Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Icing
Soft, tender, pillowy pumpkin cookies, with a heap of autumn spices, and slathered with a tangy, vibrant, fresh orange icing! This Pumpkin Cookies with Orange Icing recipe is one of the pumpkin recipes that started a pumpkin obsession for me, and these pumpkin cookies will do the same for you!
Servings 36
Ingredients
For pumpkin cookies:
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- pinch ground clove
For orange icing:
- 4 tbsp. butter melted
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- zest of 1 large orange about 2 tsp.
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 3 - 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
For pumpkin cookies:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars.
- Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla, beating until combined.
- In another large bowl, combine remaining ingredients (all the dry cookie ingredients).
- Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and beat until just combined.
- Drop on parchment paper or silicone mat-lined cookie sheets by tablespoonfuls.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned, and centers appear set.
- Remove cookies to a wire rack. Cool completely.
For orange icing:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine melted butter, vanilla, orange zest, orange juice, and 3 cups powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Add additional powdered sugar, up to 1 cup, if needed, to achieve a consistency that is thin enough to spread, but not runny. For me, it took 3.5 cups powdered sugar.
- Since this icing contains melted butter, it may start to set as you work with it. If needed, microwave in a heat-safe bowl for 5-7 seconds to thin it back out. It only takes a few seconds!
- Ice cookies, and allow to set.
- Store in an airtight container with foil or parchment paper between layers of cookies. These freeze wonderfully for a few months if well-wrapped.