Pumpkin Molasses Cookies
This pumpkin molasses cookies recipe combines the warm spices of fall with the rich flavors of molasses and pumpkin. These cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a sweet, simple icing that takes them to the next level.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Spices
- Add the molasses, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix on medium speed until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 4: Mix in the Flour
- Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Dough
- Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to portion out the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball with your hands and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 9 minutes or until the tops of the cookies are just set. They may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool on a Wire Rack
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before icing.
Step 8: Make and Add the Icing
- While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to make the icing. Dip the tops of the cookies into the icing, then let them sit until the icing sets.
Notes
Top Tips for Customizing Your Pumpkin Molasses Cookies
Swap the icing for a drizzle of cream cheese frosting if you want a tangy topping similar to pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing.
For a healthier version, try reducing the sugar slightly or using whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Add a sprinkle of crystal sugar or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the icing for extra flair.
Love ginger? Add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the dough for pumpkin ginger molasses cookies with a spicy kick.