As autumn rolls in and the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and gold, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven. The subtle warmth of pumpkin pie spices mingling in the air sparks joy, instantly calling to mind cherished memories of family gatherings. This season, I decided to elevate my baking game with these Vegan Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies.
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, where each mouthful bursts with rich pumpkin flavor and a hint of cinnamon. If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a satisfyingly sweet treat, these cookies hit the mark! Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they’re also a delightful solution for those who crave homemade goods without the fuss of complicated recipes. Plus, vegan-friendly ingredients like banana and olive oil make them a guilt-free indulgence. So, let’s dive into this delicious adventure and bring the warmth of the fall kitchen to your table!
Why are Pumpkin Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible flavors: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates an enchanting aroma that will fill your kitchen with cozy vibes.
Vegan delight: Made with wholesome ingredients like banana and olive oil, these cookies are a guilt-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
Easy preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal effort, you can whip these up quickly, perfect for those busy fall days.
Crowd-pleaser: Serve them at gatherings, and watch family and friends return for seconds (or thirds)!
Perfect for sharing: These Pumpkin Cookies make an excellent gift for your loved ones, ensuring you’re spreading joy with every bite. Enjoy them with a cup of hot cider or coffee for a truly delightful experience!
Pumpkin Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Canned pumpkin puree – adds moisture and rich pumpkin flavor to your cookies.
• All-purpose flour – provides the structure needed for soft, fluffy cookies.
• Baking powder – helps the cookies rise and become delightfully puffy.
• Baking soda – aids in leavening and contributes to the perfect texture.
• Organic cane sugar – sweetens the dough while maintaining a lovely golden color.
• Banana – naturally sweetens and binds the ingredients together, making them vegan-friendly.
• Olive oil – enriches the cookies and keeps them moist without dairy.
• Vanilla extract – infuses a warm undertone that complements the pumpkin flavor.
• Salt – enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon – gives a warm, spicy touch that makes these cookies feel like a hug in dessert form.
For the Coating
• Powdered sugar – dusting with this adds a sweet, attractive finish to your beautiful pumpkin cookies.
How to Make Pumpkin Cookies
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Mash the Banana: Begin by mashing the banana in a small bowl until smooth. This will act as a binding agent while also adding a hint of natural sweetness to your cookies.
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Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, organic cane sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. The mixture should be well-combined for an even texture in your cookies.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the canned pumpkin puree, mashed banana, olive oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Gently stir until all the ingredients are combined into a beautiful, thick dough.
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Mix Well: Using a spoon, mix the dough thoroughly until you can no longer see any dry flour. This ensures your cookies will have that lovely, soft texture that everyone loves.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 3 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and enhances the texture.
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Preheat the Oven: About 15 minutes prior to taking the dough out of the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
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Shape the Cookies: After chilling, roll the dough into balls, approximately 1 ½ tablespoons each. Arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet and chill the dough balls for an additional 30 minutes.
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Coat in Sugar: Pour powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Gently drop each dough ball into the sugar, ensuring they are generously coated. This gives your cookies that signature crinkle effect when baked!
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Bake the Cookies: Place the coated cookie balls on the baking sheet, spacing them out for even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are set.
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Cool and Enjoy: Let your freshly baked Pumpkin Cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows for easy handling and prevents them from breaking apart.
Optional: Dust with extra powdered sugar for a festive look before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Cookies
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Chill Time Matters: Make sure to chill the cookie dough for at least 3 hours. This crucial step helps develop the flavors and achieves a better texture.
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Perfectly Rolled Balls: When shaping the dough into balls, ensure they are uniform in size. This guarantees even baking and a consistent cookie shape.
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Generous Sugar Coating: Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar coating. A generous layer not only enhances the crinkle effect but adds a delightful sweetness.
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Keep an Eye on Baking: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies at the 12-minute mark. You want them lightly golden with a soft center for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth taste.
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Watch for Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and ensures a soft cookie texture.
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Storage Tips: Store any leftover Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They taste just as delightful the next day!
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—just mix, cover, and refrigerate it to keep the flavors fresh. Additionally, you can roll the chilled dough into balls and store them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the freezer for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven, coat the frozen cookie balls in powdered sugar, and bake directly from the freezer. This timely approach ensures your Pumpkin Cookies are just as delightful when baked fresh as they are when you make them ahead!
