Pumpkin Cookie

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: American

A moist, spiced pumpkin cookie with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, perfect for fall gatherings and cookie exchanges, appealing to those who enjoy rich, seasonal treats.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups shortening
  • 1 can pumpkin
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla
  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 tablespoon spice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream together sugar, shortening, pumpkin, then eggs.
  2. Beat well until mixture is smooth and fluffy.
  3. Mix dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg and spice.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cookie, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use brown sugar instead of white sugar for added moisture and flavor. Ensure your pumpkin is pure and not pie filling, as that can alter the texture. Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips can enhance the cookies, too.

Serving Suggestions

These pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own but can be served with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, pair them with cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. They also make a great addition to a dessert table alongside other American recipes like Pecan Cheese Cake Pie.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F until just heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pumpkin Cookie contains roughly 1754 calories, with 21g protein, 256g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (68% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1754 kcal 88% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.6g 41% DV
Total Fat 44.6g 57% DV
Carbs 255.7g 93% DV
Fiber 7.3g 26% DV
Sugar 16.8g 34% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 1820.1mg 39% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 185.9mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 44.9mg 50% DV
Calcium 878.9mg 68% DV
Iron 6.8mg 38% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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