Butternut Cookies

Butternut Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Perfect for any season, these cookies showcase the gentle, nutty flavor of butternut squash, harmoniously combined with the sweet spices of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Whether shared with friends over tea or enjoyed as a sweet snack on a cozy night in, butternut cookies are sure to impress with their unique taste and tender texture. Here’s how you can make these lovely cookies at home!

These cookies are a fantastic way to savor the flavors of fall or introduce a new twist to your cookie collection. Their soft, moist texture and spiced flavor profile make them a delightful dessert option that’s slightly unconventional yet incredibly delicious. Give them a try and find a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These butternut cookies offer a delightfully tender texture and warm spice notes, with natural sweetness derived from butternut squash. Their soft, cake-like consistency makes them ideal for autumn afternoons or festive celebrations. They’re also an excellent method to incorporate vegetables while maintaining delicious flavor!

Butternut Cookies Recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Equipment Needed: Mixing bowls, electric mixer, baking sheet, parchment paper, wire rack

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and pureed butternut squash
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Egg and Butternut Squash: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then mix in the pureed butternut squash until the mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage.

Step 6: Shape and Bake: Drop tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting Ideas and Serving Suggestions

Frosting Options:

• Cream Cheese Frosting: This rich, tangy topping complements the cookie’s warm spices perfectly.
• Maple Glaze: Create a simple coating using powdered sugar and maple syrup for seasonal flair.
• Brown Butter Frosting: Add depth with this nutty, vanilla-infused topping option.

Serving Ideas:

• Pair with your favorite hot beverage, whether tea, coffee, or mulled cider.
• Create a dessert by adding a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream.
• Present them as thoughtful gifts in decorated cookie tins!

Pro Tips

• For enhanced flavor: Pre-roast the butternut squash before making puree. This intensifies its sweetness.
• For optimal texture: Avoid excessive mixing once dry ingredients are combined.
• For added texture: Pre-toast nuts before adding them to the mixture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing Leftovers:

Keep cookies in sealed containers at room temperature for 3 days maximum or refrigerate for up to seven days.

Freezing:

• Unbaked Dough: Place scooped portions on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer storage. When baking frozen dough, add 2-3 minutes to normal cooking time.
• Baked Cookies: Allow full cooling before freezing in appropriate containers. Defrost naturally or briefly microwave when ready to eat.

Recipe Variations to Try

• Chocolate Chip Version: Include 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips for added decadence.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute.
• Pumpkin Spice Twist: Substitute nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice for enhanced autumn flavor.

These butternut cookies achieve perfect harmony between softness, spice, and sweetness, creating an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether served plain or decorated with frosting, they’re guaranteed to impress. Their convenient storage options and make-ahead possibilities make them practical for busy lifestyles. Start baking and fill your home with autumn’s finest aromas!

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