Great Pumpkin Cookies

Great Pumpkin Cookies Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12 cookies

Introduction

Pumpkin cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the fall season. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The addition of pumpkin puree gives them a rich and moist texture that is sure to please any pumpkin lover.

History

Pumpkin cookies have been a popular treat for many years, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. The combination of pumpkin and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg has been a classic flavor profile in baked goods for centuries. These cookies are a modern twist on traditional pumpkin bread or pie, and are a fun and easy way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a portable and delicious cookie form.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup quick or old fashioned oats, uncooked
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup pumpkin (Libby's)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup nuts

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar gradually until well combined.
Beat the mixture until it becomes fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla to the mixture. Mix well.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and pumpkin to the mixture. Mix until well combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips.
On a lightly greased cookie sheet, place 0.25 cup of dough for each cookie.
Place a few chocolate chips on top of each cookie.
Shape the cookies to be about 2 inches in diameter.
Bake the cookies for 20 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly browned.
If desired, decorate the cookies with candies, raisins, or nuts.

Variations

For a healthier option, try using whole wheat flour or almond flour in place of all-purpose flour.
Add in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for an extra boost of warm fall flavors.
Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture in these cookies.

- Be sure to cream the butter and sugar together well to ensure a light and fluffy cookie.

- Don't overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients, as this can result in tough cookies.

- Feel free to add in extra mix-ins like nuts, raisins, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist on this classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These pumpkin cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot tea or coffee on a cool fall day. They also make a great addition to any holiday cookie platter.

Cooking Techniques

These pumpkin cookies are baked in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly browned. Be sure to check them frequently to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute mashed sweet potato or butternut squash for a similar flavor and texture. You can also use vegetable oil in place of butter if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

These pumpkin cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

These pumpkin cookies can be decorated with additional chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a more festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These pumpkin cookies pair well with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. They also go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store these pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these pumpkin cookies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these pumpkin cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these pumpkin cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these pumpkin cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These pumpkin cookies are a good source of vitamin A, thanks to the pumpkin puree. They also contain small amounts of iron and calcium.

Alergens

These pumpkin cookies contain wheat, eggs, and nuts. They may also contain traces of soy and dairy.

Summary

These pumpkin cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and fat. They are a good source of vitamin A and provide a small amount of protein and fiber.

Summary

These pumpkin cookies are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for the fall season. They are soft, chewy, and full of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. With a rich pumpkin flavor and a hint of chocolate, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a crisp autumn day, the air filled with the scent of pumpkin spice and falling leaves. I had been rummaging through my old recipe box, searching for something new and exciting to bake. As I flipped through the index cards, my eyes landed on a faded piece of paper with the words "Great Pumpkin Cookies" scrawled across it in elegant script.

Curiosity piqued, I carefully unfolded the paper and read through the ingredients and instructions. It was a simple recipe, calling for all the classic fall flavors – pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. I could practically taste the warm, gooey cookies just thinking about it.

I couldn't wait to give it a try. I gathered up all the necessary ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. As I mixed together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and spices, the scent that filled the room was heavenly. It was like autumn had come alive in my kitchen.

As the cookies baked in the oven, I eagerly awaited the final result. When I pulled them out and took a bite, I was transported to a world of pumpkin patches and hayrides. The cookies were soft and chewy, with just the right amount of spice. They were perfect.

I knew right then and there that this recipe was something special. It had the potential to become a family favorite, passed down through the generations. I made a mental note to add it to my collection of beloved recipes, alongside my famous apple pie and chocolate chip cookies.

Over the years, I've made these Great Pumpkin Cookies countless times. They have become a staple at our family gatherings, a comforting treat that everyone looks forward to. I've tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a bit more cinnamon or a handful of raisins, but the essence of the original recipe remains the same.

I often think back to that day when I first discovered the recipe, and how it has since become a cherished part of our family's culinary history. It's a reminder of the joy that can be found in simple pleasures – a warm cookie fresh from the oven, shared with loved ones on a chilly autumn evening.

As I sit here now, with a plate of Great Pumpkin Cookies in front of me, I am filled with gratitude for the moments spent in the kitchen, creating something delicious and heartwarming. And I can't help but smile, knowing that this recipe will continue to bring joy to my family for years to come.