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Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Sugar Frosting

Delightful pumpkin cookies topped with creamy brown sugar frosting, perfect for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup white shortening Can substitute with unsalted butter.
  • 1 cup white sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
  • 1 pieces egg Use room temperature for best results.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pure vanilla extract is recommended.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with whole wheat flour for healthier option.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pumpkin Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pie mix.
  • 1/2 cup pecans Optional, can substitute with chocolate chips.
  • 1/2 cup raisins Optional, can be omitted.
For the Frosting
  • 3 tablespoons butter Melted.
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar Whisk until smooth.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two cookie sheets with parchment paper or a baking mat.
  2. In a mixer, combine the shortening and sugar. Beat until fluffy and light.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
  4. Incorporate the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until no dry flour remains.
  5. Mix in the pure pumpkin until evenly distributed.
  6. If desired, fold in the pecans and raisins.
  7. Using a small cookie scoop, place 1 to 2 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Baking
  1. Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes until set and slightly golden.
  2. Let the cookies cool on the sheets.
Frosting Preparation
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add milk and brown sugar, bringing to a boil while stirring occasionally. Cook for about 2 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar until smooth.
Serving
  1. Spoon the warm frosting generously over each cookie. Allow cookies to cool completely to let the frosting set.

Notes

For an additional flavor boost, garnish with cinnamon or chopped pecans. These cookies are best served warm, paired with cider or hot chocolate.