Fall Cookies Recipe with Candy Pumpkins
Baking cute cookies is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the seasons. And when it comes to fall baking, it doesn't get much better than this fun fall cookies recipe! Featuring orange sprinkles and candy pumpkins on top, these cute blossom cookies are the best way to enjoy a sweet treat during the fall. Whether you're searching for an adorable Halloween treat or a fun Thanksgiving dessert, you're going to love this quick and easy recipe idea.
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What Do I Need to Make This Fall Cookies Recipe?
If you're searching for an adorable cookie recipe that's super simple to make, these pumpkin candy cookies are for you! That's because you probably already have everything you need to make them in your kitchen right now. To make these cute fall cookies, you'll need:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Orange food coloring
- Colored sugar or sprinkles
- Candy pumpkins
Looking for more delicious Halloween recipes? Give these reader favorites a try!
Halloween Vegetables | Witch's Brew Halloween Bark | Halloween Rice Krispie Pops | Halloween Witch Chips and Guacamole
How Do I Make This Fall Cookies Recipe?
Since this cute recipe is so easy to make, it's going to be your new favorite fall treat! And since you can prepare these adorable fall cookies in just three simple steps, they're perfect for a last minute party or a quick snack for your kids. To make your own pumpkin blossom cookies, follow these simple instructions:
Step One: Make the Cookie Dough
Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk the dry ingredients together and set the bowl aside. In a separate bowl, beat the butter at medium speed for around five minutes, until light and fluffy. Then, add the sugar and continue beating the two ingredients together for five to seven minutes until well combined. After that, add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and beat again until evenly combined. Pour the flour mixture into the bowl and beat until mixed, then slowly add the milk to the bowl while the mixer continues to run. Add just enough milk to soften the dough without making it too wet.
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Step Two: Shape the Cookies
When the dough is ready, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into balls. Roll the dough between your hands to form a smooth ball. Place the ball in the colored sugar and roll it around until the dough is fully coated. Put all the coated cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving around one inch of space between each cookie.
Step Three: Bake the Cookies
Set the oven to 350 degrees and place the cookies inside. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cookies are puffed up and the edges are just beginning to brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for two to three minutes, then press one candy pumpkin into the top of each cookie. Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack and allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.
Why are My Candy Pumpkins Melting?
Pressing the candy pumpkins into the warm cookies is the best way to get them to stick in place. But since the cookies are hot, it may seem like the candies are melting into the cookies. But don't worry! While it looks like the candy pumpkins are melting, they're actually just softening.
After pressing the pumpkins into the cookies, make sure to transfer the cookies off the hot baking sheet and onto a wire rack. This will help speed up the cooling process and keep your candy pumpkins from fully melting. As the cookies cool, the pumpkins will begin to hard and return to their original shape.
How Do You Get Sprinkles to Stick to Cookies?
Using sprinkles is a great way to add some color and texture to your cookies. But getting them to stick to the cookies isn't always easy! If your cookie recipe doesn't include frosting, the best way to get those cute sprinkles to stick to your treats is to add the sprinkles before you bake the cookies.
After preparing your cookie dough and forming it into balls, roll the dough balls in the cookies. Lightly press the sprinkles into the dough to hold them in place, then bake the cookies according to the recipe instructions. As the cookies bake, the dough will rise around the sprinkles, helping them stay in place after the cookies are baked.
How Do You Store Pumpkin Candy Blossoms?
These cute cookies are sure to be a hit at any party! But if you have cookies leftover after you serve them, make sure to store them properly so they don't go bad. Start by transferring the cookies to an airtight container. If you plan on eating the remaining cookies right away, you can store them at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, try keeping the leftovers in the fridge or freezer. When stored in the refrigerator, the cookies will stay good up to three weeks. You can also keep the cookies in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw the cookies, allow them to sit at room temperature for at least two hours before serving.
Fall Cookies Recipe with Candy Pumpkins
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- Orange food coloring if desired
- ⅓ cup brightly colored sugar or sprinkles if desired
- 48 candy pumpkins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat the butter and medium speed for 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides. Add the sugar and continue beating for 5 to 7 minutes or until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until evenly combined. Add the flour mixture and beat until mixed.
- Slowly add the milk to the dough as the mixer runs, adding just enough to soften the dough.
- Using a small (1 tablespoon) cookie scoop, portion the cookie dough and shape into balls. Roll each ball in the colored sugar if desired. Place on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies are puffed and the edges are set.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before pressing one pumpkin into the center of each cookie.
- Transfer to a wire rack and allow the cookies to cool completely. The candies will look like they are melting but do not disturb them and they will resolidify in the correct shape.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. Cooled cookies can also be frozen but sudden temperature changes may cause the candy to “bloom” which is harmless but not pretty.
