Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing

These delightful Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing bring warmth and comfort to any gathering. Their soft and chewy texture, beautifully spiced flavor, and rich icing make them perfect for fall celebrations or a cozy treat year-round. Whether you serve them at a potluck or enjoy them with a warm cup of tea, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Deliciously Spiced: The warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a cozy autumn vibe in every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or just a sweet snack at home, they fit seamlessly into any setting.
• Rich Brown Butter Icing: The nutty flavor of the brown butter icing elevates these cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them plain or iced; they are delightful both ways!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your pumpkin cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything on hand will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Small saucepan
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Whisk: Helps mix dry ingredients evenly and ensures smooth icing consistency.
• Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking cookies to perfection.

Ingredients

For these scrumptious pumpkin cookies with brown butter icing, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Brown Butter Icing

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• a pinch salt

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper if desired for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl:

1. Combine the softened butter and granulated sugar.
2. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin Mixture

1. Add in:
   – Canned pumpkin
   – Egg
   – Vanilla extract
2. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Shape Cookies on Baking Sheets

Drop spoonful of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart for even baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and tops feel firm. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Prepare Brown Butter Icing

While cookies cool:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
2. Cook until golden brown with a nutty aroma—avoid burning it.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 9: Mix Icing Ingredients

In another bowl:

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. Slowly drizzle in brown butter while whisking until smooth.

Step 10: Ice the Cookies

Once cooled,  drizzle or spread brown butter icing over each cookie. Allow icing to set before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing

These delightful pumpkin cookies with brown butter icing can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your cookie experience.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The spices in the cookies complement the flavors of your favorite brew.

Serve at Gatherings

• Perfect for fall gatherings, these cookies make an excellent addition to any dessert table, bringing warmth and comfort to the occasion.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• For a delicious twist, serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The melty ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich icing.

Pack for Lunch

• These cookies are great for lunchboxes. Their soft texture makes them easy to pack and perfect for an afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing

Achieving the perfect pumpkin cookies with brown butter icing requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to sit out before baking. This helps create a smooth batter that incorporates air better, leading to fluffier cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Scoop evenly: Use a cookie scoop for uniformity in size. This ensures even baking and consistent results across all cookies.
• Cool completely before icing: Allow your cookies to cool fully before adding the icing. This prevents melting and ensures the icing sets properly for a beautiful finish.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing

To complement your pumpkin cookies with brown butter icing, consider these delicious side dishes that add variety and flavor.

1. Chai Spiced Tea – A warm spiced tea that enhances the flavors of the pumpkin while providing a cozy beverage option.
2. Roasted Apples – Sweet roasted apples bring out natural caramel notes that pair well with pumpkin flavors.
3. Maple Glazed Carrots – These sweet and savory carrots add a delightful crunch and sweetness that balances the soft cookie texture.
4. Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Cake – A moist cake that echoes pumpkin flavors while offering a contrasting texture to your cookie.
5. Butternut Squash Soup – A creamy soup adds warmth and depth, making it an ideal pairing during cooler months.
6. Candied Pecans – Crunchy, sweet nuts provide an excellent contrast in texture and flavor when served alongside soft cookies.
7. Apple Cider Donuts – These donuts echo fall flavors and create an exciting assortment when served together with pumpkin treats.
8. Spiced Nut Mix – A blend of spiced nuts can offer a savory snack option alongside dessert, enhancing your overall flavor experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using too much flour: Adding more flour than needed can make the cookies dense and dry. Measure accurately or spoon the flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping.
• Not cooling the butter enough: If your butter is too hot when making the icing, it can melt the powdered sugar. Allow the brown butter to cool slightly before mixing it in.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine until just incorporated for a soft and chewy texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet prevents them from becoming soggy. Always transfer them to a wire rack after a few minutes.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An inaccurate oven temperature can affect baking time and cookie texture. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing

• Freeze cookies without icing for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers for storage.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds for quick warming.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pumpkin cookies with brown butter icing.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing are soft?

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when they are just set at the edges.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s well-cooked and mashed smoothly before using it in the recipe.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness.

Can I customize the spices in my Pumpkin Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust or add spices like allspice or cloves according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are not just delicious; they also bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Their soft texture pairs wonderfully with the rich icing, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate to customize them with nuts, chocolate chips, or additional spices!