These pumpkin cut-out cookies are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their rich flavors and cute shapes, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These cookies have a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them irresistible.
They are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, perfect for a quick baking session.

These cookies are great for decorating and can be customized for any event or holiday.

Ingredient Notes:

Cookie dough:
Butter: adds richness and flavor to the cookies.

Granulated sugar: provides sweetness and helps the cookies to spread.
Eggs: bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Vanilla extract & almond extract: enhance the flavor of the cookies.

Sour cream: adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the dough.
All-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, fine sea salt: the base ingredients for the cookie dough.
Frosting:

Butter: for richness and flavor.
Powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Heavy cream: adds creaminess to the frosting.

Vanilla extract: enhances the flavor of the frosting.
Orange food coloring: gives the frosting a festive pumpkin color.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream, and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out shapes with pumpkin cookie cutters.
Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by creaming together the butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.

Add orange food coloring to the frosting until you reach your desired color.
Once the cookies have cooled, frost them with the orange frosting and decorate as desired.

Helpful Tips:

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out for easier handling.

Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.
For a smoother frosting, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the butter mixture.
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use gel food coloring for more vibrant and consistent colors in the frosting.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes for a variety of designs.

For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the cookie dough.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these pumpkin cut-out cookies with a warm cup of apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for a cozy fall treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.
Can I use a different color for the frosting? Feel free to customize the frosting with any color you prefer.
How long does the frosting take to set? The frosting will set within 30 minutes at room temperature.

Conclusion:

These pumpkin cut-out cookies are a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a Halloween party or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress. Try out this recipe and share your feedback with us!