Table of Contents
  1. Watch how to make these pumpkin refrigerator cookies:
  2. Pumpkin Refrigerator Cookies Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

The fall season does something special: it seems to invigorate and excite us all. Each year, we can hardly wait until we feel a slight chill in the air to start throwing pumpkin into anything and everything. Ok, I’ll admit: there can be pumpkin overload. I mean there other amazing fall flavors, but pumpkin is just so good!

These cookies do have pumpkin but in a very transitional method of a refrigerator cookie! Refrigerator cookies were all the rage back in the day for their simple method but also for how well they keep. You can mix these up and roll them in a log then pop them in the freezer. Cut off the cookies and bake for fresh treats anytime!

These are so simple and are great to freeze in dough form or after they are baked. Enjoy the beginning of fall, or as I like to think, the beginning of a new baking season!

Watch how to make these pumpkin refrigerator cookies:

YouTube video
A cookie with a glaze sits on a wooden board.

Pumpkin Refrigerator Cookies

No ratings yet
Nutmeg, clover, and pecans merge with pumpkin flavors to create this tasty, autumnal dessert. These cookies are great for preparing but baking later, living in the fridge in the meantime.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 18

Ingredients

For the cookies

  • 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter room temperature
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup finely chopped pecans

For the glaze

  • 1-2 tbsp whole milk
  • 2 tsp molasses
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½-1 cup sifted powdered sugar

Instructions
 

For the cookies

  • Beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
    8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup light brown sugar
  • Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda.
    1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp baking soda
  • Add the pumpkin and mix until incorporated. The batter may look curdled but that's normal.
    ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and flour and completely incorporate.
    1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground cloves, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • Finish by stirring in the pecans.
    ½ cup finely chopped pecans
  • Divide the dough into two sections and make logs on parchment paper. Roll up and place in the freezer or refrigerator until well chilled and firm. If you want to keep in the freezer, make sure logs are in an airtight container. Once chilled, preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Slice ¼-inch cookies and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  • Bake 10-12 minutes until puffed and firm to the touch.
  • Remove from oven and cool on the baking pan for five minutes then on cooling racks until room temperature. If you want to add a glaze, glaze once the cookies are room temperature.

For the glaze

  • Mix together the milk, molasses, cinnamon, and powdered sugar until a smooth glaze with no lumps is achieved. Adjust milk and sugar to achieve a smooth and fluid glaze.
    1-2 tbsp whole milk, 2 tsp molasses, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½-1 cup sifted powdered sugar
  • Dip the top of the cookie in the glaze then finish with sprinkles, if desired. The glaze will harden and the cookies will be devoured!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 200kcal
Course Cookies
Cuisine American
Difficulty Easy
Method Baking
A row of pumpkin cookies sits on a wooden block.
A cookie with glaze on top.

You May Also Like

Never miss a post by signing up for my newsletter.
Avatar for Kaleb Wyse

Kaleb

Kaleb Wyse is a New York Times bestselling author behind the popular Wyse Guide website. Living on his fourth-generation Iowa farm, he loves sharing recipes and gardening tips that come from traditions that feel comfortably familiar. His down-to-earth style makes sustainable living and farm life feel like home!

Learn more about me

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating:




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.