Preview: These Pumpkin Cookies with Browned Butter Icing are soft, spiced with cinnamon, and flavored with pumpkin. The Browned Butter Icing makes them disappear FAST.
Do you ever have a little bit of pumpkin puree leftover from another baking project? Of course, you could freeze it, but it’s hard to beat these Iced Pumpkin Cookies. They are right up there with pumpkin pie when it comes to celebrating the fall season.
Delicately flavored brown butter icing, which you can make in the microwave, complements the cinnamon and pumpkin perfectly. Chopped pecans add sophistication, flavor, and a crunchy texture to this otherwise simple cookie.
Ingredients and substitutions:
- BUTTER: Substitute shortening or margarine.
- SUGAR: I have not tested this recipe with any substitutes for brown sugar or granulated white sugar.
- EGGS: This recipe is written for large eggs. If you use a larger or smaller size, adjust the flour accordingly.
- YOGURT: Plain yogurt is my first choice. Vanilla yogurt is OK but will add more sweetness. If you only have Greek yogurt, add a little water or milk to thin it to the consistency of yogurt. Buttermilk is also a viable substitute.
- PUMPKIN: Butternut squash can stand in for the pumpkin, especially baby food squash.
- FLOUR: All-purpose flour is best here. No sifting required but measure carefully. Try not to pack the flour.
- CINNAMON: Pumpkin pie spice could be substituted for the cinnamon. The flavors will be a little more complex..
FAQ about Iced Pumpkin Drop Cookies
Yes. Double wrap to protect against freezer burn. Best eaten within a month.
Store in a covered plastic, glass, or metal container. Because the cookies are iced, let them dry for a couple of hours before storing. Then, arrange in layers with plastic wrap or waxed paper between each layer. Cover and place the whole container in a sealed plastic bag.
Instead of browned butter icing, try regular butter icing or glaze. Your cookies will still be a hit!
Yes, it’s much quicker than the slow process of browning butter on top of the stove. See how to make browned butter icing in the microwave.
More ideas for leftover pumpkin?
Pumpkin Pie Mini Tarts with a Homemade Crust
These Pumpkin Pie Mini-Tarts are easy to carry to Grandma's house or put them on your dessert buffet. The small size makes them easy to grab and eat.
Grandma's Magic Layered Custard Pumpkin Pie
A non-traditional pumpkin pie flavored with only 2-3 tablespoons pumpkin pureé. As the pie bakes, it will magically turn into 3 distinct custard-like layers.
Cinnamon Jumbles Recipe with Browned Butter Icing
Kid-favorites!! These cake-like, cinnamon-spiced cookies are frosted with a browned butter icing. (No pumpkin in these, but if you like these cookies, you'll love these, too.)
If you enjoyed this recipe, it would help others and me if you gave it a five-star rating inside the recipe card below. 🤩 No comment required. Thank you.
Hope to see you again soon!
Paula
p.s. Questions or suggestions? Please email me: Paula at saladinajar.com.
Iced Pumpkin Cookies (with Browned Butter Icing)
These cake-like and spiced-with-cinnamon cookies are flavored with pumpkin. Directions for Browned Butter Icing included.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113 gr) butter
- 1 cup (213 gr) brown sugar
- ½ cup (49 gr) white sugar
- 2 large (100 gr) eggs
- ½ cup (120 gr) plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon (5 gr) vanilla
- 1 cup (245 gr) pumpkin, canned
- 2 ¾ (330 gr) cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon (3 gr) salt
- 1 teaspoon (4 gr) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (3 gr) soda
- 2 teaspoons (5 gr) cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and combine. Add yogurt, vanilla and pumpkin.
- Combine with flour, salt, baking powder, soda and cinnamon. Drop by tablespoonfuls on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes .
Browned Butter Icing
- Brown 2-3 T. butter (the real thing) in a small skillet. (May take several minutes on low heat—be careful not to burn or you have to start over.)
- Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon warm milk. Beat until smooth. May need to add more sugar or milk to get the right consistency. As it cools, it gets thick—just add a little more milk and stir.
- Ice cookies. Before icing dries, sprinkle with chopped, toasted pecans.
- These freeze beautifully. Wrap well.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
30Serving Size:
2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 25Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
Kara
Monday 26th of November 2012
Thank you Paula! I am getting ready to make theses right now. Can't wait to taste them! :)
Kara
Tuesday 20th of November 2012
Can you use butter flavored shortening with these instead?
Paula
Monday 26th of November 2012
Hi Kara, Did I already answer your question? If not, I'm sorry it has taken so long. I think the butter-flavored shortening would be fine, although I have not tried it myself.
carolyn
Thursday 27th of October 2011
I am up early and cannot wait for daylight to maake thes cookies.( Maybe for breakfast ).
Ann Hastings
Tuesday 27th of October 2009
I am going to make these for our employee bake sale this Friday, it raises money for people in need... so I am sure they'll be a hit :)
April
Monday 26th of October 2009
What beautiful cookies, and the brown butter icing sounds wonderful