Pumpkin Shaped Cookies

Pumpkin Shaped Cookies

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Pumpkin-shaped cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the fall season. Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving desserts, or simply as a fun baking activity, these cookies are as charming as they are delicious. Made with a buttery base and decorated to look like pumpkins, they’re a fun way to bring seasonal flair to your baking.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make pumpkin-shaped cookies from scratch and decorate them with colorful icing to resemble pumpkins, complete with stems and vines.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin-Shaped Cookies

  • Festive Design: These cookies capture the essence of autumn with their pumpkin-inspired shapes.
  • Deliciously Buttery: A soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base that pairs perfectly with icing.
  • Fun and Creative: Decorating them is a delightful activity for kids and adults alike.
  • Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them in cellophane bags or arrange them in a gift box for a seasonal present.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Shaped Cookies


These Pumpkin Shaped Cookies are the perfect treat for fall, Halloween, or Thanksgiving! With a soft, spiced cookie base, these cookies are cut into fun pumpkin shapes and decorated with bright orange icing and a cute green “stem.” They’re fun to make, and even more fun to eat, with that classic fall flavor of pumpkin spice in every bite!

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Icing

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring (orange, green, and brown)
  • Piping bags or squeeze bottles

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
  3. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes, placing them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
  4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Avoid overbaking for a softer cookie.
  5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Decorate the Cookies

Make the Icing:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thicker icing or more milk for thinner icing.
  2. Divide the icing into separate bowls and color each with gel food coloring: orange for the pumpkin, green for vines and leaves, and brown for stems.

Decorate the Cookies:

  1. Using a piping bag or squeeze bottle, outline the pumpkin shape with orange icing. Let it set for 10 minutes.
  2. Flood the interior with the same orange icing, using a toothpick to spread it evenly.
  3. Once the base icing is dry, pipe green icing to create vines or leaves and brown icing for the stem.
  4. Let the cookies dry completely before stacking or packaging.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin-Shaped Cookies

  1. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and prevents the cookies from spreading during baking.
  2. Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel colors provide vibrant shades without thinning the icing.
  3. Invest in Quality Tools: Piping bags, fine tips, and toothpicks make detailed decorating easier.
  4. Plan for Drying Time: Allow each layer of icing to dry before adding details to avoid smudging.

Variations

  1. Spiced Pumpkin Cookies
    Add 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp ground cloves to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
  2. Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies
    Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolate twist.
  3. Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies
    Fill two cookies with cream cheese frosting or a pumpkin-spiced filling for an extra indulgent treat.
  4. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies
    Use a gluten-free baking flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.

How Should I Store Pumpkin-Shaped Cookies?

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Undecorated cookies can be frozen for longer storage.

You can shape the cookies by hand or use a round cutter and gently shape the edges into a pumpkin-like form.

Conclusion

Pumpkin-shaped cookies are a fun and festive way to celebrate the autumn season. They’re not only delicious but also a creative outlet for decorating. Whether you’re baking with family or making treats for a party, these cookies are sure to be a highlight. Try this recipe today and enjoy the sweet charm of fall in every bite!

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