Introduction to the Amish Recipe for Pumpkin Cookies
When you think of comforting, homemade treats, Amish recipes often come to mind. But what is it about these recipes that make them so beloved? Rooted in simplicity and tradition, Amish cooking celebrates wholesome ingredients and time-honored techniques. The Amish community emphasizes the importance of family and sharing, making these recipes a warm invitation to gather around the table.
One standout in this rich culinary heritage is the Amish recipe for pumpkin cookies. These delightful cookies are soft, moist, and infused with the warm spices of fall—think cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. They offer a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of cozy autumn days spent with loved ones, perfectly complemented by a luscious caramel frosting.
Incorporating seasonal ingredients like pumpkin brings a unique twist to classic cookie recipes while adding nutritional benefits, such as Vitamin A. The warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen when baking these cookies is hard to resist—perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy night in.
If you're ready to learn how to make these delightful cookies, let's dive into the Amish recipe for pumpkin cookies with frosting that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients for the Amish Pumpkin Cookies
When you make this Amish recipe for pumpkin cookies, you'll need to gather some essential ingredients that bring warmth and flavor to your baking. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need:
Essential ingredients you’ll need
- Brown Sugar – 1 cup for sweetness and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar – 1 cup to balance flavors.
- Butter – ½ cup, softened, helping create a tender texture.
- Eggs – 2 large, at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Pumpkin Purée – 1 (15 oz.) can (approx. 1 ½ cups), giving that classic pumpkin flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon adds depth.
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 ½ cups to form the base of the cookies.
- Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons for the perfect rise.
- Baking Soda – ¾ teaspoon to enhance the texture.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon to balance sweetness.
- Spices – Ground cinnamon (1 tsp), ground ginger (¼ tsp), and ground cloves (¼ tsp) for that warm seasonal bouquet.
Optional ingredients for added flavor
If you’re looking to elevate your cookies even further, consider adding:
- Chopped Walnuts – ½ cup for a delightful crunch.
- Extra Spices – Increase the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, or cloves for a more robust flavor profile.
These ingredients combine to create a wonderfully spiced and moist cookie that’s perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. Happy baking! For more ideas on how to use these ingredients in your everyday cooking, check out The Spruce Eats for inspiration.
Preparing the Amish Pumpkin Cookies
Baking cookies is one of life's simplest joys, and these Amish pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also a delightful experience. Follow these steps, and you'll have a batch of warm, spiced cookies that are perfect for any occasion or season!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you dive into mixing and baking, make sure you have all your ingredients at hand. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup softened butter (1 stick)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin purée (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
And don’t forget your ingredients for the caramel frosting! You’ll need:
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Feel free to check out this resource for tips on choosing quality ingredients for your baking!
Cream Together Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Using a paddle attachment (or a sturdy spatula if you’re going traditional), beat these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes. The fluffier the mixture, the lighter and airier your cookies will be!
Incorporate the Eggs and Pumpkin Purée
Next, add the two room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow this with the 1 ½ cups of pumpkin purée and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The pumpkin not only adds flavor but also keeps the cookies moist and delicious.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Gradually add this dry mixture into your pumpkin mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix it; a gentle approach ensures your cookies remain soft.
Scoop and Bake the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop your dough onto greased cookie sheets, allowing space between each one. Bake in a preheated oven at 350℉ for 11-13 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges appear firm. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Caramel Frosting
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to whip up that dreamy caramel frosting. Melt the ½ cup of butter in a saucepan, then add the 1 cup of brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and whisk occasionally for about 2 minutes.
Once bubbly, stir in ¼ cup of milk and a pinch of salt, returning to a full boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before whisking in the 2 cups of powdered sugar until smooth.
Frost the Cooled Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled, it’s time to slather on that luscious caramel frosting! Feel free to use a knife or a piping bag for more finesse. Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers for freshness.
Enjoy your Amish pumpkin cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee, and watch how quickly they disappear! Happy baking!
Variations on Amish Pumpkin Cookies
Adding nuts or chocolate chips
To elevate your Amish recipe for pumpkin cookies, consider tossing in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. If you're a chocolate lover, chocolate chips can add a rich, sweet contrast to the spiced cookies. Just fold in about ½ cup of your chosen mix-in right before scooping the dough onto the baking sheets.
Adjusting the spices for a personalized flavor
Do you crave a little extra warmth in your cookies? Try increasing the cinnamon, ginger, or cloves for a more robust flavor profile. Alternatively, you could even experiment with nutmeg or allspice. Personalizing the spice level not only showcases your creativity but also makes these cookies uniquely yours.
For more inspiration, check out this article on baking with spices!
