Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Soft, chewy, and quite literally identical in taste and texture, these Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for fall festivities, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy day at home, these cookies impress with their vibrant colors and sweet pumpkin flavor. Made without eggs or dairy, they are an inclusive option that everyone can enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This recipe utilizes a slice-n-bake method, allowing you to prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever you crave them.
• Delicious Flavor: Combining pumpkin with classic sugar cookie flavors creates a unique twist that is sure to please.
• Customizable Colors: With the use of food coloring, you can create festive cookie shapes perfect for any celebration.
• Vegan-Friendly: No eggs or dairy here! These cookies are entirely plant-based while still maintaining a delightful taste and texture.
• Fun for All Ages: Making these cookies is a fun activity for families, allowing kids to get involved in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this easy recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• large bowl
• 2 small bowls
• whisk or hand mixer
• silicone spatula
• plastic wrap or parchment paper
• 1.5 pumpkin cookie cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Bowl: A spacious bowl allows ample room for mixing ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Silicone Spatula: This tool is perfect for folding in ingredients gently while ensuring nothing sticks to the sides of your bowl.

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Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (226 g) vegan butter, room temperature
• 2 cups (240 g) organic powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 2 1/2 cups (313 g) all-purpose flour
• 1–2 tbsp dairy-free milk

For Coloring the Dough

• 1 pea-sized drop vegan red food coloring
• 4-7 drops vegan yellow food coloring, divided
• 1-2 drops vegan blue food coloring

How to Make Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Measure Ingredients

Measure out all ingredients except for the food coloring. Read through all instructions before beginning. If you don’t have a pumpkin cookie cutter, see below instructions for making these cookies without one.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the vegan butter until fluffy using a whisk or hand mixer (about 1-2 minutes). Add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, baking powder, and sea salt. Mix again until well combined; it should resemble buttercream frosting. Gradually add in the flour, followed by 1 tablespoon of dairy-free milk. Use a silicone spatula to fold the ingredients together until fully combined.

Step 3: Divide Dough for Coloring

Divide the dough in half; then divide one half into two quarters. Place one quarter in a small bowl (for orange). Divide the remaining quarter again into two eighths—place one eighth into another small bowl (for green). The remaining dough will stay in the large bowl.

Step 4: Color the Dough

To the eighth of dough set aside for green, add 1 drop of vegan blue food coloring and 3-4 drops of vegan yellow food coloring. Mix with gloves or a spoon until evenly colored. Adjust as needed to reach your preferred shade.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Wrap each portion of dough (vanilla, orange, green) separately in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for about 2 hours to firm up.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Logs

After chilling, remove dough from the fridge. Set aside vanilla dough at room temperature. Shape orange dough into a log about ½” wide by 1¼” tall (10-12 inches long). Smooth it out with a rolling pin if desired. Shape green dough similarly but smaller; line it along the orange log.

Step 7: Cut Pumpkin Shapes

Use your pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out shapes from your log. Stack cookies on top of each other or line them up as preferred. Reform scraps into new logs if needed.

Step 8: Prepare Vanilla Dough

Roll out vanilla dough on plastic wrap until about 12” by 4-5” long.

Step 9: Wrap Pumpkin Shapes

Place your pumpkin-shaped log onto vanilla dough; align it centrally. Fold sides over to cover completely; trim excess if necessary.

Step 10: Chill Again

Wrap this new log tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 11: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 12: Slice Cookies

Remove chilled cookie log from fridge and slice it into thick pieces (¼”-⅓”). Place them on lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 13: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 12-14 minutes until edges are slightly golden. Allow cooling on sheets before enjoying!

Now you’re ready to indulge in these delightful Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! Enjoy your delicious creations!

How to Serve Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive celebration. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

Cookie Stack

• Stack several cookies on a decorative plate for an appealing dessert centerpiece.

With Hot Beverages

• Pair these cookies with hot tea, coffee, or cocoa for a comforting treat on chilly days.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches. Add your favorite dairy-free ice cream for a delicious twist.

Gift Packaging

• Place cookies in a decorative box or bag as thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

Cookie Decorating Party

• Set up a cookie decorating station with various toppings like sprinkles and frosting for a fun activity with kids or friends.

Dessert Platter

• Combine these cookies with other treats like brownies and fruit tarts on a dessert platter for variety at parties.

How to Perfect Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the vegan butter cream properly, resulting in a better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain the shape and prevents spreading.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be slightly golden at the edges but still soft in the middle.
• Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, or freeze them for later enjoyment.
• Experiment with Colors: Feel free to adjust food coloring amounts for more vibrant or pastel shades based on your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

These pumpkin sugar cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor and presentation.

1. Vegan Chocolate Milkshake
   A creamy chocolate milkshake made with dairy-free milk complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

2. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the rich flavors of the cookies.

3. Vegan Pumpkin Pie
   Embrace fall flavors by serving these cookies alongside classic vegan pumpkin pie, enhancing the autumn theme.

4. Spiced Chai Latte
   The warm spices in chai latte pair perfectly with pumpkin flavors, making it an ideal beverage choice.

5. Maple Glazed Nuts
   Crunchy nuts tossed in maple syrup provide a sweet and salty contrast that works well with the soft texture of the cookies.

6. Coconut Whipped Cream
   Serve these cookies with dollops of coconut whipped cream for added decadence and creaminess.

7. Chocolate Fondue
   Offer melted chocolate fondue as a dipping option; guests will love pairing their cookies with rich chocolate!

8. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it as a dip for an indulgent experience that elevates your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure perfect cookies every time.

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a soft and chewy texture.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step may result in cookies that spread too much. Always chill your dough for the recommended time.
• Using Incorrect Measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar.
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can affect baking time and texture. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accurate readings.
• Neglecting Storage Instructions: Improper storage can dry out your cookies. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezing Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in 10-15 second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies.

How do I make my cookies softer?

For softer cookies, be sure not to overbake them. Remove from the oven as soon as they turn lightly golden around the edges.

Can I use other colors of food coloring?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different vegan food coloring options to match your occasion or preferences.

What if I don’t have a pumpkin cookie cutter?

No problem! You can shape the dough into balls or squares instead of using a cookie cutter while still enjoying delicious flavors.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, these Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies can last up to a week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies offer soft, chewy textures and delightful flavors everyone will love. They are perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized with different colors or shapes. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy baking!