As we draw closer to Halloween and the end of October, I’m starting to think more and more about the upcoming holiday season. I am just SO excited. This year will be really special and I’m looking forward to sharing some yummy recipes with you all! I’ve started planning my Thanksgiving menus and brainstorming recipes for the month. There are so many fun things to plan for, we need only the best recipes this time of year! When it comes to Thanksgiving, one of the cookies that’s always a part of my family’s celebrations is a shortbread cookie. As a child, my mom would spend Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania with my grandpa’s side of the family. And until we moved to Colorado, I did too. My aunt would always have her famous turkey cookies out for snacking. Mom talks about these cookies every single year! Because mom loves those cookies so much, I always make my own shortbread cookie every year. I, however, like to switch it up. This year, it’s these amazing, delicious pumpkin shortbread cookies! Oh my goodness, we all enjoyed these so much!
Here are the details
Step 1: brown the butter As with many of my cookie recipes, start by browning half of the butter. But only half! For the best flavor, brown the butter, and for the best cookie texture, use softened butter. The mix of the two is the perfect combination for this style of shortbread cookie. Step 2: make the cookie dough Next, mix the brown butter with soft room-temperature butter. I prefer to use salted organic European style 85% fat butter. I like using Straus, this butter gives the best flavor and texture. Then mix in the brown sugar, pumpkin butter, and vanilla. For the dry ingredients, add flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix until the dough forms. Step 3: chill the dough Divide the dough in half and roll each into a log. Wrap the log of dough up with parchment paper and chill in the fridge until very firm. At least an hour or even overnight. This is a great dough to make ahead of time! And wonderful to gift during the holidays too! Step 4: slice n’ bake Once the dough is chilled, slice it into cookies, and get baking! I adore a slice-bake-style cookie, especially for holiday entertaining. I can prepare the dough ahead of time and then, and here’s the secret, bake the cookies while your guests arrive. Just be sure to set a loud timer! This is the most inviting and cozy way to welcome guests! Step 5: dip, drizzle, and dunk in chocolate The final step is optional, but of course, I highly recommend it! Dip each cookie into melted chocolate. The chocolate tastes so delectable when drizzled over these yummy pumpkin shortbread cookies. I use a rich dark chocolate and then add a small pinch of sea salt. The tiny pinch of salt creates a cookie that pretty much no one can stop snacking on! Everyone will enjoy these! They’re sweet, nutty, and buttery, with amazing pumpkin flavor. And just the right amount of chocolate, plus a tinsy bit salty too. Yumm!! And, these are really easy! We all can love that! Looking for other sweet pumpkin recipes? Here are my favorites: Soft Pumpkin Spice Ginger Cookies with Brown Butter Icing. Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Coffee Cake Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting. Lastly, if you make these Spiced Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
