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MAKE THESE PASTEL PUMPKIN COOKIES FOR HALLOWEEN!
I don’t know about you but I can’t quite believe it’s October already, I mean we’re practically half way through the month now?! Say what! The good news is this means Halloween is just around the corner & if you’re anything like me then you’re getting super excited right about now! As you know we’ve never been ones to do things traditional around here so while Halloween may look like a mass of orange and black to some people, to us it’s still all pretty pastels and bright bold colours!
Today’s DIY couldn’t be easier if you want to welcome in the holiday with a little sugar (um…hello, who doesn’t?!) and we just knew there would be no one better to create this DIY than Deanna from Obsessive Cookie Designer! Her decorating skills are the bomb & if you haven’t checked out her Instagram then you must have been living under a rock because it’s all sorts of beautiful!
YOU WILL NEED
6 cups flour // 3 tsp. baking powder // 2 cups butter // 2 cups sugar // 2 eggs // 2 tsp. vanilla extract // 1 tsp. salt // 3 3/4 cups sifted confectioners(powdered) sugar // 3 T meringue powder(I buy at Michael’s) // 6 T warm water // pumpkin shaped cookie cutter // Food colouring of your choice // A piping bag or bottle //
STEP 1:
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients and add to butter mixture. Mix well then chill the dough in the fridge before rolling out.
STEP 2:
Roll to desired thickness and cut into your pumpkin shapes! Then bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or just until beginning to turn brown around the edges. (Top tip: If you are having a problem with your cookies holding their shape, it helps a lot if you put them in the freezer on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before you bake them.) Then leave to cool.
STEP 3:
Beat your powdered sugar, meringue powder & warm water for 4-5 minutes, until smooth then separate into how many colours you would like and add your colouring gradually until you’re happy with the shade.
STEP 4:
From a piping bag or bottle, start piping pumpkin sections and allow each section to dry before you move onto the next. This will create the pumpkin lines. Then finally, finish with a stem!
JOB DONE! How cute are these?! I’m not sure they would even make it to my table looking this darn good, I would probably eat them all! xxx
Original cookie recipe here // Photos & concept by Obsessive Cookie Designer //
Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies for Halloween
Making pumpkin cookies for Halloween is one of those traditions that brings out the cozy vibes of the season. There’s something magical about the combination of fall spices, pumpkin purée, and that signature soft texture that makes pumpkin cookies so irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a Halloween party, a family get-together, or just because you’re craving something festive, these tips will help you create the perfect batch of pumpkin cookies for Halloween.
Start with the Right Pumpkin
Not all pumpkins are created equal when it comes to baking. For pumpkin cookies for Halloween, it’s best to use canned pumpkin purée (make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices). Canned purée provides a consistent texture and flavor, which is key for getting those soft, fluffy cookies. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own purée by roasting and mashing a sugar pumpkin, but honestly, the canned stuff works like a charm and saves a ton of time.
The Perfect Spice Blend
Pumpkin cookies for Halloween aren’t complete without the right mix of spices. You’ll want to use the classic pumpkin pie spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These spices give the cookies that warm, autumnal flavor that makes them so comforting. You can buy a pre-made pumpkin spice blend or mix your own. My personal preference is to go heavy on the cinnamon and just a pinch of cloves—it makes the flavor pop without being overpowering. If you’re making these cookies for a crowd, remember that people’s spice preferences vary, so you can always start light and adjust based on your own taste.
Texture is Key
One of the best things about pumpkin cookies for Halloween is their soft, cake-like texture. Unlike traditional cookies that are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, pumpkin cookies tend to be more like little pillow-y bites of heaven. To achieve this texture, make sure not to overmix your dough—overworking the flour can make the cookies tough. Another trick is to chill your dough before baking. While it’s tempting to pop them straight into the oven, letting the dough chill for at least 30 minutes will help the cookies hold their shape and give you that perfect soft bite.
Add a Frosting or Glaze
What’s a batch of pumpkin cookies for Halloween without a little extra sweetness on top? While these cookies are delicious on their own, adding a glaze or frosting can take them to the next level. A simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk adds a beautiful, glossy finish, while a cream cheese frosting makes them feel more indulgent. You can even spice up your glaze with a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for added flavor. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle some orange and black Halloween-themed sprinkles on top for an extra touch of fun!
Mix-ins for Extra Fun
If you want to give your pumpkin cookies for Halloween some added texture or flavor, consider mixing in extras like chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or chopped nuts. Chocolate chips bring a rich, sweet contrast to the spiced pumpkin flavor, while nuts like pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch. I’ve even seen some people add dried cranberries for a tart twist. Whatever you choose, make sure to fold the mix-ins in gently so that you don’t overmix the dough.
Don’t Forget to Decorate!
Pumpkin cookies for Halloween are not only delicious, but they can also be super fun to decorate. If you’re making these cookies for a Halloween party, you can turn decorating into an activity. Use colored icing to draw jack-o’-lantern faces, spider webs, or spooky ghosts on the cookies. For a simpler option, dust them with a little powdered sugar or cinnamon before serving. The decorations don’t need to be perfect; the idea is to embrace the Halloween spirit and have fun with it!
Enjoy Them Fresh
Pumpkin cookies are at their best when they’re fresh out of the oven. The warm spices, soft texture, and rich pumpkin flavor are truly comforting on a chilly fall day. However, if you have leftovers (which is rare in my experience), you can store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay soft for several days. For even longer storage, you can freeze them, then just thaw and enjoy when the craving strikes!
Baking pumpkin cookies for Halloween is a great way to embrace the season and share some festive treats with friends and family. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating the best batch of pumpkin cookies anyone has ever tasted!
