As the autumn leaves begin to swirl down from the trees, there’s something about the aroma of spices that calls me to the kitchen. That’s exactly the inspiration behind my Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies, a delightful treat that marries the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a buttery cookie base. These cookies not only bring a delightful taste but are also incredibly fun to decorate, making them a perfect project for your next family gathering or cozy afternoon. Plus, they store beautifully, allowing you to share sweet bites of fall long after the leaves have fallen. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and bring some fall magic to your kitchen?
Why You'll Adore These Cookies?
Irresistible flavors combine pumpkin puree with warm spices for a nostalgic taste that screams fall. Easy-to-make, this simple recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, allowing everyone to join in the fun! Decorating potential means you can unleash your creativity with colors and designs. Great for gatherings, these cookies impress at any event, offering a sweet treat that friends and family can’t resist. Versatile and vibrant, they make an excellent addition to holiday cookie trays or a cozy afternoon snack. Enjoy every bite of these delightful Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies!
Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out Ingredients
• Here’s what you need to create these delightful cookies!
For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – The base of your cookies; ensure it's sifted for a light texture.
• Baking powder – Provides the lift for a perfect cookie consistency.
• Baking soda – Adds an extra rise; don't skip this for fluffy cookies.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds that warm, cozy spice flavor everyone loves.
• Ground ginger – Introduces a zesty kick that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Ground cloves – Provides depth of flavor, rounding out the spice profile.
• Ground nutmeg – Enhances the warmth and richness of the cookie.
• Salt – A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter – Brings richness; ensure it’s softened for easy creaming.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetness that creates a perfect balance with the spices.
• Light brown sugar – Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor.
• Large egg – Binds the ingredients together and contributes to texture.
• Vanilla extract – Elevates the overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
• Pumpkin puree – The star of the show! Use real pumpkin for authenticity.
• Finely chopped pecans – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
For the Icing
• Powdered sugar – The base for a sweet icing; sift it for a smooth finish.
• Meringue powder – Helps stabilize the icing; great for detailed decorations.
• Warm water – Adjust as needed to achieve the perfect icing consistency.
• Gel food coloring – Use for vibrant hues to bring your cookies to life; a little goes a long way!
Get ready to bake some magic with these Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and spices which include 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt. This blend lays the flavor foundation for your Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies, so ensure they are well mixed.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar and ½ cup packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This step brings air into the dough, which is essential for a delightful texture in your cookies, so use a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
With the butter and sugar mixture properly creamed, mix in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and smooth. This step adds richness and flavor to your Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out dough.
Step 4: Incorporate Pumpkin Puree
Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree to the wet mixture and blend until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want a cohesive dough that’s rich in pumpkin flavor. You should see a beautiful orange hue start to develop!
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. This step ensures that your dough maintains a light and tender texture, crucial for your Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in ½ cup of finely chopped pecans into the dough until they are evenly distributed. This step adds that delightful crunch that complements the cookie’s soft texture and enhances the overall flavor of your cookies.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out later and intensifies the flavors of your Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies.
Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This preparation step ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick.
Step 9: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a clean, flat surface. Remove one disc of dough from the fridge and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness. Dust with flour as needed to prevent sticking, making sure to maintain an even thickness for perfect baking results.
Step 10: Cut Out Cookie Shapes
Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the rolled dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. This step adds fun shapes and personalization to your Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies.
Step 11: Gather and Reroll Dough Scraps
Once you've cut out as many cookies as possible, gather the dough scraps and reroll them to cut out more cookies. This step maximizes your dough and reduces waste while ensuring you have plenty of festive cookies to enjoy.
Step 12: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want them firm but soft—perfect for decorating later!
Step 13: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial before icing, allowing the cookies to set perfectly!
Step 14: Prepare the Icing
In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of sifted powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of meringue powder. Gradually add ½ cup of warm water while mixing on low speed until a smooth icing forms. This step ensures your icing is ready for decorating the Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies beautifully.
Step 15: Color the Icing
Divide the icing into separate bowls based on how many colors you want. Add gel food coloring to each bowl, a few drops at a time, mixing until your desired colors are achieved. This is the fun part where you can get creative with your cookie designs!
Step 16: Pipe Outline Icing
Transfer the thicker outline icing into piping bags fitted with small round tips, or use squeeze bottles. Pipe a border around the edges of each cooled cookie, creating a barrier that will help contain the flood icing later.
Step 17: Flood the Cookies
Use the thinner flood icing to fill in the outlined areas of each cookie. Gently shake or tap the cookie to help the icing spread evenly. This step is key to achieving a smooth and glossy finish on your decorated Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies.
Step 18: Add Decorative Touches
While the flood icing is still wet, feel free to add fun sprinkles, edible glitter, or other colors of icing for extra flair. Get creative and make each Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookie uniquely festive!
Step 19: Allow Icing to Dry
Let the icing dry completely before you stack or package the cookies. This step is critical for a neat presentation and ensures all the beautiful details stay intact.
