Always Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Caramel Glaze

🎃 Always Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Caramel Glaze 🍪

History:
The history of pumpkin cookies can be traced back to early American settlers who relied on pumpkins as a staple food. Over time, as pumpkin cultivation became more widespread, people started incorporating this versatile ingredient into various recipes, including desserts like pumpkin cookies. Soft pumpkin cookies with caramel glaze have likely evolved from traditional pumpkin cookie recipes, with the addition of a delicious caramel glaze to enhance their flavor.

Components:
For the Pumpkin Cookies:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Caramel Glaze:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves).

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft cookie dough forms.

6. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are set and the edges are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake to keep them soft.

8. While the cookies are baking, prepare the caramel glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

9. Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

10. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and has reached your desired consistency.

11. Once the cookies are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, drizzle the caramel glaze over them.

12. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Preparation Time:
The preparation time for these soft pumpkin cookies with caramel glaze typically takes around 30-40 minutes, including both the cookie and glaze preparation. This may vary slightly depending on your level of experience in the kitchen.

Enjoy these delightful pumpkin cookies with their rich caramel glaze – a perfect treat for the fall season! 🍂🍁🍪

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Always Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Caramel Glaze:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving, assuming 24 cookies):

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 105mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 21g
• Protein: 2g

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: These pumpkin cookies are relatively moderate in calories, making them a reasonable dessert option when consumed in moderation.

2. Fat Content: They contain a moderate amount of fat, with a slightly higher proportion of saturated fat due to the butter and caramel glaze. It’s advisable to enjoy them as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.

3. Sugar: These cookies are relatively high in sugar content, primarily from granulated sugar in the cookie dough and the brown sugar in the caramel glaze. Excessive sugar intake can contribute to health issues, so enjoy them sparingly.

4. Protein and Fiber: While these cookies are not a significant source of protein or fiber, the addition of pumpkin puree does provide some dietary fiber, which can help with digestion.

5. Vitamins and Minerals: Pumpkin is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. While these nutrients are present in the pumpkin puree used in the recipe, their quantities in a single cookie may be relatively small.

6. Portion Control: To make these cookies a healthier option, consider practicing portion control. Limit yourself to one or two cookies at a time to manage calorie and sugar intake.

7. Balance: Enjoy these cookies as part of a balanced diet. Pairing them with healthier choices throughout the day can help you maintain a balanced intake of nutrients.

Remember that moderation is key when enjoying desserts like these pumpkin cookies, and they are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack.