Soft Pumpkin Chewy Cookies (Printable Version)

Tender pumpkin-spiced cookies topped with creamy vanilla frosting, ideal for autumn treats.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 312.5 grams all-purpose flour
02 - 5 grams baking soda
03 - 2.5 grams ground cinnamon
04 - 1.25 grams ground nutmeg
05 - 0.5 grams ground cloves
06 - 2.5 grams salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 227 grams unsalted butter, softened
08 - 300 grams granulated sugar
09 - 245 grams pumpkin puree
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 5 milliliters vanilla extract

→ Vanilla Frosting

12 - 227 grams cream cheese, softened
13 - 113 grams unsalted butter, softened
14 - 480 grams powdered sugar
15 - 10 milliliters vanilla extract
16 - 30 to 60 milliliters milk or heavy cream

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt until evenly incorporated.
02 - In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
03 - Add the pumpkin puree to the creamed mixture and beat until fully combined. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain softness.
05 - Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour and up to 24 hours to prevent spreading during baking.
06 - Preheat the oven to 175 °C. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking.
07 - Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 5 cm apart to allow room for spreading.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove and cool completely before frosting.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a soft texture.
02 - Use high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the aromatic flavor.
03 - Adjust milk quantity in the frosting to reach the desired consistency.