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh for those lazy afternoon cravings.
Fridge: If you prefer to extend their freshness, keep the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Just remember to seal them tightly to prevent them from absorbing other flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months without losing their delightful taste.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen Pumpkin Cookies, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. Reheating revives their just-baked goodness!
Pumpkin Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own with these delightful twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for equally delicious cookies without gluten.
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Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of cane sugar for a different flavor profile and sweetness.
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Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
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Chocolate Lovers: Mix in ½ cup of dairy-free chocolate chips for a delightful surprise in each bite—who can resist chocolate?
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor that instantly warms the soul.
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Fruit Flare: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy element that adds bursts of sweetness amidst the pumpkin goodness.
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Coconut Lovers: Incorporate ½ cup of shredded coconut into the mix for a tropical twist that melds beautifully with the flavors of fall.
Elevate your cookie-making experience with these variations to create a version that’s uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Cookies?
As you savor these delightful treats, consider some delicious pairings to create a complete, inviting experience.
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Warm Apple Cider: The spiced notes of warm apple cider enhance the cozy flavors of the cookies, making it a perfect autumn drink.
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Cinnamon Ice Cream: A scoop of cinnamon ice cream provides a creamy, cool contrast to the chewy texture of the pumpkin cookies. It’s a delightful indulgence!
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Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea harmonize beautifully with the pumpkin and cinnamon, creating a comforting beverage option that warms the soul.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some warm caramel over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It adds a luscious touch!
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like pears and apples brings a crisp, juicy balance to your dessert table.
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Decadent Chocolate Sauce: Pair these cookies with a rich chocolate sauce for dipping, adding a lavish twist to every bite of pumpkin goodness.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: This creamy coffee drink offers a rich, caffeinated companion that amplifies the pumpkin theme, creating the ultimate fall treat.
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Pecan Pie Bars: For a dessert spread, serve mini pecan pie bars alongside the cookies. The nutty sweetness perfectly complements the pumpkin flavors.
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Coffee: A classic cup of freshly brewed coffee contrasts the sweet cookies and brings warmth, making it an ideal companion for your afternoon treat.
With these delightful pairings, your experience with the vegan pumpkin crinkle cookies becomes an unforgettable feast of flavors!
Vegan Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best canned pumpkin puree for my cookies?
Absolutely! Look for 100% pure pumpkin puree without any added sugars or spices on the label. I often prefer brands that use organic pumpkin, as they tend to have a richer flavor. Avoid any labels that mention “pumpkin pie filling,” as those contain added sugars and spices that could alter your cookie’s taste.
What’s the best way to store my Pumpkin Cookies to keep them fresh?
You’ll want to store your Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft chewiness. If you’d like to extend their freshness a bit longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly; nobody wants their cookies tasting like last week’s leftovers!
Can I freeze Pumpkin Cookies, and if so, how?
Very! Freezing your Pumpkin Cookies is an excellent way to enjoy them later. First, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they’re firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, you can let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked flavor again!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky or too dry?
I completely understand the frustration! If your dough turns out too sticky, try adding a little extra flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too dry, mix in a splash of olive oil or a bit more canned pumpkin puree until it softens up. Don’t be afraid to adjust; baking is all about finding that perfect balance!
Are these Pumpkin Cookies safe for people with food allergies?
Yes, but it’s important to check! This recipe is vegan, which means it doesn’t include eggs or dairy. Nevertheless, always be mindful of specific allergies. For nut allergies, make sure to use olive oil instead of a nut-based oil. If you’re serving these cookies to others, it’s wise to ask about allergies before sharing.
Can my pets eat the leftover pumpkin and banana scraps?
Absolutely! Many pets enjoy small amounts of plain pumpkin puree and banana. Just be sure to keep portions small and avoid any added sugars or spices. If you’re unsure, always check with your veterinarian before sharing homemade goodies with your beloved furry friends!
Deliciously Soft Pumpkin Cookies You’ll Crave This Fall
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mash the Banana until smooth in a small bowl.
- In a larger bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add pumpkin puree, mashed banana, olive oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture.
- Mix the dough thoroughly until no dry flour is visible.
- Chill the dough covered for 3 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) 15 minutes before baking.
- Roll the dough into balls and chill for 30 minutes.
- Coat each dough ball in powdered sugar.
- Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.