Looking for a new, delicious fall cookie to add to your baking repertoire? Look no further than these : Butternut Cookies Recipe.
These cookies boast a sweet, nutty flavor from butternut squash and have a soft, cake-like texture, making them a new autumn favorite. The best part? You can whip them up in just one bowl, even on a busy weeknight.
Top these cookies with a heavenly cinnamon sugar-coating for all the cozy, comforting flavors of fall in each bite.
As these cookies bake up, they’ll fill your home with the aromatic scents of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla, making your kitchen smell absolutely amazing.
Whether you bring them along to a fall potluck or keep them all for yourself, you’ll find these butternut cookies disappearing quickly.
Their irresistible soft, chewy centers and crispy edges will have you making batch after batch – they’re just that good!
Butternut Cookies Recipe : Essential Ingredients
Butternut squash cookies are the ultimate fall treat. With their soft, cake-like texture and sweet butternut flavor, they are irresistible. While the star ingredient is obviously butternut squash, there are a few other essential components that take these cookies over the top.
Butternut Squash Puree
Naturally sweet butternut squash puree provides these cookies with their signature flavor.
Be sure to steam the squash properly to soften it and draw out all its moisture before pureeing. This ensures the deepest butternut taste.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds a subtle caramel note that enhances the squash’s inherent sweetness. Dark brown sugar can be used for a more robust molasses flavor. The sugar also helps the cookies bake up chewy.
Spices
A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves adds warmth and a subtle spiciness that pairs beautifully with the squash. These baking spices contribute loads of cozy, nostalgic flavor.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla is essential for bringing out the butternut squash’s mellow flavors. Good quality vanilla extract makes all the difference. Scrape vanilla beans right into the dough for even more vanilla oomph.
Flour
All-purpose flour provides the base structure and texture. A combination of white whole wheat flour can also be used add extra nutrition. Be sure not to overmix the dough for tender cookies.
Butter
Butter gives the cookies their signature soft, rich texture and mouthfeel. Use unsalted butter at room temperature for best results. Vegan butter can also be substituted.
With these essential ingredients, you’ll be able to bake up the perfect batch of butternut cookies that are destined to become your new fall favorite. Their irresistible flavor and texture make them a guaranteed hit.
Step-by-Step Butternut Cookies Recipe
These butternut cookies are the ultimate fall treat! With their super soft, cake-like texture and delicious butternut squash flavor, they are absolutely irresistible.
Read on for a step-by-step guide to making these delicious butternut cookies at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash puree
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1⁄2 tsp ground ginger
- 1⁄4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1⁄4 tsp ground cloves
Step 1: Make the Butternut Puree
First, you’ll want to prepare the star ingredient: the butternut squash puree. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut a 2-3 pound butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
Place the squash cut-side down on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 45-60 minutes until very soft.
Allow to cool, then scoop out the flesh into a blender or food processor. Puree until completely smooth. You should have about 2 cups of puree.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Butternut Puree
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and butternut squash puree. Mix until fully incorporated. At first the mixture may look a bit curdled, but keep mixing and it will come together.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to scoop and roll.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake!
Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop golfball-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned on the bottom. The centers will look very soft. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Once cooled, dig into these irresistible butternut cookies! Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
These soft, cake-like cookies are such a fall treat. With their warm spices and luscious butternut flavor, they are sure to be your new favorite autumn cookie. Share them with friends and family or just keep the batch all for yourself!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Butternut Cookies Recipe
Butternut squash cookies are the ultimate fall treat. When made well, they are irresistibly soft and chewy, with a delicious squash flavor. Follow these handy tips and tricks to help you bake up the perfect batch of butternut cookies every time.
Use Fresh Butternut Squash
The key to intense butternut flavor is using fresh, high quality squash. Opt for squash that feels very firm and heavy when you pick it up. Avoid squash with soft spots. The fresher the squash, the better the flavor payoff in the finished cookies.
Roast the Squash Properly
Be sure to roast the squash thoroughly until very tender all the way through. This allows you to puree it super smooth for the best texture in the cookies. Under-roasted squash can leave annoying bits in the puree.
Let the Dough Chill
Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes firms it up, making it much easier to scoop and handle without sticking to your hands. The chilled dough also bakes up with a nice, rounded shape.
