Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing Recipe

If you’re dreaming of the ultimate autumn treat, look no further than these Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing. Every bite delivers pillowy-soft, perfectly spiced pumpkin goodness, finished with an irresistibly nutty, buttery glaze. This recipe captures the best of fall flavors and textures, whether you’re a seasoned baker or brand new to the kitchen. There’s something magical about the sweet aroma of spices filling your home, and these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles to friends and family alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One reason I adore this recipe is how it makes the most out of pantry basics and a few seasonal stars. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the deep warmth of the spices to the rich, caramel-like icing. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why you’ll love working with these staples:

• Unsalted Butter (for cookies and icing): Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt in your baked goods, plus it creates that perfect chewy texture in the cookies and a toasty depth in the icing.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and the right amount of spread in each cookie.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Canned Pumpkin Purée: Pure pumpkin keeps the cookies moist and gives them that signature orange glow.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together and provides just-right lift to make the cookies light and cakey.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors in both the cookie and the icing with a lovely, fragrant sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The classic foundation for cookies that keeps them tender but sturdy enough to hold their shape.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help create that soft, slightly puffy cookie we all love.
• Salt: Just a pinch ensures every flavor shines and keeps the cookies from being overly sweet.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers that signature autumn warmth and makes the whole kitchen smell luscious.
• Ground Nutmeg: A little goes a long way for complexity and depth in each bite.
• Ground Cloves: Intensifies the spice blend and adds a comforting old-fashioned bakery scent.
• Powdered Sugar (for icing): Dissolves easily in the icing for a perfectly smooth, creamy finish.
• Milk (for icing): Use just enough to create a spreadable consistency without making your icing too runny.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheets and Preheat Oven

Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—it makes clean-up a breeze and helps your cookies bake evenly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A well-prepped workspace sets you up for baking success!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat the mixture until it’s pale and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes) to incorporate air for tender, pillowy cookies. This is the key step for rich flavor and soft texture.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the canned pumpkin purée, the egg, and the vanilla extract. The dough will look a bit fluffy and light—exactly what you want for melt-in-your-mouth cookie centers. Scrape down the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend adds both structure and that unmistakable spiced aroma that defines great Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. This will ensure your cookies bake up soft as clouds.

Step 6: Portion the Dough

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough is soft and sticky, so use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to make quick, even work of it.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before gently transferring to a wire rack. This rest time helps them firm up without drying out.

Step 8: Make the Brown Butter Icing

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir frequently until it transforms from yellow to a deep golden brown and smells deliciously nutty, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat, then whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and just enough milk to get a spreadable, silky icing.

Step 9: Ice the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or drizzle that glorious brown butter icing over each one. Let them set for a few minutes so the icing firms up slightly. Now you’re ready for the very best part: enjoying your Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg on top of the icing adds a fragrant finishing touch. For an extra treat, try a dusting of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and a boost of nutty goodness.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing pair beautifully with a big mug of hot coffee, a cup of chai, or even a chilled glass of milk. If you’re planning a get-together, add a fruit platter or cheese board on the side for refreshing contrast to these tender, spiced cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies on a rustic wooden platter or tiered tray for that inviting homemade look. You can also tie a few together in cellophane bags with festive ribbon for gifting—everyone loves a bundle of Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing as a thoughtful, edible present!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to three days; the icing keeps them amazingly soft! If you want to stretch their freshness, refrigerate for up to a week and let come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Both the cookies and the brown butter icing freeze well. Freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer, then stack between sheets of parchment. You can also freeze frosted cookies, but let the icing set first and separate layers with wax paper. Thaw overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

For that just-baked taste, warm cookies for a few seconds in the microwave. Avoid overheating to keep the icing smooth. A quick refresh in a low oven (around 275°F for a few minutes) will also bring back the cozy, bakery-fresh warmth.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin purée works well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s not too watery—thick purée is key for cookies that hold their shape instead of spreading too much.

What can I substitute for brown butter if I’m short on time?

Brown butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor, but you can make the icing with regular melted butter if you’re in a hurry. The cookies will still be delicious, though you’ll miss that extra depth the brown butter brings.

Can I make Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing gluten free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and check that all spice mixes are gluten free. The dough may be slightly more delicate, so handle with care.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are ready when the edges are just beginning to turn golden and the centers look set but not dry. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking for the softest texture.

What’s the best way to ice these cookies for a bakery-style look?

Let your Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing cool completely before icing. Use an offset spatula for smooth coverage, or go for a rustic drizzle. If you want to dress them up, sprinkle with cinnamon or chopped nuts before the icing sets.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with baking all over again, these Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are the perfect place to start. Cozy, nostalgic, and bursting with flavor, they’re as much fun to share as they are to eat. Grab your ingredients and treat yourself—you’ll be glad you did!

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