There is nothing quite like the cozy warmth of fall captured in a cookie, and this Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe does exactly that with every delightful bite. These cutouts combine tender, buttery dough with the fragrant spices of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves alongside the rich, moist hint of pumpkin puree. Whether you’re baking for a seasonal gathering, holiday cheer, or just treating yourself, these cookies bring the classic flavors of autumn in a fun, festive shape that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe plays a starring role, from the smooth butter that creates the perfect tender crumb to the earthy spices that bring that unmistakable pumpkin pie aroma. These ingredients are simple but essential for capturing the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for your cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift for a light, soft texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm, classic spice that defines pumpkin desserts.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing that wakes up your palate.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a nuttier, sweet earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Intensifies that autumn spice mix with a slightly smoky note.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures your cookies are rich and tender without being greasy.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps to create the perfect cookie crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients while adding a subtle richness.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show—moist, flavorful, and naturally vibrant.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and roundness to the overall flavor.
- Optional: royal icing or powdered sugar: For those who love to add a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
Start by combining your flour, baking powder, salt, and the signature pumpkin spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—in a medium bowl. Whisking these dry ingredients ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is key for every bite to have that perfect spiced flavor.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This step is crucial—not only does it create a smooth texture, but it also aerates your dough to make those cookies tender and light.
Step 3: Incorporate Pumpkin and Egg
Next, beat in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until well combined. This adds moisture and a beautiful, natural orange hue that will make your cutouts unmistakably festive.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the whisked dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Take care to not overwork it—once the dough comes together, it’s time to chill.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is a game-changer for ease of rolling and helps keep the shapes crisp during baking.
Step 6: Roll Out and Cut Shapes
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prep baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one chilled dough portion on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create festive shapes that speak to your imagination and mood—pumpkins, leaves, or classic circles all work wonderfully.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden brown. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this prevents them from breaking and locks in that tender texture.
Step 8: Optional Decorating
If you want to add a decorative finish, now is the time to pipe on royal icing or lightly dust with powdered sugar. It adds a festive flair and an extra touch of sweetness that’s perfect for sharing or gifting.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies look gorgeous with a simple dusting of powdered sugar to mimic autumn’s first frost or with drizzles of creamy white icing in intricate designs. You can even sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar right before baking for an extra sparkle and sweet aroma. The garnishes provide just enough visual appeal and taste contrast to keep each cookie exciting.
Side Dishes
Pumpkin Spice Cutouts pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai, pumpkin latte, or even a glass of chilled milk to balance out the spices. For brunch or dessert spreads, they complement warm apple cider or caramel-dipped fruit slices, making your table a celebration of fall flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe on rustic wooden platters with seasonal decorations like miniature pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and dried leaves to elevate your presentation. Wrapping a stack in cellophane tied with a cinnamon stick and twine also makes an irresistible gift, perfect for bringing smiles during holiday visits or as thoughtful hostess gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and soft for up to 4 days. For longer storage, layered with parchment paper, they remain wonderfully moist and maintain their signature spice flavor.
Freezing
The dough for this Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe freezes beautifully up to 2 months ahead, so you can prepare it in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits. Frozen baked cookies, wrapped well, also freeze well for about a month—simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This revives their softness and aroma without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it can quickly make them rubbery or too soft.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is the easiest way to add moistness and authentic pumpkin flavor to your cutouts. Just avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
While the combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates that classic pumpkin spice profile, you can experiment by using just cinnamon and ginger if that’s what you have. The cookies will still be delicious, just a bit milder in spice complexity.
How thick should I roll the dough for the perfect cookie?
Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness is ideal. This ensures your cutouts hold their shape during baking but remain soft and tender rather than crisp or hard.
Can I decorate these cookies with icing if I’m new to baking?
Definitely! Royal icing is user-friendly once you get the hang of it, and simple designs like outlining or dots are great starting points. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar achieves a lovely effect with zero fuss.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe yields around 24 cookies, depending on the size and thickness of your cutouts. It’s perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the season.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking with the flavors of autumn, and this Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe captures that essence beautifully. It’s easy to make, wonderfully fragrant, and perfect for brightening any chilly day with a homemade touch. I hope you enjoy creating and sharing these joyful autumn treats as much as I do—happy baking!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Pumpkin Spice Cutouts, soft and flavorful cookies infused with warm fall spices and pumpkin puree. Perfectly cut into festive shapes, these cookies are ideal for holiday celebrations or cozy autumn afternoons, with optional royal icing or powdered sugar decorating to add a sweet finishing touch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- Royal icing or powdered sugar for decorating
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and all the spices until evenly combined to create the flavorful base for the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms, taking care not to overmix.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier rolling and cutting.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Roll out one portion of chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and transfer them carefully to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cutout cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked without losing softness in the center.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents sogginess.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing or sprinkle with powdered sugar as desired for a festive and sweet finish.
Notes
- For a more pronounced pumpkin flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice along with the other spices.
- The dough can be frozen for up to 2 months before baking; thaw and chill again before rolling.
- Ensure dough is well chilled for best rolling and cutting results.
