Pumpkin Spice Harvest Delights

Harvest Pumpkin Cookies Recipe 🍪

Overview:

Make these Harvest Pumpkin Cookies for a delightful treat that embodies the essence of autumn! Perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit with their warm flavors and comforting aroma. This recipe yields approximately 36 cookies, so you’ll have plenty to share with friends and family, or you can stash some away in the freezer for later enjoyment. Let’s dive into the delicious details!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• Pecan halves for topping

Nutritional Information (per cookie):

• Calories: 117.9
• Fat: 7.5g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 19.4mg
• Sodium: 97.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 11.9g
• Fiber: 0.7g
• Sugar: 5.9g
• Protein: 1.3g

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

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2. Combine the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and ground allspice in a medium bowl. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.

3. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer set to medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue to beat until everything is well combined.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating at low speed until the dough comes together and is well blended.

6. Stir in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries using a spoon or spatula. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

7. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

8. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon, and press one pecan half into the center of each cookie for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.

9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and set around the edges.

10. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheets for 1 minute. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

11. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy them whenever a craving strikes!

Serving Suggestions:

These Harvest Pumpkin Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider. Serve them as a sweet treat during Thanksgiving dinner, or package them up in decorative bags to give as homemade gifts during the holiday season. However you choose to enjoy them, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and happiness to any occasion!

Tips:

• For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the cookie dough.
• If you prefer softer cookies, slightly underbake them by removing them from the oven a minute or two early.
• To make the cookies ahead of time, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the cookies.
• Don’t skip the step of pressing a pecan half into the center of each cookie before baking—it adds a lovely visual touch and enhances the nutty flavor of the cookies.

Conclusion:

With their irresistible combination of pumpkin, spices, pecans, and cranberries, these Harvest Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. Whether you’re baking them for Thanksgiving, a cozy autumn afternoon, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a delicious baking adventure—it’s time to indulge in the flavors of the season! 🎃🍪