Cooking tips and notes for Amish Pumpkin Cookies
How to prevent cookies from spreading
To keep your Amish pumpkin cookies from spreading too much during baking, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping. This helps the butter firm up, resulting in thicker cookies. Additionally, avoid overmixing once you add the flour; this can activate gluten and lead to spread. Using parchment paper on your baking sheets also aids in maintaining their shape.
Storage tips for freshness
For maximum freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for about two days. If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze them in an airtight container for up to two months. This way, you’ll always have a tasty batch ready to go!
Serving suggestions for Amish Pumpkin Cookies
Pairing with warm beverages
For the perfect treat, Amish pumpkin cookies are delightful alongside warm beverages. Consider a steaming cup of chai tea or hot apple cider. The spices in these drinks beautifully complement the rich flavors of the cookies, enhancing your cozy autumn experience. If you prefer coffee, a creamy latte or a rich, dark brew creates a lovely balance with the sweetness of the cookies.
Presentation ideas for gatherings
Bring a touch of charm to your gatherings by arranging your Amish recipe for pumpkin cookies on a rustic wooden platter. Add small seasonal decorations, like miniature pumpkins or cinnamon sticks, for an inviting display. For a casual affair, stack cookies in a glass jar, allowing guests to grab and go. You could even serve these cookies as part of a dessert table with other fall treats, creating a delightful autumn-inspired feast that everyone will love.
Time breakdown for Amish Pumpkin Cookies
Preparation time
Getting started on this delightful Amish recipe for pumpkin cookies takes about 15 minutes. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and mix everything together for a delightful start to your baking.
Baking time
Once your cookies are scooped onto the trays, they’ll need around 11-13 minutes in the oven, depending on their size. Keep an eye on them as they bake for that perfect golden edge!
Total time
In total, set aside about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have the joy of fresh, warm cookies ready to frost and enjoy with friends or family. What could be sweeter?
Nutritional Facts for Amish Pumpkin Cookies
Calories per Cookie
Each delicious cookie from this Amish recipe for pumpkin cookies packs approximately 179 calories. This makes them a sweet, yet manageable treat you can enjoy without feeling overly indulgent—perfect for an afternoon snack or a cozy gathering!
Key Nutrients to Note
These cookies are not just about taste; they're also a source of essential nutrients. Notable highlights include:
- Carbohydrates: 34g, providing energy for your day.
- Sugar: 24g, for that delightful sweetness.
- Protein: 2g, contributing to your daily intake.
- Fat: 4g, mostly from butter, enhancing flavor.
Additionally, they’re rich in Vitamin A (138 IU), which supports eye health, making this treat not just delicious but somewhat nutritious as well. If you’re looking for more healthful recipes, check out sources like Healthline for tips on balancing sweet treats in your diet.
Enjoy your Amish pumpkin cookies while appreciating their rich, spiced flavor and comforting fall vibes!
FAQs about Amish Pumpkin Cookies
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Amish recipe for pumpkin cookies fresh, store the leftovers in an airtight container. Layer the cookies with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They’ll stay tasty at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze in an airtight container for up to two months.
Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing the pumpkin cookie dough can be a lifesaver for future baking sessions. After preparing the dough, scoop it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a couple of minutes to the baking time!
What’s a good substitute for pumpkin purée?
If you find yourself without pumpkin purée, you can use mashed sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or even applesauce as alternatives. These options will offer a different flavor but still keep your cookies moist and delicious. If you want to learn more about substitutions, check out this helpful guide.
Conclusion on Amish Pumpkin Cookies
If you’re searching for a heartwarming, homemade treat, this Amish recipe for pumpkin cookies is your perfect match! The delightful blend of spices and the smooth caramel frosting will uplift your baking game. Treat yourself to this nostalgic recipe, and indulge in the joy of making and sharing cookies with loved ones. Happy baking!
Amish recipe for pumpkin cookies: Easy Frosting for Fall Treats
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- paddle attachment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- cookie sheets
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 0.5 cup butter, softened 1 stick
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 15 oz. pumpkin purée approx. 1 ½ c.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.75 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
Frosting Ingredients
- 0.5 cup butter 1 stick
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Cookie Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- In a large mixing bowl, with the paddle attachment, beat the sugars and butter until well-creamed. Add the eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla and mix well.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine.
- Scoop onto greased cookie sheets and bake for 11 - 13 minutes or until the edges are firm. Remove to a wire rack to cool.
- Spread the cookie tops with frosting and store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers.
- Keep at room temperature for up to two days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Frosting Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the brown sugar and boil over medium/low heat for 2 minutes, whisking occasionally.
- Add the milk and salt. Whisk until it comes back to a full boil.
- Remove from the heat and cool to lukewarm. Beat in the powdered sugar until smooth. Spread on the cooled cookies.
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