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Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

These pumpkin cookies are soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge, featuring a warm blend of spices including ginger and cayenne. The dough is mixed and chilled before being shaped into rounds and baked until golden brown. The final cookies have a moist interior with a fragrant spice aroma and a hint of heat on the finish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pureed pumpkin canned or homemade
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper tiny pinch for heat
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pureed pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the egg to the wet mixture and beat until fully incorporated. This helps the dough relax and ensures even moisture distribution.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the spices.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but firm enough to scoop.
  6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to shape and helping the flavors to meld.
  7. Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  8. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork or your fingers, creating a slight disc shape.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the cookies feel set around the edges.
  10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breaking.
  11. Once cooled, enjoy these fragrant, spicy pumpkin cookies with a warm cup of tea or milk.

Notes

Chilling the dough enhances flavor and texture. Adjust cayenne to taste for more or less heat.