Admittedly, I’m not the biggest fan of pumpkin desserts. It has nothing to do with the flavor (I love the taste of fall!), and everything to do with the texture. You know that sticky residue that stays on your fingers whilst eating a pumpkin roll or cookie? I don’t know why that’s a no for me, but we worked up a variation where the cookie is perfectly textured – lightly crisp on the outside, the most delicious chewy bite on the inside – and free of (all sticky residue) and allergens so they’re safe for your next get together!

best pumpkin cookie recipe (v, gf, rsf)

• 1/2 cup organic pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegan butter (I use earth balance soy-free)
• 1/2 cup brown coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar (you can omit this and you won’t really miss it)
• 1 t. vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups of GF flour (Whole Foods has a GF organic option, Bob’s 1:1 works well, too)
• 1/2 t. baking powder, 1/2 t. baking soda
• 1 t. cinnamon
• 1 t. salt
• 1/2 t. nutmeg

1. Start by adding all of your wet ingredients to your stand mixture then whip them together until it’s light and fluffy.
2. Take the mixing bowl out of the stand and sift in all of your dry ingredients – stirring by hand from here on out.
3. Scoop a heaping tablespoon into your hand, roll into a ball, then flatten it down in a round shape. Place each cookie on a parchment-lined baking sheet. (They shouldn’t spread out too much, but you should be able to fit 12 large cookies on one sheet).
4. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes. I made 3 different batches and took each out around the 14-15 minute mark to give it that light crispiness to the outer rim. You may want to pull them out a little early if you prefer a softer cookie.

I had originally intended to make these into Whoopie Pies (you could make your own frosting, or use a vegan coconut whip in the center), but then I found out Grey had book club the next day at school so I sent two batches in lightly glazed with monk fruit and a hint of maple syrup on top. Both ways were delicious!

PS – You likely already know this fun fact, but nutmeg is not derived from nuts of any kind. I had to double check before sending them to school 😄.

Thanks for stopping in to have a treat with us today. Be well + joyful, kind friend!