If you’re looking for a delicious way to celebrate the cozy flavors of fall, this Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe is an absolute must-try. These soft, cake-like cookies beautifully combine the warm spices of pumpkin pie with a classic cutout shape that invites creativity in decorating. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just craving a seasonal treat, these cookies are wonderfully aromatic, tender, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. You’re going to fall in love with every bite that captures the very essence of autumn!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple and classic ingredients come together in this Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role, from the all-purpose flour that provides structure to the pumpkin pie spice that infuses the warm and inviting aroma we all crave during the season.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): Forms the base of these cookies with just the right balance of tenderness and structure.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise slightly for a soft, cakey texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to achieve perfect leavening.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Pumpkin pie spice (2 teaspoons): The star of the show, infusing every morsel with autumn magic.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Vegetable shortening (1/4 cup): Keeps the cookies tender and helps them hold their shape.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and contributes to a slight crisp edge.
- canned pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): Brings moisture, flavor, and that unmistakable pumpkin goodness.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds a touch of richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the spice blend with a hint of sweetness.
- Optional royal icing or glaze: Perfect for decorating and transforming your cutouts into edible works of art.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl. This ensures that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, setting the foundation for perfectly flavored cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Shortening, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving the dough a lighter texture and your cookies that lovely tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. The pumpkin puree not only adds moisture but also imparts that rich autumnal flavor that makes these cutouts so special.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Be gentle here; overmixing can toughen the dough, so combine just until everything comes together smoothly.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough in half and flatten each into a disk before chilling them in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, which makes rolling out easier and ensures your pumpkin spice cutouts hold their shape during baking.
Step 6: Roll and Cut Shapes
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough at a time to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes, then carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and showing a delicate golden hue. Resist the urge to overbake because these cookies are best when they stay soft and cake-like.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can decorate with royal icing or glaze if you like, turning your Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe into charming, festive treats.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the experience, try garnishing these cookies with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of spiced glaze. Edible glitter or finely chopped nuts can also add an attractive texture and festive sparkle for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, hot apple cider, or even a creamy latte. Their soft texture and spicy sweetness complement autumnal drinks perfectly, making them ideal as an after-dinner treat or afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, arrange the cutouts on a decorative platter with small pumpkins or colorful fall leaves for a stunning display. You can also package them individually in clear bags tied with festive ribbons to give as thoughtful, homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed well helps maintain their softness and preserves the beautiful pumpkin spice flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make these treats ahead of time, the dough freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the fridge before rolling out and cutting shapes.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies if they’ve lost a bit of their softness, warm them gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. This quick step brings back that freshly baked feeling every time.
FAQs
Can I substitute the canned pumpkin puree?
Fresh pumpkin puree can work, but canned pumpkin is preferred for its consistent moisture and smooth texture. If using fresh, make sure it’s well strained and cooked down to match the canned pumpkin’s consistency.
Are these cookies gluten-free friendly?
This Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, try a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour blend, but note the texture may vary slightly.
What is the best way to decorate these cutouts?
Royal icing is the classic choice for decorating cutout cookies, allowing for intricate designs that harden nicely. You can also use a simple powdered sugar glaze or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar before baking for a rustic look.
Can I add other spices to the mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or nutmeg to enhance the warm spice profile. Just keep the total spice quantity balanced so the pumpkin flavor stays front and center.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness is ideal. Thinner dough can result in crisper cookies, while thicker dough keeps the cookies soft and cakey, which is what makes this Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe so delightful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about baking Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe from scratch, filling your kitchen with that authentic autumn aroma and biting into a cookie that’s soft, spiced, and perfectly sweet. Whether decorating with kids or gifting to friends, these cookies bring joy and warmth with every batch. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a seasonal favorite in your home!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Cutouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 cookies, depending on size
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Cutouts are soft, cake-like cookies flavored with warm pumpkin pie spice and real pumpkin puree. Perfect for fall and Halloween celebrations, they hold their shape well after chilling and baking, making them ideal for decorating with royal icing or glaze.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- Royal icing or glaze for decorating
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice to combine all dry components evenly.
- Cream Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into disks, wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier handling and better shape retention during baking.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll and Cut Shapes: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set and just lightly golden, being careful not to overbake to maintain softness.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once completely cooled, optionally decorate the cookies with royal icing or glaze for a festive finish.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape better when baking.
- These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture, making them perfect for decorating.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
