As the leaves start to turn in beautiful autumn colors, we know it’s time for pumpkin everything! From lattes to pies, from cakes to cookies, there is no shortage of recipes with this wonderful ingredient. In this article, we bring you a delicious pumpkin cookie recipe – a perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or as an after-dinner dessert. Not only are these cookies tasty, but they also come with a range of health benefits.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is packed with nutrients that are good for your body. It is an excellent source of fiber, which can help with digestion and overall gut health. It is also low in calories, making it a perfect ingredient to include in your weight management diet. Pumpkin is high in Vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin, eyes, and immune system. It is also rich in Vitamin C and potassium, which boost your energy levels and help reduce blood pressure. The antioxidants in pumpkin, such as beta-carotene, may also help reduce the risks of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe for these mouth-watering pumpkin cookies!
Fall Delight: Pumpkin Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup of pumpkin puree
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 cup of rolled oats
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1 tsp of baking soda
1 tsp of cinnamon
1/2 tsp of nutmeg
1/2 tsp of allspice
1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, mix the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree and mix until well combined.
4. In another bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and oats.
5. Gradually mix the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
6. Fold in the raisins or other mix-ins of your choice.
7. Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to form rounded balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are slightly browned around the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and enjoy!
Adding raisins is optional, but it adds a nice texture to the cookies. You could also add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut to the cookie batter and give it your own touch.
FAQs about Pumpkin Cookies
1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar, spices, and preservatives that are not suitable for this recipe. To make pumpkin puree at home, roast a small pumpkin in the oven until it is soft and tender. Then scoop out the flesh, let it cool, and blend it in a food processor until it forms a smooth puree.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour, and make sure that your oats are also gluten-free.
3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
We recommend using unsalted butter for better flavor and texture, but you could use margarine or vegan butter as a substitution.
4. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes. Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Conclusion
Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor, texture, and nutrients to your baked goods. These mouth-watering pumpkin cookies are easy to make, delicious, and loaded with health benefits. So grab your apron and mixing bowl, and try this recipe to bring a fall delight to your table.
