Fall is the perfect time to indulge in these delicious, warm pumpkin spice cookies. With a perfect blend of spices, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any autumn gathering. The surprise pumpkin spice-flavored candies in the center add a delightful twist to the traditional cookie, making it a treat you won't forget.
While most of the ingredients for these cookies are pantry staples, you might need to make a trip to the supermarket for the pumpkin spice-flavored candies. They're seasonal items, so they might not be available all year round, but they're worth the effort. These candies give the cookies their signature pumpkin spice flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies Ingredients
All-purpose flour: A versatile ingredient that provides the structure in many baked goods.
Cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their deep, dark color and adds a rich chocolate flavor.
Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg that gives these cookies their fall flavor.
Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Butter: Adds richness and moistness to the cookies.
White sugar: Sweetens the cookies.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the cookies, as well as a hint of caramel flavor.
Eggs: Provide structure and help with leavening.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor and enhances the taste of the other ingredients.
Pumpkin spice-flavored candies: Add a burst of pumpkin spice flavor to each cookie.
One reader, Darin Frantz says:
These pumpkin spice cookies are a game-changer! The perfect blend of spices and the addition of pumpkin candies make them a fall favorite. The cookies are soft and chewy, and the pumpkin flavor really shines through. They're a hit with everyone who tries them!
Essential Techniques for Making Pumpkin Spice Cookies
How to prepare the cookie dough: Combine the dry ingredients and mix them together. Then, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, and gradually add the dry ingredients. Chill the dough for 1 hour before shaping.
How to shape the cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and flatten them slightly to prevent rolling off the cookie sheets.
How to bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line the cookie sheets with parchment paper. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and starting to brown.
How to add the candy kisses: Firmly push a pumpkin spice-flavored candy kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after removing them from the oven. Let the cookies cool completely before serving.
How To Make Pumpkin Spice Cookies
If you can get your hands on Hershey’s Pumpkin Spice Fall specialty, time to make this chewy and decadent chocolate chips with pumpkin spice kisses.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupsall-purpose flour
- ¾cupcocoa powder
- 1tbsppumpkin pie spice
- 1tspbaking soda
- ½tspsalt
- 2½butter sticks,softened
- 1cupwhite sugar
- ¾cupfirmly brown sugar,packed
- 2large eggs
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 10ozpumpkin spice-flavored candies,(1 bag) such as Hershey’s® Pumpkin Spice Kisses
Instructions
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Stir flour, cocoa, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl.
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Combine butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl.
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Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat well. Mix in flour mixture gradually.
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Chill cookie dough for 1 hour. Meanwhile, unwrap the candy kisses.
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
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Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Flatten just enough to keep from rolling off the cookie sheets.
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Bake in the preheated oven until edges are set and starting to brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
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Slide parchment paper onto wire cooling racks.
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Firmly push a candy kiss into the center of each cookie. Let cool completely.
Nutrition
- Calories: 96.75kcal
- Fat: 5.59g
- Saturated Fat: 3.41g
- Trans Fat: 0.15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.58g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.24g
- Carbohydrates: 12.02g
- Fiber: 0.80g
- Sugar: 7.72g
- Protein: 1.10g
- Cholesterol: 16.32mg
- Sodium: 44.66mg
- Calcium: 7.77mg
- Potassium: 44.72mg
- Iron: 0.55mg
- Vitamin A: 34.88µg
- Vitamin C: 0.02mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cookies
When preparing your pumpkin spice cookies, it's important to remember that chilling the dough is not a step to be skipped. This process allows the fats in the butter to solidify, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful cookie. For an even richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. To make brown butter, simply melt the butter over medium heat until it turns a toasty brown color. This adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor to your cookies that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin spice.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe
Prep ahead: Measure and prepare all your ingredients before starting. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly mix the dough, saving time and effort compared to manual mixing.
Chill dough in advance: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and chill it overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and make the dough easier to work with when it's time to bake.
Bake in batches: If your oven space allows, bake multiple batches simultaneously to expedite the process and save time.
Cleanup as you go: Wash and put away utensils and equipment as you progress through the recipe to minimize cleanup time at the end.
Organize your workspace: Keep your cooking area organized and tidy to avoid wasting time searching for tools and ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the cookies, while also providing a slightly denser texture.
cocoa powder - Substitute with cacao powder: Cacao powder is less processed than cocoa powder and has a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
pumpkin pie spice - Substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: A combination of these spices can replicate the flavors of pumpkin pie spice.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, but it may affect the texture and rise of the cookies.
butter sticks - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, adding a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can add a caramel-like flavor and a slightly darker color to the cookies.
firmly brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a rich, sweet flavor and moisture to the cookies.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can act as a binding agent and add moisture to the cookies, making them slightly denser.
pumpkin spice-flavored candies - Substitute with chopped nuts and chocolate chips: Chopped nuts and chocolate chips can add texture and flavor to the cookies, replacing the pumpkin spice candies.
How to Beautifully Present Your Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Elevate the cookie: Place the cookies on a sleek, modern plate or a rustic wooden board to create a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with elegance: Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies for a touch of sophistication.
