Cozy Autumn Ina Garten Pumpkin Cookies Recipe For All

Pumpkin cookies weave a spell of autumnal magic, transforming ordinary afternoons into extraordinary sensory adventures.

These delectable morsels burst with warm spices that whisper tales of harvest celebrations.

Soft and tender, they crackle with cinnamon-infused charm that dances across your palate.

Each cookie carries the rich, earthy essence of fall, promising comfort in every delightful bite.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these treats create an irresistible aroma that wraps your kitchen in pure coziness.

The subtle blend of sweet and spicy notes transports you to cherished memories of family gatherings.

Let’s unlock the delicious secrets of this autumn treasure!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 24

Everything That Goes into Ina Garten Pumpkin Cookies

• Sugar: Choose fine, granulated sugar for smooth sweetness.
• Butter: Select high-quality, unsalted butter at room temperature for best texture.
• Maple Syrup: Pick pure, dark maple syrup for rich, deep flavor.
• Eggs: Use fresh, large eggs at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Canned Pumpkin: Select 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
• Warm Spices: Seek fresh, fragrant ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour, sifted for lighter texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensure fresh, unexpired for proper rising.
• Salt: Select fine kosher or sea salt for balanced flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat, soft cream cheese at room temperature.
• Confectioner Sugar: Use smooth, fine powdered sugar.
• Milk: Select whole milk for richer frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla, not artificial.
• Lemon Zest: Pick bright, fresh lemon for citrusy notes.
• Pecans: Choose whole, fresh pecans for crunchy garnish.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten Pumpkin Cookies

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients smoothly and creating cookie dough.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Essential for beating butter, sugar, and creating fluffy textures.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Helps blend dry ingredients evenly without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Baking Sheets: Flat, ungreased surfaces for evenly baking cookies.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool quickly and maintain crisp edges.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for folding ingredients and scraping bowl sides.
• Clean Bowl for Frosting: Separate container for whipping cream cheese mixture.
• Offset Spatula or Butter Knife: Ideal for spreading frosting smoothly on cooled cookies.

Steps for Baking Ina Garten Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Up Your Baking

• Prep Your Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Position your rack right in the center to ensure every cookie gets equal love and heat.

• Create Cookie Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and blend butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. Pour in maple syrup and eggs, mixing until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy. Fold in pumpkin and those cozy warm spices that make autumn feel like a warm hug.

• Mix and Merge Ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your pumpkin mixture, stirring until you’ve got a soft, tender dough that’s begging to become cookies.

• Bake and Transform

Scoop dough onto baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. When the edges turn golden brown, they’re ready to come out and cool down on wire racks.

• Frost With Flair

Whip cream cheese until it’s cloud-like and smooth. Gradually mix in sugar, milk, and vanilla. Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright, unexpected twist. If the frosting feels too thick, splash in a bit more milk.

• Final Flourish

Once cookies are completely cool, spread that dreamy frosting generously. Top each cookie with a whole pecan for a picture-perfect finish that screams autumn deliciousness.

Spice and Add-In Ideas for Ina Garten Pumpkin Cookies

• Bake Like a Pro: Pumpkin Spice Cookie Tips
• Butter Temperature Trick: Pull butter out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to ensure perfect softness and smoother mixing.
• Moisture Management: Gently pat canned pumpkin with paper towels to remove excess liquid, preventing soggy cookie texture.
• Spice Customization: Experiment with different spice ratios like adding extra cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom to personalize your flavor profile.
• Storage Secrets: Layer frosted cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days, maintaining their delightful softness.

Plating Ina Garten Pumpkin Cookies with Style

• Pair with Cozy Autumn Beverage: Complement these pumpkin cookies with a warm mug of spiced chai tea or creamy hot apple cider for a delightful seasonal experience.
• Serve as Dessert Centerpiece: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden platter with scattered pecans and cinnamon sticks to create an inviting autumn-themed dessert display.
• Perfect Party Treat: Package these cookies in cute kraft paper bags tied with twine for charming homemade gifts or potluck contributions that will impress friends and family.
• Enhance with Seasonal Garnish: Dust cookies lightly with ground cinnamon or sprinkle crushed pecans on top of the cream cheese frosting for added texture and visual appeal.

Keep Ina Garten Pumpkin Cookies Fresh for Days

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Prep for Busy Weeks: Whip up a double batch of these pumpkin cookies and freeze half the dough for future cravings. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Freshness Preservation Trick: Keep frosted cookies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper. Refrigerate for maximum freshness, maintaining that delightful texture for 3-4 days.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Separate frosted and unfrosted cookies when storing. Unfrosted cookies can sit at room temperature for 5 days, while frosted versions need refrigeration to keep the cream cheese topping safe and delicious.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days before baking. Seal in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before scooping and baking for perfect, consistent results.

Scrumptious Ina Garten Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s pumpkin cookies blend warm autumn spices with classic cookie charm. Crisp edges and tender centers deliver comforting seasonal sweetness that draws people closer with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese
• 2 sticks (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups (313 g) flour
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 cup (120 g) confectioner sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 2 tbsps maple syrup
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tsps ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Whole pecans
• Pinch ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment for delicate pumpkin cookies.
2. Creaming: Whip softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, forming a luxurious base for the cookie dough.
3. Liquid Integration: Blend maple syrup, eggs, pumpkin puree, and warm autumn spices into the butter mixture, ensuring a smooth, aromatic composition.
4. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gently fold into the wet ingredients until a uniform dough emerges.
5. Forming Cookies: Scoop rounded portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, positioning them with ample spacing to allow for gentle expansion.
6. Baking Process: Bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring for golden-brown edges that signal perfect doneness and optimal flavor development.
7. Cooling: Transfer baked cookies to wire racks, allowing complete cooling before frost application.
8. Frosting Preparation: Whip cream cheese until smooth, gradually incorporating confectioner’s sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a hint of lemon zest to create a silky, bright cream cheese topping.
9. Frosting Application: Once cookies have thoroughly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese mixture across each cookie’s surface.
10. Final Garnish: Crown each frosted cookie with a whole pecan, adding a delightful textural contrast and elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for optimal creaming and smooth cookie texture.
• Avoid Overmixing Dough: Stir dry and wet ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense cookies that lack delicate crumb.
• Spacing Cookies Correctly: Leave 2 inches between cookie dough portions to allow proper spreading and even baking.
• Frosting Consistency Check: Adjust cream cheese frosting thickness with milk, adding teaspoon by teaspoon for perfect spreadability.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg