Delightful Pumpkin-Shaped Cookies

These delightful pumpkin-shaped cookies are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to any occasion. Crafted with a buttery dough that's subtly sweetened with sugar and enhanced with a hint of turmeric for color, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. The process involves creating a smooth and soft dough that's easy to handle and doesn't stick to your fingers. Once chilled, the dough is rolled out and shaped into charming pumpkin forms, complete with little cut-out faces. Filled with a thick jam, the cookies take on the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Ideal for an autumn gathering or a Halloween party, these cookies are bound to impress guests with their creative presentation. Each cookie is a testament to the time and care taken in its creation, showcasing both culinary skill and artistic flair. The fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen while baking these treats is as inviting as their delightful appearance. For a simpler version, round cookies with face cut-outs can be easily made, making this recipe versatile for any skill level.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 150 g butter
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 egg
• Pinch of salt
• Approximately 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Filling: Thick jam (or add semolina to thicken)

Spices

• 1 teaspoon turmeric for color

Preparation Time

Total: 120 minutes (Includes preparation and baking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by whipping the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
2. Add in the egg and continue whipping until the consistency is uniform.
3. Mix in the baking powder and turmeric to add a warm hue to your dough.
4. Gradually incorporate the flour into the mixture, stirring until a soft and smooth dough forms. It should not stick to your hands.
5. Place the dough in a bag and refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. Once chilled, take half of the dough and roll it between two sheets of baking paper to prevent sticking.
7. Roll the dough out thinly.
8. Create pumpkin shapes by cutting out patterns from the dough. You can either use a pumpkin-shaped cutter or cut them out by hand.
9. For each pumpkin, cut one side with a face and the other side plain.
10. Remove the excess dough between the pumpkin shapes. Due to the softness of the dough, place it in the freezer for 5 minutes if needed.
11. Take the full pumpkin shape without the facial cutouts and apply jam in the center.
12. Carefully place the pumpkin shape with the face on top, aligning the edges.
13. Gently press the edges together with a knife to seal them.
14. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and bake the cookies lightly for about 8 minutes.
15. Ensure that the cookies do not turn brown, as they should maintain a light golden color.
16. This recipe yields approximately 14 charming pumpkin cookies.
17. For beautiful detailing, you can use specific cookie cutters to achieve intricate designs.
18. If preferred, use a glass to cut out circles, one with a face, for round cookies.
19. The resulting cookies are crumbly, delicate, and slightly sweet.
20. Enjoy these delightful treats!

Tips

• Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier blending.
• If the jam is too runny, mix it with a bit of semolina and let it thicken.
• Experiment with various shapes and fillings for holiday-themed variations.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie, Protein: 2g, Fats: 8g, Carbs: 18g

Variations

• Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• Substitute sugar with honey or a sugar replacement for a lower glycemic index.
• Try different fillings such as apple butter or pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for an autumn treat.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the warm flavors.
• Decorate with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look.

Best Places

• Le Cookie Cafe - Renowned for its artistic cookie designs. Location: 123 Baker St, London, UK.
• Café Gourmand - Known for its exquisite pastries and treats. Location: 45 Rue de Paris, Paris, France.
• Sweet Delight - Offers unique cookie flavors and shapes. Location: 678 Elm St, New York, USA.
• Biscuit House - Famous for handcrafted cookies with global flavors. Location: 89 King St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Dolce Pane - Italian bakery known for its sweet bakes. Location: 234 Via Roma, Rome, Italy.
• Cookie Haven - A paradise for cookie enthusiasts. Location: 102 Maple Ave, Toronto, Canada.
• Sugar & Spice - Offers a creative variety of cookies and pastries. Location: 77 Orchard Rd, Singapore.
• The Cookie Bar - A modern twist on traditional cookies. Location: 256 Queen St, Auckland, New Zealand.
• La Biscuiterie - An elegant spot for gourmet cookies. Location: 12 Avenue Montaigne, Geneva, Switzerland.
• Cookie Crumble Cafe - Known for its delightful cookie pairings. Location: 101 Tokyo St, Tokyo, Japan.