Name: From Scratch to Scrumptious: Mastering Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (rich in fiber and vitamins); 1/2 cup coconut sugar (a lower glycemic index sweetener); 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (natural sweetness and moisture); 1 large egg (a source of protein); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups whole wheat flour (higher in fiber and nutrients); 1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional, for extra nutrients)

Description

Embrace the joys of homemade baking with our delectable "Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cookies" recipe. When these pumpkin cookies are in the oven, your kitchen will be filled with the delightful aroma of warm spices and sweet pumpkin. It's a fantastic way to capture the essence of autumn, and this recipe ensures that you achieve the perfect blend of pumpkin flavor and comforting spices.

Ingredients

Scale

- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (rich in fiber and vitamins)

- 1/2 cup coconut sugar (a lower glycemic index sweetener)

- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (natural sweetness and moisture)

- 1 large egg (a source of protein)

- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

- 2 cups whole wheat flour (higher in fiber and nutrients)

- 1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional, for extra nutrients)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this dry mixture aside.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.

1. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.

1. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the cookie dough.

1. Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

1. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are set and the edges turn golden brown.

1. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

1. Enjoy: Once the Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cookies have cooled, serve and enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.

1. Store: Store any remaining cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes