incorporate chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Spice Adjustments: Modify the spice blend to suit your taste; adding a pinch of ground ginger can enhance the warmth.
Icing Alternatives: For a tangy twist, substitute the icing with cream cheese frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once the icing has set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough by dropping spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: If desired, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pumpkin puree can be used. Ensure it’s well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

How can I make the cookies spicier?

Increase the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to enhance the spice profile.

Can I omit the icing?

Certainly, the cookies are delicious on their own without the icing.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be substituted for butter in this recipe.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes, both the dough and baked cookies freeze well.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the centers are set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Can I add nuts to the dough?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can provide a delightful crunch.

How do I make the icing thicker?

Add more powdered sugar to the icing to achieve a thicker consistency.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the icing?

Yes, you can use granulated sugar or brown sugar in place of powdered sugar, but the texture and smoothness may differ.

Conclusion

These iced pumpkin cookies are a perfect fall treat, bringing together the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a sweet, glossy icing. Whether for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, they’re sure to be a hit. With their soft texture and seasonal flavors, these cookies will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire!