Description
These pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies are crisp, buttery, and perfect for decorating with royal icing. Ideal for fall festivities like Halloween and Thanksgiving, they’re a fun and festive treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Royal icing (made from 4 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons meringue powder, 6 tablespoons water)
- Gel food coloring (orange and green)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Divide dough into two discs, wrap, and chill if desired (30 minutes).
- Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut with a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter and place on prepared sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges just begin to turn golden.
- Cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare royal icing and divide into bowls; tint with orange and green food coloring.
- Outline and flood cookies with orange icing for the pumpkin base; let dry.
- Add green icing for stems and vines; let dry completely (6–8 hours).
Notes
- For a spiced version, add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the dough.
- Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and helps cookies hold their shape.
- Royal icing needs several hours to fully dry—overnight is best.
- Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