Step 20: Add Final Details
Once the base layer of icing is dry, add extra details like lines, dots, or fun patterns using the outline icing. This final step will give your Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies a delightful professional touch, ready for sharing or enjoying yourself!
How to Store and Freeze Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out
- Room Temperature: Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days while keeping their delightful flavors intact.
- Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week. Just ensure they're in an airtight container to avoid drying out.
- Freezer: To store your Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies long-term, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before enjoying. You can warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer them a little soft and cozy!
Expert Tips for Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out
Chill Your Dough: Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for rolling and cutting out shapes without it sticking.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing. This helps keep your cookies tender and ensures a delightful, soft texture.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should be lightly golden on the edges; overbaking can lead to a dry cookie.
Use Quality Pumpkin: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugars and spices that can affect the overall flavor of your Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies.
Icing Consistency: Achieve a perfect icing consistency by gradually adding warm water. It should be smooth and slightly thick for outlining, thinner for flooding.
Get Creative: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different colors and designs for your icing! Unleash your creativity and make each Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookie unique.
Make Ahead Options
These Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap the divided dough discs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them to enhance flavor while preventing browning. Alternatively, you can also freeze the wrapped dough for up to 3 months—just let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking. When you're ready to bake, follow the usual steps, and you'll enjoy cookies that are just as delicious as if you made them fresh!
What to Serve with Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out
Bring the essence of fall into your kitchen by pairing these delicious cookies with delightful sides and sips that enhance their warm, spiced flavors.
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Apple Cider: Nothing complements the cozy spices in the cookies quite like a warm mug of apple cider. Its sweet and tart notes will create a nostalgic fall experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the spiced cookie flavors. The cold ice cream melts a little, creating an utterly indulgent treat.
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Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea align perfectly with your cookies. Sip this comforting drink to savor each bite while enveloping yourself in warmth and comfort.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a dollop of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a delightful sandwich. The tanginess balances the sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: For a double dose of pumpkin flavor, pair your cookies with a pumpkin spice latte. The warmth and richness make it a seasonal favorite that elevates snack time.
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Toasted Pecans: Add complexity and crunch by serving toasted pecans alongside the cookies—they enhance the nutty flavor already present in the treats while providing a satisfying texture.
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Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate drizzled with caramel complements the sweetness of the cookies. This comforting combination is perfect for chilly afternoons spent indoors.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: For a fun twist, drizzle some pure maple syrup over the icing on your cookies. The rich sweetness of the syrup harmonizes with the spices while adding a touch of decadence.
Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out Variations
Customize your baking experience with these deliciously creative ideas that will make your Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies even more delightful!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for cookies that are just as fun to enjoy.
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Nut-Free: Leave out the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for a tasty crunch without the allergens.
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Add Chocolate: Incorporate ½ cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Spiced Up: Enhance the spice profile by adding ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a gentle kick that balances the sweetness wonderfully.
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Fruity Flavor: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of fruitiness in each delicious cookie.
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Maple Icing: Swap the vanilla extract in the icing for maple extract to give your decorating an exciting autumnal flavor.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte Theme: Drizzle brewed coffee over the frosted cookies for an added coffee flavor, perfect for any fall gathering.
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Simple Sugar Cookies: For a simpler taste, eliminate the pumpkin and spices entirely for classic sugar cookies that can still be decorated with the same icing technique.
Let these variations turn your kitchen into a canvas of flavors and fun!
Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin puree should I use for these cookies?
Absolutely use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling! The latter contains additional sugars and spices that can interfere with the deliciously balanced flavor of your Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies. Look for 100% pumpkin puree in cans – it’s widely available and a go-to choice for baking.
How should I store my decorated cookies?
After decorating, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 days. This method preserves their delightful flavors and texture. If you want to store them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week in an airtight container, but be mindful that refrigeration can sometimes alter the cookies' consistency.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze your Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookie dough, wrap the discs tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then roll it out and cut your shapes as usual.
What if my icing is too thick or too thin?
If the icing is too thick, add a few drops of warm water until you achieve the desired consistency for flooding. Conversely, if it’s too thin, sift in more powdered sugar to thicken it up gradually. Aim for a balance where it flows easily but still holds its shape for detailing—a smooth icing is key for beautifully decorated cookies!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Of course! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking, such as a 1:1 baking flour. Be sure to check that your baking powder and meringue powder are also gluten-free to ensure everyone can enjoy these delightful Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies!
How long do these cookies last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, these delicious cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. For long-term storage, freezing the cookies is an excellent option, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of fall anytime!
Indulgent Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out Cookies to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together the dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the pumpkin puree to the wet mixture and blend until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Gather and reroll dough scraps to cut out more cookies.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Whisk together powdered sugar and meringue powder, then mix in warm water to form icing.
- Color the icing with gel food coloring as desired.
- Pipe a border around the edges of each cookie with thicker icing.
- Fill in the outlines with thinner flood icing and let it spread evenly.
- Add sprinkles or more icing designs on top before it dries.
- Let the icing dry completely before stacking or packaging the cookies.
- Add final decorative touches with outlined icing once the base layer is dry.
