It’s officially fall when pumpkin desserts make their appearance! If you’re looking to kick off the baking season with a hit, we’ve got just the recipe for you. Our #1 pumpkin dessert—easy iced pumpkin cookies—has earned nearly 4,000 5-star ratings and is guaranteed to be an autumn favorite.
These cookies are not only perfect for any gathering but are also so good that they often sell ‘by the pound’ at church bake sales.
Why These Pumpkin Cookies Are A Must-Try
No Fancy Ingredients Needed
One of the biggest reasons these pumpkin cookies are so popular is their simplicity. Unlike other bakery-style desserts that require specialty ingredients, this recipe is made using everyday pantry staples. The only thing you may need to pick up is pumpkin puree, which is inexpensive and readily available.
Fluffy And Cake-Like Texture
These cookies stand out for their fluffy, cake-like texture, thanks to a combination of two leavening agents: baking soda and baking powder. Many reviewers even say they resemble muffin tops more than traditional cookies, giving them a unique appeal that makes each bite light and airy.
Perfect For Make-Ahead Baking
As the holiday season approaches, make-ahead desserts become a lifesaver. These pumpkin cookies are a dream when it comes to planning ahead. Unlike cookies with soft cream cheese frosting, the icing on these cookies hardens quickly, making them easy to stack and store. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.
Highly Customizable Recipe
Whether you love a classic cream cheese frosting or prefer your cookies with just a hint of cinnamon, these cookies are endlessly versatile.
You can roll the dough in cinnamon-sugar before baking or mix in extras like chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins. The options are endless, so you can truly make this recipe your own.
What People Are Saying About These Pumpkin Cookies
Here’s what fans have to say about these delicious pumpkin cookies:
- “These cookies are always a huge hit at parties. People of all ages enjoy them, and I’m constantly asked for the recipe!” —Raelene S.
- “I followed the recipe to the letter, and these cookies came out delicious. They are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings.” —Linda Lou Jett
- “I made these for my company’s annual Halloween bake-off and won first place! They were a huge success!” —Dejalen
- “I bake these cookies for our local church bazaar, and we sell them by the pound. They are always in high demand!” —Peggy Thomas
- “These cookies are fantastic with or without icing. They’re soft, fluffy, and made my whole house smell like fall while baking.” —Jamie
Tips For Making The Best Pumpkin Cookies
- Get the Icing Right: The key to making these cookies extra special is the icing. Since the icing hardens quickly, it’s easy to stack these cookies for easy storage, making them perfect for bake sales or holiday events.
- Mix-Ins for Extra Flavor: Add chocolate chips, white chocolate, chopped nuts, or even raisins for an extra burst of flavor. These mix-ins can elevate the cookies from a simple treat to a showstopper.
- Freeze the Dough: If you want to get ahead of your holiday baking, freeze the dough in individual portions and bake them fresh when you’re ready for a treat.
- Use Fresh Spices: Pumpkin cookies are all about that warm, spiced flavor. Using freshly ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can really make a difference in the flavor of your cookies.
- Make It Your Own: Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe. Whether you prefer cream cheese frosting or want to try a cinnamon-sugar coating, these cookies are versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin dessert to kick off fall baking season, these iced pumpkin cookies are a must-try. With simple ingredients, a light and fluffy texture, and endless customization options, it’s no wonder they have nearly 4,000 5-star ratings.
Whether you’re making them for a church bake sale, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these pumpkin cookies are sure to be a hit.
FAQs
1. Can I Freeze The Pumpkin Cookie Dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough in pre-portioned balls and bake them later. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready, and you’ll have fresh, warm cookies in no time.
2. How Long Will These Pumpkin Cookies Stay Fresh?
These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies and thaw them when needed.
3. Can I Substitute Fresh Pumpkin For Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure it’s pureed and drained of excess water. Canned pumpkin is more consistent, but fresh works well if properly prepared.
4. Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free pumpkin cookies that everyone can enjoy.
5. Do I Have To Add The Icing?
No, the cookies are delicious even without icing. You can also try rolling them in cinnamon-sugar before baking for an extra touch of sweetness.
