Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Soft pumpkin cookies feature warm cinnamon, orange zest, and sweet raisins, offering a moist, flavorful treat perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Mix sugar, pumpkin, shortening, and orange peel.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in raisins.
- Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake until light brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For softer cookies, ensure not to overmix the dough once the flour is added, as this can lead to denser cookies. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture. Also, using fresh pumpkin puree can enhance the flavor if you prefer a more natural taste.
Serving Suggestions
These soft pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect afternoon treat. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a slice of Strawberry Coconut Cake (Best Made The Day Before) during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soft Pumpkin Cookies contains roughly 58 calories, with 0g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
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 use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth before measuring. This can give a fresher taste to your cookies, but ensure it has a similar consistency to canned pumpkin to keep the texture right.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts. Each option will give a different flavor and texture, so choose according to your preference or what you have on hand.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when they are lightly browned around the edges and set in the middle. They may appear soft when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool. Avoid baking them too long to keep their soft texture.
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).