Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the crisp autumn air embraces us, the allure of pumpkin-spiced everything fills our kitchens with warmth and comfort. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze—an irresistible twist on classic fall treats! These soft, chewy cookies capture the earthy sweetness of pumpkin while the zesty orange glaze adds a bright, citrusy punch. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they also elevate any gathering—perfect for Halloween parties or Thanksgiving feasts! Imagine these delightful cookies paired with your favorite hot beverage, creating cozy moments that you’ll cherish. Are you ready to add a touch of fall magic to your baking lineup? Let’s dive in! Why are Pumpkin Cookies the Ultimate Fall Treat? Delightful Flavors: The combination of rich pumpkin and zesty orange creates an irresistible flavor profile that will leave you craving more. So Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Perfectly Chewy Texture: With a soft center and slightly crisp edges, these cookies offer a delightful bite that everyone will love. Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a Halloween party or Thanksgiving dinner, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Pair them with a warm drink for the ultimate cozy experience—try them with spiced cider for a festive touch! Looking for more seasonal treats? Check out these delicious Lemon Raspberry Cookies or indulge in some Chocolate Oat Cookies. Pumpkin Cookies With Orange Glaze Ingredients For the Cookie Base • Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness; you can reduce the amount for a less sweet cookie. • Large Egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; substitute with ¼ cup applesauce or mashed banana for an egg-free option. • Butter (softened) – Adds richness and flavor; use unsalted for better control over salt levels. • Canned 100% Pure Pumpkin – Imparts moisture and pumpkin flavor; homemade pumpkin puree (well-drained) works as a great substitute. • All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure; can be replaced with a gluten-free blend if needed. • Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to help cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results. • Salt – Enhances overall flavor. • Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor. • Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional) – Provides texture and crunch; omit for a nut-free version of these pumpkin cookies with orange glaze. For the Orange Glaze • Large Orange (zested) – Adds fresh citrus flavor; the zest is key for brightness in your glaze. • Fresh Orange Juice – Acts as the liquid component of the glaze. • Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and thickens the glaze; adjust the amount for your desired thickness. • Salt – Enhances the orange flavor, making each cookie sing with zest. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Cookies With Orange Glaze Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheets Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or lightly greasing them. This will ensure that your Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze bake evenly and won’t stick, making it easy to transfer them once they come out of the oven. Step 2: Cream Together Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, large egg, and softened butter. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in soft and chewy cookies that everyone will love. Step 3: Incorporate Pumpkin Puree Next, gently mix in the canned 100% pure pumpkin until everything is well blended. Ensure no streaks of pumpkin remain in the batter. The pumpkin adds moisture and earthy flavor, preparing your cookie base for that delightful autumn taste that defines these Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze. Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. You can do this in two to three additions to avoid creating a flour cloud. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. If you’re adding chopped nuts, gently fold them in at this stage for added texture and crunch. Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Dough Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough into 2-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass, ensuring they are evenly spaced to allow for spreading. Bake these cookies in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes until they are set but still soft in the center, indicating they are perfectly chewy. Step 6: Cool the Cookies Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up before transferring. Afterward, carefully move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for maintaining the ideal texture of your delicious Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze. Step 7: Prepare the Orange Glaze While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the zingy orange glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the zest and fresh juice of the large orange. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until you achieve a smooth consistency. Adjust the thickness by adding more powdered sugar or a touch more juice depending on your preference. Step 8: Drizzle the Glaze Once your cookies have cooled slightly, use a spoon to drizzle the vibrant orange glaze over each cookie. This creates a beautiful and glossy finish that enhances both flavor and presentation. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving, so your Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze are ready for your cozy fall gatherings. Pumpkin Cookies With Orange Glaze Variations Feel free to get creative with these pumpkin cookies—there’s no limit to the delicious twists you can incorporate! Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the glaze for a rich cream cheese frosting that adds a tangy balance to the sweetness of the cookies, creating a decadent treat. Maple Glaze: Replace the orange glaze with a maple syrup glaze for a warm, cozy taste that complements the pumpkin perfectly. Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely to cater to nut-free diets, keeping all the yummy flavors intact for everyone to enjoy. Chocolate Chips: Mix in chocolate chips for a delightful surprise in each bite, adding a hint of sweetness that blends wonderfully with the pumpkin. Dried Cranberries: Stir in dried cranberries or cherries for a chewy texture and a tart contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile. Spiced Variations: Sprinkle in fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to amp up the autumn flavors and create a warm, inviting aroma. Cocoa Powder: For a twist, add two tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey version of these pumpkin cookies. These variations not only personalize your baking experience but also allow you to cater to different taste preferences. These cookies are a delightful treat with a cup of spiced cider. Want more unique flavors? Try these Almond Snowball Cookies for a wonderful addition to your fall cookie platter! What to Serve with Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze Imagine indulging in these soft, chewy pumpkin delights surrounded by the warm scents of autumn while enjoying cozy moments with loved ones. Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in this comforting drink echo the flavors in pumpkin cookies perfectly, creating a harmonious pairing. Cider Donuts: Elevate your fall treats by serving these soft donuts alongside. Their sweetness complements the zingy orange glaze beautifully. Creamy Hot Chocolate: Lush and rich, this drink balances the cookies’ sweetness, creating an indulgent dessert experience that warms the heart. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: The creamy texture and warm spices of this soup provide a lovely counterpart to the cookie’s chewy consistency. Apple Crisp: This sweet, slightly tart dessert adds another layer of flavor to your fall feast. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream to contrast the cookies. Maple-Peanut Butter Dip: For a fun twist, serve fresh apple slices with this sweet dip, bringing crunchy texture alongside your soft cookies. Irish Coffee: The warmth of coffee and the touch of Irish whiskey perfectly pairs with the pumpkin cookies. Their richness complements the cookies’ chewy terracotta shades. Warm Spiced Wine: Bring out the seasonal flavors with a glass of mulled wine spices. It heightens the autumnal experience while savoring these delightful cookies. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Lean into the spirit of the season! This creamy, autumn-inspired drink provides a delightful echo to your cookies’ flavors, enhancing the cozy experience. How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Cookies Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and freshness. Fridge: If you’d like to keep them for a longer time, you can refrigerate the Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze for up to a week; just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months—perfect for future cravings! Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, bringing back that delightful fresh-baked taste. Helpful Tricks for Pumpkin Cookies Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baking powder and spices to ensure your pumpkin cookies rise perfectly. Stale ingredients can lead to flat cookies. Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for the best creamy texture. This helps incorporate air, yielding soft, fluffy cookies. Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when incorporating the dry ingredients. Overmixing can develop gluten, leading to tougher pumpkin cookies. Check for Doneness: Remove the cookies from the oven while they’re still slightly soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, maintaining their chewy consistency. Adjusting Glaze Thickness: If the orange glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency. This will help achieve that perfect drizzle over your pumpkin cookies with orange glaze. Make Ahead Options These Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only allows the flavors to develop but also makes for easy baking when you’re ready to indulge. You can also make the orange glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it; just give it a good stir before drizzling over the cookies to keep it smooth. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto your baking sheets and proceed with baking as instructed. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, delicious cookies with minimal last-minute fuss! Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe FAQs How do I select the best pumpkin for my cookies? Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin for your cookies, look for canned 100% pure pumpkin—this is pure, smooth puree without any additives. If using fresh pumpkin, choose a small sugar or pie pumpkin, which has the right sweetness and texture. Ensure the flesh is firm and has no dark spots or bruises to get the best flavor in your Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze. How should I store my Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze? For optimal freshness, place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they’re properly wrapped to prevent dryness! Remember, storing them properly helps maintain that delightful soft and chewy texture. Can I freeze Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze? Absolutely! To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely. Then, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you crave a tasty treat, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. What should I do if my cookies are too dry or crumbly? If your cookies turn out dry, it’s likely due to overbaking or too much flour. Make sure to remove them from the oven when they’re still slightly soft in the center. For next time, ensure your butter is softened properly and measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off without packing it down. If you’ve ever faced this issue, don’t worry! Baking can be a learning experience. Are these pumpkin cookies safe for nut allergies? Yes! You can easily make these Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Glaze nut-free simply by omitting the chopped walnuts or pecans. Feel free to substitute with chocolate chips or even leave them out entirely; they’ll still be perfectly delicious! Always remember to check ingredient labels for cross-contamination if you’re baking for someone with a severe allergy. Pumpkin Cookies With Orange Glaze for Cozy Fall Treats Delight in the cozy flavors of Pumpkin Cookies With Orange Glaze, an irresistible fall treat perfect for gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 cup granulated sugar Provides sweetness; can reduce for less sweetness.1 large egg Can substitute with ¼ cup applesauce or mashed banana for an egg-free option.½ cup butter, softened Use unsalted for better control over salt levels.1 cup canned 100% pure pumpkin Homemade pumpkin puree works as a substitute.2 cups all-purpose flour Can be replaced with a gluten-free blend.1 teaspoon baking powder Ensure it's fresh for optimal results.½ teaspoon salt Enhances overall flavor.1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds warmth and depth of flavor.½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Omit for a nut-free version.For the Orange Glaze1 large orange, zested Zest is key for brightness in your glaze.¼ cup fresh orange juice Acts as the liquid component of the glaze.2 cups powdered sugar Adjust the amount for desired thickness.a pinch salt Enhances the orange flavor. Equipment Mixing BowlCookie scoopBaking sheetsParchment PaperWhisk Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or lightly greasing.In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, large egg, and softened butter. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.Gently mix in the canned pure pumpkin until blended and no streaks remain.Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined; fold in any chopped nuts at this stage.Scoop dough into 2-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets; flatten slightly. Bake for 13-15 minutes until set and soft in center.Allow cookies to cool on sheets for about 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.To make the glaze, combine the zest and juice of orange in a bowl. Whisk in powdered sugar and pinch of salt until smooth.Drizzle the orange glaze over cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; refrigerate for up to a week, and freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