Scoop Evenly
Use a consistent scoop or spoon size to portion out the dough. This ensures the cookies bake evenly. Aim for golf ball-sized scoops.
Don’t Overbake
Butternut cookies are meant to be soft and cake-like in the centers. Take them out when just set around the edges and still very soft in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Cool completely before storing or eating for the right texture.
Store in an Airtight Container
Butternut cookies stay fresh longer when stored in an airtight container, preventing them from drying out. They’ll keep for up to 5 days.
Follow these tips and enjoy perfect butternut squash cookies every time! Soft, chewy, and loaded with flavor, they make the ultimate fall treat.
Serving and Storage : Butternut Cookies Recipe
Creative Serving Ideas for All Occasions
Butternut cookies are versatile and can be adapted for any occasion. For a casual gathering, serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
They can also be dressed up for the holidays with a simple glaze or icing, perhaps flavored with maple or bourbon for an autumnal twist.
For a unique dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a delightful ice cream sandwich.
Best Practices for Storing Your Cookies
To keep butternut cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
They should last for several days, although their texture may soften over time. For longer storage, consider freezing the baked cookies or even the dough.
Frozen dough balls can be baked straight from the freezer, with just an extra minute or two in the oven.
With these detailed sections, we’ve covered everything from the essential ingredients to expert baking tips, ensuring that anyone can bake the perfect butternut cookies.
Remember, the key to exceptional cookies lies not just in following a recipe, but in understanding the nuances that make baking a truly creative and rewarding endeavor.
FAQs : Butternut Cookies Recipe
Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of canned puree?
Yes, fresh butternut squash can be roasted and pureed to use in this recipe. Ensure it’s well-drained to remove excess moisture.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free blend. Ensure it’s a 1:1 substitution blend for best results.
Can I add oats to the recipe?
Certainly! Additionally, oats can add a lovely texture and nuttiness. You may want to reduce the amount of flour slightly to accommodate the addition.
What’s the best way to enhance the butternut flavor?
One way to enhance the butternut flavor is by roasting the butternut squash before pureeing. This process can intensify its natural sweetness and nuttiness, enhancing the flavor in your cookies.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! You can make them vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using a flax egg or commercial egg replacer instead of regular eggs.
How can I tell when the cookies are done?
To determine if the cookies are done, observe the edges. They should be set and slightly golden, while the centers should still be soft. Remember that they will firm up as they cool.
What’s the main ingredient in butternut cookies?
The main ingredient in butternut cookies is fresh butternut squash, which you roast and puree into a smooth paste, providing the signature flavor.
The main ingredient in butternut cookies is fresh butternut squash that you roast and puree into a smooth paste, providing the signature flavor.
Can I use canned butternut squash puree?
While canned puree can work in a pinch, it’s best to use fresh roasted squash for the most flavorful cookies.
However, keep in mind that the flavor won’t be as robust as using fresh squash.
What makes the texture of these cookies so soft?
The soft, cake-like texture of these cookies is achieved through a combination of factors. A good amount of butter, along with the moisture from the butternut puree, contributes to their softness. Additionally, underbaking them slightly helps to keep them extra moist.
What spices are used to flavor the cookies?
Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves add delicious warming spice flavor that complements the butternut squash perfectly.
How long does the cookie dough need to chill?
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the dough to firm up for easier scooping and helps the cookies retain their shape.
What’s the ideal cookie scoop size?
Use a 1-2 tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon to portion out golf ball-sized rounds of dough, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
What’s the ideal baking time and temperature?
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Watch closely near the end to avoid overbaking.
How can you tell when the cookies are done baking?
They are done when just set around the edges but still very soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
How long do the cookies keep for?
Stored in an airtight container, the cookies will stay fresh for 3-5 days at room temperature.
Can the cookies be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make gluten free butternut cookies?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio.
What can I add to the cookie dough?
Try adding chocolate chips, raisins, toasted nuts or coconut for some extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Baking butternut cookies is a delightful journey through flavors and textures, blending the comforting familiarity of cookies with the distinctive taste of butternut squash.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these cookies offer a canvas for creativity and a guaranteed sweet treat that’s bound to impress.
Embrace the process, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results of your labor.