Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe from USA: Quick and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 24

Introduction

Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the fall season. These cookies are packed with warm spices and pumpkin flavor, making them a favorite among both kids and adults. They are easy to make and are sure to be a hit at any gathering or event.

History

Pumpkin Spice Cookies have been a popular treat for many years, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. The combination of pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves has been a classic flavor profile in baking for centuries. These cookies are a modern twist on traditional pumpkin desserts, offering a convenient and tasty way to enjoy the flavors of fall.

Ingredients

1 package (18.25 oz (517 g)) of yellow cake mix
0.5 cup of quick-cooking oats
2 to 2.5 tsp of pumpkin pie spice
1 egg
1 can (15 oz (425 g)) of solid-pack pumpkin
2 tbsp of canola oil
3 cups of confectioners' sugar
1 tsp of grated orange peel
3 to 4 tbsp of orange juice

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the cake mix, oats, and pumpkin pie spice.
In another bowl, beat the egg, pumpkin, and oil; stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened.
Drop by 2 tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets coated with nonstick cooking spray; flatten with the back of a spoon.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 18 – 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Remove to wire racks to cool.
In a bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, orange peel, and enough orange juice to achieve the desired spreading consistency.
Frost the cooled cookies.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the frosted cookies for a decadent touch.
Use a cream cheese frosting instead of the orange glaze for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use quick-cooking oats in this recipe for the best texture.

- Make sure to flatten the cookie dough before baking to ensure even cooking.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Pumpkin Spice Cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy fall treat. They also make a great addition to any dessert table or cookie exchange.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to use a nonstick cooking spray on the baking sheets to prevent the cookies from sticking.

- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough evenly for uniform cookies.

- Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have yellow cake mix, you can use a spice cake mix or make your own cake mix from scratch.

- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

- If you don't have canola oil, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the frosted cookies on a platter and sprinkle with additional orange zest for a pop of color. Serve them on a festive plate or tray for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these Pumpkin Spice Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They also go well with a hot cup of apple cider or pumpkin spice latte.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the Pumpkin Spice Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave the cookies for a few seconds or warm them in a low oven.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pumpkin Spice Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pumpkin Spice Cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pumpkin Spice Cookies contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Pumpkin Spice Cookies contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a good source of vitamin A, thanks to the pumpkin in the recipe. They also contain small amounts of iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and eggs. It may also contain traces of nuts if the oats are processed in a facility that also processes nuts.

Summary

Pumpkin Spice 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 iron and calcium.

Summary

Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the flavors of fall in every bite. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

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 leaves were falling in hues of red and orange, and there was a hint of pumpkin spice in the air. I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her baking skills, and she had just pulled a batch of Pumpkin Spice Cookies out of the oven. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely intoxicating.

I watched as Margaret carefully arranged the cookies on a platter, their golden brown tops sprinkled with a dusting of cinnamon sugar. She handed me one, still warm from the oven, and as I took my first bite, I knew I had to have the recipe.

"Margaret, these are amazing! Could you please share the recipe with me?" I asked eagerly.

Margaret smiled and passed me a worn, stained index card with the handwritten recipe for Pumpkin Spice Cookies. She told me that she had gotten the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I thanked her profusely and promised to make a batch for my own family.

That night, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my own kitchen, following the instructions on the index card to a tee. The dough came together beautifully, and as I scooped out spoonfuls onto the baking sheet, I could already smell the warm, comforting scent of pumpkin spice filling the room.

As the cookies baked in the oven, I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When they were finally done, I pulled them out and let them cool for a few minutes before taking a bite. The cookie was soft and chewy, with the perfect balance of pumpkin and spice. It was like a little taste of autumn in every bite.

From that day on, Pumpkin Spice Cookies became a staple in my household. I made them for every family gathering, every holiday, and every special occasion. My children and grandchildren grew up with the scent of pumpkin spice wafting through the house, and they always knew that Grandma's Pumpkin Spice Cookies were a treat worth waiting for.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a bit more cinnamon here, a touch of nutmeg there. I have also experimented with different variations, adding nuts or chocolate chips for a little extra flair. But no matter how I change it up, the core of the recipe remains the same – a warm, comforting cookie that tastes like fall.

As I sit here now, with a fresh batch of Pumpkin Spice Cookies cooling on the counter, I can't help but think back to that day in Margaret's kitchen. It was the beginning of a love affair with baking, a passion that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment over the years.

I am grateful for the recipe that Margaret shared with me, and for the memories that it has created. And as I take a bite of a warm, chewy cookie, I know that the tradition of Pumpkin Spice Cookies will live on in my family for generations to come.