If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that combines the cozy flavors of fall with a soft, chewy texture, this Butternut Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies take the natural sweetness and vibrant color of mashed butternut squash and blend it seamlessly with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a cookie that’s both comforting and uniquely delicious. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies bring a fresh twist to your baking repertoire and are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Butternut Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the creamy mashed butternut squash that adds moisture to the rich spices that infuse each bite with warmth, these simple staples come together seamlessly.
- 1 cup butternut squash, cooked and mashed: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely golden color.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture due to its molasses content.
- 1/4 cup white sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1 egg: Binds all ingredients together and helps with structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise gently.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acids to create a tender texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and the comforting aroma we all love.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of earthy spice to brighten the flavor.
How to Make Butternut Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Having the oven hot and ready means your cookies will start baking immediately, creating that perfect golden crust. Meanwhile, ensure your butternut squash is cooked and mashed smoothly—this is the secret to moist, tender cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the mashed butternut squash, softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates the dough, allowing for a tender texture and ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This adds richness and helps bind all the ingredients, while the vanilla adds a fragrant layer that complements the spices perfectly.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pre-mixing the dry ingredients ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices, so every cookie is perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as that can lead to tougher cookies. This gentle folding helps maintain a soft, delicate crumb that makes these cookies especially delightful.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about two inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread and bake evenly without sticking together.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Keep a close eye near the end—the cookies should be set but still soft to touch in the middle for that perfect chewiness.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the cookies finish setting and makes them easier to handle, plus it’s the best time to breathe in that warm, spicy aroma!
How to Serve Butternut Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Consider dusting your butternut cookies with a touch of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of maple glaze for an elegant finish. Adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can also bring a delightful crunch and complement the warmth of the spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cookies make a fantastic companion to a hot cup of chai tea, spiced coffee, or creamy hot chocolate. Their soft texture and comforting flavors pair wonderfully with warm beverages, turning an ordinary snack into a cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these cookies at a gathering, try stacking them with layers of softened cream cheese frosting or mascarpone cheese in between, turning them into elegant cookie sandwiches. You could also decorate the tops with a cinnamon sugar sprinkle for added flair and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover butternut cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This will keep them soft and flavorful, perfect for a sweet treat anytime during the week.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delicious texture.
Reheating
To warm up frozen or stored cookies, simply heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This will revive their soft, freshly-baked goodness as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use canned butternut squash instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to drain any excess liquid and mash it well before using. The canned variety works well and saves you some prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking to make them gluten-free.
Can I substitute the butter for a healthier fat?
Yes, you can try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, but keep in mind this might slightly change the texture and flavor of your cookies.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
If stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about four days. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet for maintaining their quality.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts can add extra texture and flavor, making your Butternut Cookies Recipe even more indulgent and personalized.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Cookies Recipe is one of those delightful finds that brings a burst of warmth, sweetness, and seasonal charm every time you bake it. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying something new, these cookies are incredibly approachable and rewarding. Give them a try, share with loved ones, and watch these humble cookies become your new classic fall favorite.
Print
Butternut Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Butternut Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, featuring the natural sweetness and moistness of cooked butternut squash. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they offer a soft, tender bite and a warm, cozy flavor profile ideal for fall or any time you want a unique homemade treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butternut squash, cooked and mashed
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the mashed butternut squash, softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined, providing structure and flavor to the cookie dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently and mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a golden brown, indicating they are done.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butternut squash is well mashed with no large chunks for even mixing.
- For a stronger butternut flavor, consider roasting the squash before mashing.
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if necessary, though texture might vary.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; thaw fully before serving.