Incorporate seasonal elements: Arrange the cookies on a bed of dried autumn leaves or small decorative pumpkins to evoke the essence of fall.
Create a symmetrical layout: Place the cookies in a circular or linear pattern to showcase precision and attention to detail.
Utilize contrasting textures: Pair the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream to add a luxurious element to the presentation.
Emphasize the color palette: Surround the cookies with vibrant orange and earthy brown accents to complement the warm, inviting hues of the pumpkin spice flavor.
Add a touch of finesse with edible flowers: Garnish the plate with delicate, edible flowers such as marigolds or pansies to infuse a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Incorporate a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place a small piece of edible gold leaf on each cookie to add a hint of opulence to the presentation.
Present with precision: Use a fine-tipped piping bag to drizzle a delicate chocolate or caramel sauce in an artistic pattern around the cookies for a professional and polished finish.
Personalize with monogrammed napkins: Serve the cookies alongside monogrammed cloth napkins for a personalized and refined touch that will impress even the most discerning culinary professionals.
Essential Tools for Making the Best Pumpkin Spice Cookies
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's great for making cookie dough and blending spices.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential tool for combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and creating the cookie dough.
- Electric mixer: An electric mixer is used to cream the butter and sugars together, and to beat the eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture.
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the cookie sheets, preventing the cookies from sticking and making for easy cleanup.
- Cookie sheets: Cookie sheets are used to bake the cookie dough in the oven, providing a flat surface for even baking.
- Wire cooling racks: Wire cooling racks are used to cool the cookies after baking, allowing air to circulate around the cookies for even cooling.
Storing and Freezing Your Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Allow the pumpkin spice cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
Place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer of cookies to keep them from sticking to each other.
Store the cookies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
If you want to keep the cookies fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving.
To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each layer with parchment paper or wax paper.
Frozen pumpkin spice cookies will keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
If you want to freeze the cookie dough instead of the baked cookies, shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
When you're ready to bake the frozen cookie dough, place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and let them thaw for about 30 minutes before baking according to the recipe instructions. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How To Reheat Leftover Pumpkin Spice Cookies
To reheat leftover pumpkin spice cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp around the edges. This method will help restore the texture and flavor of the cookies, making them taste almost as good as freshly baked.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become soggy or rubbery. To maintain a slightly crisp texture, you can place the microwaved cookies in the oven for a minute or two after reheating.
For a quicker and more convenient method, use a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed through and slightly crisp. This method is perfect for reheating small batches of cookies without having to preheat a full-sized oven.
If you want to enjoy your leftover pumpkin spice cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, try warming them up in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the cookies in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp. Serve the warm cookies with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious and indulgent treat.
Interesting Fact About Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Pumpkin spice cookies are a popular treat during the fall season, and they can be easily customized with different add-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
Is Making Pumpkin Spice Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this pumpkin spice cookies recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients. While pumpkin spice candies may be a bit pricier, the basic pantry items like flour, cocoa, and sugar are generally affordable. Considering the yield and the joy these cookies bring, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8, as it offers a delightful twist on traditional cookies, making it a worthwhile treat for any occasion.
Are Pumpkin Spice Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This pumpkin spice cookie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of butter and sugar, which are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
- The use of all-purpose flour means the cookies are made with refined carbohydrates, which lack fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- The addition of pumpkin spice-flavored candies further increases the sugar content of the cookies, making them more of an indulgent treat than a healthy snack.
However, there are some redeeming qualities:
- The recipe does include pumpkin pie spice, which contains cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices that offer some antioxidants and potential health benefits.
- Cocoa powder is also used, which is a source of flavonoids that have been linked to improved heart health and cognitive function.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter and sugar used, or experiment with healthier alternatives like coconut oil and natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or honey.
- Swap out some or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour, oat flour, or almond flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Skip the pumpkin spice-flavored candies and instead add more pumpkin pie spice or even some actual pumpkin puree to the batter for a natural flavor boost.
- Consider adding in some chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to increase the nutritional value and provide some healthy fats and additional fiber.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe
This pumpkin spice cookie recipe combines the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice with rich cocoa, creating a delightful treat. The addition of pumpkin spice-flavored candies adds a fun twist, making these cookies perfect for autumn gatherings. The method is straightforward, and the cookies turn out moist and flavorful. However, I would suggest reducing the amount of cocoa powder to allow the pumpkin spice flavor to shine through. Overall, this recipe offers a unique take on traditional cookies and is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the flavors of fall.
Enhance Your Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe
Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe
Why trust this Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe:
This recipe for pumpkin spice cookies is a delightful treat for the fall season. The combination of pumpkin pie spice and cocoa powder creates a rich and warm flavor, while the addition of pumpkin spice-flavored candies adds a delightful surprise in every bite. The careful instructions ensure that the cookies turn out perfectly every time, making them a reliable and delicious choice for any occasion. With a balance of sweet and spice, these cookies are sure to become a favorite among dessert lovers.
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