Introduction to Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies
There’s something magical about baking that warms the heart, especially when it comes to making Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies. These delightful treats are not just bursting with flavor; they’re also incredibly soft, chewy, and irresistibly fun. As a busy mom myself, I know how valuable quick and easy recipes can be, and this one is perfect for those hectic fall days when you want to whip up something to impress your loved ones. Imagine the smiles as they sink their teeth into the cozy, sweet aroma of these cookies—comfort food at its finest!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies
What’s not to adore about Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies? They are a breeze to make, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. The texture is soft and chewy, with a delightful sweetness that captures the essence of fall. Plus, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or looking to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your home!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! For these Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies, you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies. It gives them structure and that soft, delightful texture we crave.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This magical blend adds that warm, cozy flavor that makes you sigh with happiness. It’s fall in a jar!
- Baking powder: Essential for making those cookies rise and become perfectly puffy.
- Baking soda: A little boost in raising, helping create that oh-so-cherished crinkle effect.
- Salt: Just a pinch! It enhances all the sweet flavors, making every bite more delicious.
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient! It’s not just for flavor; it brings moisture and tenderness, making these cookies irresistibly chewy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness personified! It helps the cookies caramelize beautifully, creating that lovely texture.
- Brown sugar: Naturally moister than granulated sugar, it adds richness and depth to your cookies.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps those cookies soft and tender. Feel free to swap with canola oil if you prefer.
- Egg: A binding agent that brings everything together, resulting in tender, chewy bites.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of happiness that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: For rolling your cookie dough, giving that gorgeous snowy finish.
- Granulated sugar (for rolling): A second layer of sweetness to coat those bite-sized delights!
Interested in exact quantities? Check out the recipe details at the bottom of the article, where you can find everything you need for printing!
How to Make Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before diving into the mixing magic, let’s get that oven fired up! Preheat it to 350°F. While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking. This step is crucial—it paves the way for perfectly baked Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed. This simple step helps distribute the spices evenly, ensuring every cookie is bursting with flavor when baked to perfection!
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, beaten egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well blended. This is where the joy of baking begins! You’ll start to see the beautiful, creamy base for your delectable cookies.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; the dough will be sticky and soft, which is exactly what we want for those chewy Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies!
Step 5: Prepare for Rolling
Set up your rolling station! Pour the granulated sugar into one small bowl and the powdered sugar into another. This is where your cookies get their signature crinkle! These sugar coatings make the dough easier to handle and give the cookies a stunning snowy finish.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Step into the cookie shaping fun! Take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. First, roll it in the granulated sugar, then toss it in the powdered sugar. This double-coating not only makes the cookies beautiful but adds an extra touch of sweetness that’s hard to resist!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving plenty of space between them—about two inches apart. Bake them for 9 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they puff up and start to crack. Keep an eye out; we want puffy and soft, not overbaked!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about three minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack using a spatula to cool completely. And there you have it! Delicious Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies, ready to enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee or tea!
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes if it’s too sticky to work with.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies that bake perfectly.
- Don’t skip the sugar coating; it ensures that delightful crinkle effect!
- Experiment with spices—try cinnamon or nutmeg for a flavor twist!
- Keep an eye on baking times, as oven temperatures can vary.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheets: Essential for placing your cookies. If you don’t have parchment paper, grease the sheets well.
- Mixing bowls: A medium and a large one will do the trick!
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients evenly. A fork can work in a pinch.
- Spatula: Grab a sturdy one for transferring cookies without fuss.
- Cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes. A tablespoon works just as well!
Variations of Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies: Add a cup of your favorite chocolate chips for a delightful twist. The melted chocolate adds richness that beautifully complements the pumpkin flavor.
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum to achieve that chewy texture.
- Vegan Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) and use a plant-based oil. Choose granulated sugar that’s vegan-friendly!
- Nutty Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies: Incorporate chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to add a lovely crunch and a cozy autumn flavor.
- Spiced Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or allspice for a more complex flavor profile. Just a little can heighten the warmth of fall!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
- Dust with a little extra powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.
- Stack them in a glass jar as a charming centerpiece for your fall gatherings.
FAQs about Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully for these cookies. It saves time and still gives that rich pumpkin flavor we love, making it perfect for busy days.
How should I store Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies?
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They taste best within a few days, but I bet they won’t last that long!
Can I freeze Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies?
You can! Just let them cool completely and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. You’ll have a ready-made treat for later!
What can I add to enhance the flavor of my Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies?
Consider tossing in chocolate chips or nuts, like walnuts, to amp up the flavor and texture. You can also sprinkle in some extra cinnamon for a warm kick!
How do I know when my Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies are done?
These cookies are done baking when they puff and develop those lovely cracks. They should still be soft in the center—perfect for an amazingly chewy bite!
Final Thoughts
Baking Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with warmth, nostalgia, and happy memories. These cookies capture the essence of fall and become a comforting embrace for any busy day. Each bite is like a cozy sweater, soft and inviting, reminding us of simpler times. Whether you’re enjoying them solo with a cup of tea or sharing them with loved ones, they bring joy and sweetness to the table. Trust me, once you bake these delights, they’ll quickly become a loved staple in your home, spreading happiness with every batch!
Print
Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies, perfect for fall!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar – packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil – or canola oil
- 1 large egg – beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix together dry ingredients in a medium bowl: all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, salt.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract.
- Add in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until they are combined. The dough will be quite sticky.
- Add the granulated sugar and powdered sugar (for rolling) to two separate small bowls.
- Drop 1 Tbsp of cookie dough into the granulated sugar. Toss it around the sugar, then gently form into a ball with hands.
- Place in the bowl of powdered sugar and toss it around until it’s evenly coated.
- Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Repeat until the rest of the dough is prepared.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, until the cookies are puffy and cracked.
- Let cool for 3 minutes, then transfer to a rack using a spatula to cool completely.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days.
- Experiment with adding chocolate chips for an extra treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
