Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies

This time of year, the air turns crisp, and pumpkins seem to be everywhere. What better way to celebrate the season than by making some delightful Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Vegan)? These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the warm spices of fall. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, looking for a cozy treat to share with friends, or simply wanting something sweet, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. Plus, they’re vegan, so everyone can enjoy them without guilt! Let’s roll up our sleeves and let the fun begin as we create these seasonal favorites together.

Why This Recipe Works

This vegan pumpkin spice cookie recipe combines the warm flavors of autumn with a soft, chewy texture, making them perfect for Halloween festivities. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor, while the blend of spices creates that signature fall essence. The result? Absolutely delightful cookies that taste like a warm hug on a chilly day. Not only do they look festive, but they also tick all the boxes for a cozy treat that embodies the spirited essence of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Vegan)

These cookies are not just a seasonal delight; they cater to vegan diets without sacrificing taste. Imagine biting into a soft, flavorful cookie that’s both comforting and indulgent. That’s what you’ll get here! They are easy to whip up, making them perfect for those spontaneous baking days. Additionally, they’re highly customizable, so you can make a batch that’s entirely your own. Share them at parties, gift to friends, or enjoy them with your favorite fall beverage—either way, everyone will love them!

Ingredients

To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar, for topping

You’ll Also Need:

• Halloween cookie cutters
• Parchment lined baking sheet
• Rolling pin (or a similarly shaped object)

Creaming the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, start by beating together 1/2 cup of softened vegan butter, 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of organic cane sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is essential as it creates a wonderful texture for your cookies. Enjoy the creaming process—it’s where all that flavor begins to develop!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Next, take a separate bowl and whisk together 1¾ cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good mix until everything is combined. The baking powder and cornstarch work together to ensure a light and fluffy cookie. This is where all those delicious, autumnal flavors come from!

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix it on low speed to avoid a flour cloud! Keep stirring until everything is just combined. Don’t overdo it; a few lumps are fine. This combination will set the stage for your cookies to be soft and chewy, so be gentle with the dough.

Chilling the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you have the time. Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape when baked. This is a great time to clean up your kitchen or plan your cookie decorating strategy!

Preheating the Oven

While the dough chills, it’s a good moment to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Rolling Out the Dough

On a flat surface, lay a large piece of parchment paper. Scoop half the chilled cookie dough onto the center and cover it with another piece of parchment paper. Now, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thick. This step is where the fun truly begins! You’ll see the dough come to life in front of you.

Cutting the Cookies

Once the dough is rolled out, use your Halloween cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Whether you want spooky ghosts, eerie bats, or classic pumpkins, make it fun! Place the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. The creativity in this step is endless, and your kitchen will smell amazing!

Solidifying the Shapes

If your dough feels too soft or sticky at any point, don’t worry. Just place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This quick chill will help the shapes harden slightly before baking. It’s a great way to ensure those spooky forms hold up while they bake.

Baking the Cookies

Now, it’s time for the real magic. Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake for about 6 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them! You want them to be lightly golden around the edges, while the centers might look a little underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool, making them perfectly chewy.

Adding the Finishing Touch

Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. After they’re cool, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top. This step adds a delightful final touch that enhances the flavors so beautifully. Each bite will remind you of all the cozy autumn feelings!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a warm beverage like spiced apple cider or vegan hot cocoa for a cozy treat. Imagine sitting by the fire, enjoying a lovely cookie with a steaming cup in hand. It’s the perfect way to embrace the magic of fall!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your vegan butter is softened, but not melted, for the best texture.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough! It helps the cookies keep their shape as they bake.
• Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes for a festive flair that fits your Halloween vibe.

Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Consider adding chocolate chips for an extra sweet twist. Another option is to use almond flour for a gluten-free variation, just adjust the liquid slightly for the best texture.

Storage Tips

To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, feel free to freeze them. Just layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s pureed until smooth and any excess moisture is drained.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can swap out the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
For sure! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges; the centers will appear slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days prior to baking.

This recipe captures the essence of fall and Halloween, filling your home with delightful aromas. The vegan pumpkin spice cookies serve as a guilt-free indulgence everyone will adore. Their soft, chewy texture pairs beautifully with crisp autumn evenings and gatherings. Enjoy baking, sharing, and creating memories with these wonderful seasonal treats!

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