Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of autumn with these pumpkin spice sugar cookies, rolled in a sweet cinnamon coating.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 230g butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Cookie Dough:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
   • Mix in the egg yolks, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract until well combined.
   • Gently stir in the flour and baking soda just until the dough comes together.
2. Chill:
   • Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to firm up.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
4. Preheat Oven:
   • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Shape Cookies:
   • Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls, rolling them between your hands to smooth.
   • Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
6. Bake:
   • Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart to allow for spreading.
   • Bake for 12-14 minutes until the cookies are just set.
7. Cool:
   • Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes:

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender.
• Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method to prevent dense cookies.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat for even baking and easy release.
• A cookie scoop ensures even-sized cookies for uniform baking.
• Let cookies firm up slightly before moving to a wire rack to cool.

These pumpkin spice sugar cookies are the perfect combination of a soft, chewy center with a slightly crisp exterior, full of the classic flavors of fall. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or as a cozy treat all on their own.