Oh, let me tell you about the joy of baking these Chocolate Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies! They’re the perfect blend of rich chocolate and warm pumpkin spice, making them absolutely ideal for Halloween celebrations. Just picture this: you’re in the kitchen, the scent of cocoa and spices fills the air, and you’re shaping these adorable cookies into all sorts of fun Halloween shapes. The best part? They taste as amazing as they smell! The soft, chewy texture paired with that delightful chocolatey goodness is what makes these cookies a favorite among spooky snacks. Whether you’re hosting a ghoulish gathering or just want to indulge in a festive treat, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Trust me, you’ll want to make a batch (or two) to share with friends and family!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 1 cup sugar (for that perfect sweetness)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (this helps with that lovely texture)
- 1 egg (binds it all together)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (adds a touch of warmth)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (because what’s fall without cinnamon?)
How to Make Chocolate Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies
Making these Chocolate Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies is a delightful adventure! Let’s dive into the steps to bring these spooky snacks to life.
Prepare the Dough
First things first, we need to get that dough ready! In a large bowl, start by whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This is important to ensure everything is well combined and ready for the magic! In another bowl, cream your softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this is where the texture begins to shine. After that, add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s all beautifully blended. The dough should be soft and a bit sticky, just the way we want it!
Chill the Dough
Now, here comes the crucial part: chilling the dough! Wrap it up in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step is essential because it helps the dough firm up, making it much easier to roll out later. Plus, it enhances the flavors—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Cut and Bake the Cookies
Once the dough is nice and chilled, sprinkle some flour on your countertop and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out spooky shapes—ghosts, pumpkins, or whatever inspires you! Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look firm but the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is key to keeping them from breaking. Once they’re completely cool, the fun part begins—decorating! You can whip up some festive icing or simply dust them with powdered sugar for a spooky touch. Get creative and enjoy the process!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these Chocolate Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies! Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just typical estimates:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
Remember, these delightful cookies are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation while celebrating the spooky season! Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare and perfect for bakers of all skill levels—no special techniques required!
- Deliciously rich chocolate flavor balanced with the warmth of pumpkin spice—it’s a match made in heaven!
- Festive shapes make these cookies the star of any Halloween gathering or spooky snack platter.
- Soft, chewy texture that makes each bite a delightful experience.
- Customizable decorations allow for endless creativity—let your imagination run wild!
- Great for making memories with family or friends during the Halloween season.
- They store well, so you can bake ahead and have treats ready for all your fall festivities.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Chocolate Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, when rolling out the dough, sprinkle your work surface with a little extra flour to prevent it from sticking. If you find the dough too sticky, don’t hesitate to chill it for another 10-15 minutes—it really helps! Also, be sure to keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so check your cookies a minute or two early to avoid overbaking. Once they’re cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy. If you want to get creative, make a batch of icing to elevate your spooky snacks even more! Enjoy the baking process, and don’t forget to have fun decorating!
Variations on Chocolate Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies
Oh, the fun doesn’t stop with just one version of these Chocolate Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies! There are so many ways to mix things up and make them your own. Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and depth. These spices complement the pumpkin beautifully!
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in some chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey kick. Who doesn’t love a little more chocolate, right?
- Gluten-Free Twist: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for everyone!
- Decorative Shapes: Use cookie cutters in various fun shapes beyond Halloween—think leaves for fall or stars for any time of year!
- Frosting Fun: Experiment with different types of icing, like cream cheese frosting or a chocolate glaze, to add a delightful touch on top.
Don’t be afraid to get adventurous! Each variation can bring a new flavor or festive look to your spooky snacks, making them even more memorable. Enjoy the process and let your imagination run wild!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Chocolate Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies, the possibilities are endless! These delightful treats pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and festive snacks that will elevate your Halloween gatherings. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Hot Chocolate: Nothing beats the cozy feeling of sipping on a rich cup of hot chocolate while nibbling on a chocolate cookie. It’s the perfect match!
- Spiced Apple Cider: The warm, spiced notes of apple cider complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully. Serve it warm for a truly comforting experience. Learn how to make spiced apple cider.
- Tea Party: Set up a mini tea party with an assortment of herbal or spiced teas. The flavors of chai or cinnamon tea pair wonderfully with these cookies.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Get creative by turning your cookies into ice cream sandwiches! Simply add a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream between two cookies for a delightful treat.
- Cheese Platter: For a unique twist, serve your cookies alongside a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The combination will surprise and delight your guests!
- Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies. Create colorful skewers with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes.
Whatever you choose, these cookies are sure to steal the show as a delightful sweet treat. So grab your favorite pairing, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the festive spirit of the season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store the Chocolate Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies?
Absolutely! Once your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking!
What icing works best for decorating?
I love using a simple powdered sugar glaze for these cookies! Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk or water until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add in some vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try cream cheese frosting for a richer taste!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that you love. Make sure to check that all your other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep your spooky snacks safe for everyone!
What if I don’t have pumpkin puree?
No worries! If you can’t find pumpkin puree, you can use applesauce for a similar moist texture. It’ll change the flavor a bit, but they’ll still be delicious! Just keep in mind the cookies might be a bit sweeter.
How can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You can definitely make the dough ahead of time! Just follow the recipe up to the chilling step, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just roll it out and cut your shapes as usual. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container!
Chocolate Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies that Will Delight You
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Chocolate Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies, perfect for Halloween.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.
- Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Decorate with icing for a festive look.
- Use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Chocolate Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies, spooky snacks
