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As autumn settles in, the air turns crisp, and the leaves paint the landscape in warm hues of orange and gold, there’s an undeniable urge to indulge in the comforts of baked treats. The fall season brings a unique charm, inspiring us to gather in the kitchen, where the scent of spices mingles with the sweetness of baked goods. Among the myriad of seasonal recipes, brown butter pumpkin cookies stand out as a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that embody the spirit of fall.

Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

Embrace the flavors of fall with these delicious brown butter pumpkin cookies! This recipe combines the nutty richness of brown butter with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree, creating a soft, chewy cookie that's perfect for autumn. Warm spices add a comforting touch, making these cookies a seasonal must-try. With simple techniques for browning butter and mixing the dough, you'll be on your way to baking a delightful batch that fills your home with the irresistible aroma of the season. Enjoy them with a warm drink for the ultimate cozy experience!

Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter (two sticks)

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 cup pure pumpkin puree (ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips (optional for added indulgence)

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for a nutty crunch)

Instructions
 

Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, continue to cook while stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the butter turns a rich golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

    Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Next, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.

      Combine Dry Ingredients: Take another bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt until well mixed.

        Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until the dough is just combined. Take care not to overmix. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans or walnuts for extra flavor and texture.

          Chill the Dough: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.

            Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

              Scoop Cookies: Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring each cookie has about 2 inches of space between them.

                Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. They are ready when the edges are set, and the tops begin to crack. The cookies may look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

                  Cool and Enjoy: After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful brown butter pumpkin cookies warm, paired with a glass of cold milk or a cozy cup of coffee.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 min | 1 hr | Makes approximately 24 cookies.

                      - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, dust the cooled cookies with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and arrange them on a decorative plate, garnished with small pumpkin decorations for a festive autumn vibe.