Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Soft, chewy, and full of warm pumpkin spice flavor, these Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a fall holiday or just want a sweet treat, these cookies offer the delightful taste of classic sugar cookies without any eggs or dairy. Enjoy the fun of baking with family, and let the kids help decorate these adorable pumpkin-shaped cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is great for bakers of all levels.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without eggs or dairy, these cookies cater to a variety of dietary preferences.
• Fun for Everyone: Shaping the dough into pumpkins makes baking a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are ideal for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or cozy autumn afternoons.
• Deliciously Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or decorations to make them uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on making your Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Bowl: It provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spills.
• Whisk or Hand Mixer: Helps achieve a fluffy consistency when creaming butter and sugar.
• Silicone Spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients together gently without overmixing.

Ingredients

For these delicious cookies, you’ll need:

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

How to Make Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your 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 for instructions on making these cookies without one.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in the flour followed by 1 tablespoon of dairy-free milk. Use a silicone spatula to fold in the flour into the wet mixture. If needed, incorporate an additional tablespoon of dairy-free milk. The dough will come together with some effort.

Step 4: Color Your Dough

Divide the dough into three parts. One part will remain uncolored (vanilla), one part will be colored orange, and another part green. For the green dough, mix in 1 drop of blue food coloring and 3–4 drops of yellow food coloring until you reach your desired shade.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap each colored dough in plastic wrap as separate discs. Place them in the fridge to chill for at least two hours.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookie Logs

Remove all cookie dough from the fridge after chilling. Shape both colored doughs into logs about ½” thick and place them side by side to create one large log.

Step 7: Cut Out Pumpkin Shapes

Use your pumpkin cookie cutter to cut shapes from your log while maintaining alignment between colors. Stack cutouts as you go along.

Step 8: Freeze Cookie Shapes

Wrap cut-out shapes snugly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for about 20 minutes while you prepare the vanilla dough.

Step 9: Roll Out Vanilla Dough

Roll out the vanilla cookie dough between two pieces of plastic wrap until it forms a rectangle roughly 12” x 4–5”.

Step 10: Wrap Pumpkin Cookies

Place chilled pumpkin shapes onto rolled-out vanilla dough in alignment with length. Gently wrap around and press together to form one large cylinder before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap again.

Step 11: Chill Again

Chill this wrapped log in the fridge for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 12: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while preparing your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 13: Slice Cookies

Remove your chilled cookie log from the fridge and slice it into pieces about ¼” – ⅓” thick. Arrange on baking sheets spaced about two inches apart.

Step 14: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for approximately 12–14 minutes or until edges are slightly golden brown. Allow cooling on sheets for about five to ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Enjoy your Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! Store any leftover cookie dough well-wrapped in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months!

How to Serve Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

These delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy nights in. Their vibrant colors and delightful flavors make them a treat that everyone will love.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Tea: Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite herbal or chai tea for a soothing afternoon snack.
• Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of hot chocolate complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies, making for a balanced dessert option.
• Vegan Ice Cream: Serve these cookies with vegan ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Drizzle melted dairy-free chocolate over the cookies for an extra special touch.

For Holiday Celebrations

• Cookie Gift Boxes: Package these cookies in festive boxes as gifts for friends and family during the holidays.
• Potluck Treats: Bring them to potlucks or gatherings where everyone can enjoy their unique flavor.

How to Perfect Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Perfecting your cookie-making skills can elevate these pumpkin sugar cookies from good to great. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your vegan butter is at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Chill the Dough Properly: Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain its shape while baking, resulting in perfectly formed cookies.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can make cookies dry.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; you want them slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Experiment with Food Coloring: Adjust the food coloring to achieve your desired shades, creating visually appealing treats.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

These pumpkin sugar cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options.

1. Cinnamon Applesauce: This warm side dish enhances the autumn flavors of the cookies and adds moisture.
2. Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal: A hearty bowl of oatmeal made with pumpkin spice brings out similar flavors and keeps you full.
3. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy carrots provide a healthy contrast and balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can cleanse your palate between bites of sweet cookie goodness.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: These add a savory element that pairs well with dessert flavors without being overly sweet.
6. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Adding some roasted veggies balances out the meal while keeping it seasonal and tasty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure accurate ingredient amounts. This is vital for achieving the right cookie texture.
• Skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Don’t rush this step; it helps maintain their shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too vigorously can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender cookie.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary. An incorrect temperature can lead to undercooked or overcooked cookies.
• Not spacing cookies properly: Leave enough space on the baking sheet between each cookie. They expand while baking, and proper spacing prevents them from merging together.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep any remaining dough well-wrapped in plastic wrap for freshness.

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 once solidified. They can last up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze unbaked cookie logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for easy slicing whenever you’re ready to bake.

Reheating Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat them.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat and warm the cookies gently, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Adjust liquid as needed since gluten-free flours may absorb moisture differently.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough, or decorate with vegan frosting or sprinkles after baking.

What if I don’t have vegan butter?

You can use coconut oil or any other plant-based butter substitute instead of vegan butter in this recipe.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips into the dough before chilling for an extra treat.

How do I store leftover cookie dough?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw before using!

Final Thoughts

These Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor. Their soft and chewy texture makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack. Feel free to customize them with your favorite spices or toppings!