Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Soft, chewy, and reminiscent of autumn flavors, these Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies deliver a delightful taste without any eggs or dairy. With their vibrant colors and festive pumpkin shape, they are sure to impress friends and family alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with easily accessible vegan ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Fun to make with kids—shaping the dough and decorating is a great way to spend time together.
• Versatile Decor: Perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving gatherings, these cookies can be adapted for any festive occasion.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies have the perfect balance of chewiness and flavor, making them irresistible!
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for later baking—ideal for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the 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: Essential for mixing all the ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
• Silicone Spatula: Ideal for folding in dry ingredients without overmixing the dough, ensuring a tender cookie.

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 (Optional)

• 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: Prepare the Dough

Start by measuring out all ingredients except for the food coloring. Read through all instructions before beginning.

Step 2: Cream Vegan Butter

In a large bowl, use a whisk or hand mixer to cream the vegan butter until fluffy, about 1–2 minutes. Then add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, baking powder, and sea salt. Mix again until well combined; it should resemble buttercream frosting.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, followed by 1 tablespoon of dairy-free milk. Use a silicone spatula to fold in the flour until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Color the Dough

Divide the dough into quarters. Set aside one quarter for orange coloring and place another eighth into a small bowl for green coloring. To this eighth of dough, add 1 drop of vegan blue food coloring along with 3–4 drops of yellow food coloring.

Step 5: Chill Dough Discs

Wrap each colored dough (vanilla, orange, green) separately in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Logs

After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge. Shape both orange and green dough into long logs about ½” wide. Flatten slightly with a rolling pin if needed.

Step 7: Cut Pumpkin Shapes

Use your pumpkin cookie cutter to cut shapes from your logs. Stack them neatly on top of each other.

Step 8: Prepare Vanilla Dough

Roll out your vanilla cookie dough flat on plastic wrap to create an even layer that will encase your pumpkin shapes.

Step 9: Wrap Pumpkin Cookies

Place your stacked pumpkin cookies on top of the rolled-out vanilla dough. Wrap it around to form one larger log.

Step 10: Chill Again

Wrap this new log tightly in plastic wrap and chill again for at least another hour.

Step 11: Preheat Oven

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

Step 12: Slice Cookies

Remove your chilled cookie log from the fridge. Slice into ¼”-⅓” thick rounds and place them on prepared baking sheets with enough space between each cookie.

Step 13: Bake & Cool

Bake in preheated oven for about 12–14 minutes or until edges are slightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, and store any leftover dough wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months!

How to Serve Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon treat. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a classic combination that enhances the pumpkin flavor.
• Tea: A soothing chai or spiced tea complements the warm spices in the cookies perfectly.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Variety of Cookies: Include these pumpkin sugar cookies alongside other holiday favorites like chocolate chip or snickerdoodle for a colorful dessert spread.
• Fruits and Nuts: Add fresh fruits like apple slices and mixed nuts to provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies.

For Special Occasions

• Halloween Parties: These vibrant cookies make festive treats for Halloween gatherings, adding a fun touch to your dessert table.
• Thanksgiving Celebrations: Serve them as a sweet addition to your Thanksgiving feast, allowing guests to enjoy something unique alongside traditional desserts.

How to Perfect Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Perfecting your cookie game is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies turn out fabulous every time.

• Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough before baking. This helps retain the shape of the cookies and enhances their texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the scoop and level method for measuring flour. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your vegan butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them from the oven when they’re just slightly golden around the edges for optimal softness.
• Experiment with Colors: Feel free to adjust food coloring amounts to create different shades of orange and green for more vibrant pumpkins!
• Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

These scrumptious pumpkin sugar cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here’s a list of ideal accompaniments:

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This creamy beverage mirrors the flavors of the cookies, providing a perfect pairing that warms you up.
2. Apple Cider: The sweetness and acidity of apple cider balance well with the rich pumpkin flavor, making it an excellent choice.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some vegan caramel sauce over your cookies for an indulgent touch that adds sweetness and richness.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and warmth, making them an excellent contrast with soft pumpkin cookies.
5. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can refresh your palate after enjoying these sweet treats; consider using seasonal fruits.
6. Vegan Whipped Cream: Top your pumpkin sugar cookies with some vegan whipped cream for an extra layer of delight!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Always chill your dough as instructed for the best results.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin the texture. Make sure your oven is preheated to 375°F before placing in the cookies.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Incorrect measurements can affect texture and taste. Use precise measuring tools for flour and sugar.
• Using Old Ingredients: Expired baking powder or old spices can alter flavors. Always check freshness for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep the cookie dough wrapped tightly for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• For cookie dough, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag, lasting up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, you’re not alone!

Can I use another type of flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if desired, but texture may vary slightly.

How do I make these cookies without food coloring?

Simply skip the food coloring step; they will still be delicious without additional colors!

What are some customization options?

Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in dairy-free chocolate chips for extra flavor.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for slightly golden edges; they should feel soft but not raw in the center when removed from the oven.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that captures all the flavors of fall. They offer versatility with options for customization based on personal taste preferences. Try making them today and enjoy their deliciousness with friends and family!