Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out: The Ultimate Fall Baking Guide

If you’re looking for a delightful recipe that celebrates the cozy, warm flavors of fall, you’re in the right place! These Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies are not just a treat; they bring an entire season to life with every bite. Infused with aromatic spices and real pumpkin puree, these cookies are perfect for a busy weeknight baking project or for adding a touch of sweetness to your family gatherings. Plus, decorating them with royal icing is an enjoyable activity that everyone can join in on!

These cut-out cookies capture the essence of autumn and are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re sharing them at a harvest party or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, they’ll put a smile on your face. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these cookies without any stress.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Decorating these cookies is a great way to get the whole family involved, making memories while you bake together.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that truly embodies fall.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy autumn day, these cookies fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delightful recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll be using:

For the Cookies

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

For the Royal Icing

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 1/2 cup warm water, plus more as needed
• Gel food coloring (various colors)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to experiment with flavors and decorations. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some dark chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
• Try Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer different nutty flavors.
• Use Alternative Spices: Experiment with spices like cardamom or allspice for unique variations on the traditional pumpkin spice flavor.
• Decorate Seasonally: Customize your icing colors to match various holidays or occasions throughout the fall!

How to Make Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out: The Ultimate Fall Baking Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This step is essential because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour. Getting this mix right will ensure your cookies rise perfectly while delivering that beautiful spice flavor.

Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars

In another bowl (or using a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the mixture which makes your cookies tender. It’s important not to skip this step!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The egg acts as a binder here while also adding moisture and richness. Vanilla enhances all those warm autumn flavors we love!

Step 4: Mix in Pumpkin Puree

Add the pumpkin puree into your mixture and stir until just combined. Using real pumpkin gives these cookies their lovely color and moist texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until everything is just combined. It’s crucial not to over-mix at this point; otherwise, you could end up with tough cookies instead of soft ones.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Pecans add a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender cookie base.

Step 7: Chill Your Dough

Divide the dough in half and flatten each half into discs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. Chilling helps solidify the butter so that when baked, they maintain their shape.

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup later on.

Step 9: Roll Out Dough

Lightly flour your clean surface and remove one disc from refrigeration. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness; this ensures even baking across all cookie shapes.

Step 10: Cut Out Shapes

Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes from rolled dough! The kids will love picking their favorite shapes.

Step 11: Transfer Cookies & Bake

Carefully transfer cut-out cookies onto prepared baking sheets leaving space between each one. Bake for about 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown—keep an eye on them as ovens may vary!

Step 12: Let Cool

Allow cookies to cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling period makes frosting much easier later on!

Step 13: Prepare Royal Icing

In another bowl, whisk together sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder before gradually adding warm water until smooth icing forms—this icing will be used for decorating!

Step 14: Color Your Icing

Divide icing into separate bowls based on how many colors you’d like! Add gel food coloring drop by drop until desired hues are achieved—have fun mixing!

Step 15: Decorate Your Cookies

Using piping bags fitted with small round tips (or ziplock bags), outline each cookie first with thicker icing then flood them with thinner icing inside those borders—it’s where creativity shines!

Step 16: Finish Touches

Once flood icing dries slightly but remains tacky add sprinkles or other decorative touches before allowing everything to set completely before stacking away those delicious treats!

Now you’ve created beautiful Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies that everyone will enjoy! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out: The Ultimate Fall Baking Guide

Baking these delightful cookies is a joy, and with a few pro tips, you can ensure they turn out beautifully every time!

• Chill the dough thoroughly: Allowing the dough to chill for at least two hours helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without losing their form during baking.

• Use a clean, floured surface: Dusting your work surface with flour prevents the dough from sticking, allowing for easier rolling and cutting while also ensuring the cookies maintain their shapes.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. This ensures they remain chewy and delicious!

• Experiment with decorations: Use various colors of icing or toppings like sprinkles to personalize each cookie. This not only enhances their visual appeal but makes them fun for any occasion.

• Store wisely: To keep your cookies fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!

How to Serve Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out: The Ultimate Fall Baking Guide

These charming cut-out cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying cozy evenings at home. Here are some creative serving ideas to make your presentation shine!

Garnishes

• Sprinkled cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar adds a sweet crunch on top of your cookies, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
• Chopped pecans: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans on top of the icing while it’s still wet for added texture and a nutty flavor boost.

Side Dishes

• Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider complements the pumpkin spice flavors beautifully, creating a cozy autumn atmosphere.
• Pumpkin soup: Serve alongside creamy pumpkin soup for a delightful fall-themed meal that showcases seasonal ingredients.
• Cheese platter: Pair these cookies with a selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie, to balance their sweetness with savory notes.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad with apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

With these tips and serving suggestions in hand, you’ll be well on your way to impressing friends and family with your Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Outs! Enjoy your baking adventures this fall!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough by wrapping each disc tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
• To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months.

Reheating

• For frozen baked cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious cut-out cookies!

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans in the Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can simply omit the nuts or substitute with chopped pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for added crunch.

How do I decorate my Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies?

Decorating is part of the fun! Follow the icing instructions provided in the recipe. Use various colors of royal icing to create beautiful designs that will delight everyone!

How long does it take to make Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies?

From start to finish, including chilling time, this recipe takes about 3 hours. However, most of that time is spent letting the dough chill!

Can I make the dough ahead of time for Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This makes it super convenient for holiday baking sessions!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cut Out cookies! They’re a wonderful way to embrace the flavors of fall while creating sweet memories with loved ones. Whether you’re decorating them with family or enjoying them with your favorite warm beverage, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every delicious bite and happy baking!