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 perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want a delightful treat, this recipe offers a simple slice n’ bake cookie dough that requires no eggs or dairy. The vibrant colors and festive shapes make them an appealing addition to your dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These cookies come together easily with minimal prep time, making them ideal for busy bakers.
• Vibrant Colors: The addition of food coloring brings a fun twist to classic cookies, great for parties or holidays.
• Versatile Flavor: Enjoy the warm pumpkin flavor that pairs perfectly with any fall-themed gathering.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids can join in on the fun by helping to decorate and shape the cookies!
• Perfectly Chewy: These cookies have a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make creating these cookies 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 ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a consistent dough.
• Whisk or Hand Mixer: Helps achieve a fluffy texture when creaming the vegan butter.
• Silicone Spatula: Perfect for folding flour into wet ingredients without overmixing.

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

• 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 Your Ingredients

Start by measuring out all ingredients except the food coloring. Take a moment to read through all instructions before beginning.

Step 2: Cream the Vegan Butter

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 buttercream frosting.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour, starting with one tablespoon of dairy-free milk. Use a silicone spatula to combine everything until fully incorporated. If necessary, add another tablespoon of dairy-free milk.

Step 4: Divide Dough for Coloring

Divide your dough into three portions—one for vanilla and two smaller quarters for color. Place one quarter into a small bowl for orange and divide the remaining quarter in half again for green.

Step 5: Color Your Dough

To the eighth portion of dough meant for green, add one drop of vegan blue food coloring along with several drops of vegan yellow food coloring. Use gloves or utensils to mix until you reach your desired shade.

Step 6: Chill Your Dough

Wrap each portion of dough (vanilla, orange, and green) separately in plastic wrap. Chill them in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Step 7: Form Logs from Colored Dough

After chilling, take out the orange and green dough to form logs about ½ inch wide. Align them together so you create one large log made up of both colors.

Step 8: Cut Out Pumpkins

Using your pumpkin cookie cutter, cut shapes from the log while maintaining alignment with colors. Stack cookies as you cut out more shapes from scraps until all dough is used.

Step 9: Prepare Vanilla Layer

Roll out the vanilla dough between sheets of plastic wrap into a rectangle about 12 inches long. This will encase your pumpkin shapes.

Step 10: Wrap Pumpkin Shapes

Position the pumpkin log onto the center of your rolled-out vanilla dough. Fold over gently to cover completely; trim excess if necessary.

Step 11: Chill Again

Wrap this new log tightly in plastic wrap and chill again for another 30 minutes to an hour before baking.

Step 12: Preheat Oven

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

Step 13: Slice Cookies

Remove from fridge and slice into thick pieces about ¼-⅓ inch thick. Space them evenly on prepared baking sheets.

Step 14: Bake Cookies

Bake for approximately 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Allow cooling on baking sheets before transferring them to enjoy!

Enjoy these delightful Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, perfect for sharing! Store any leftover 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 delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them during a cozy fall gathering or just a casual afternoon snack. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy your Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies.

With a Warm Beverage

• Pumpkin Spice Latte – Pair these cookies with a homemade pumpkin spice latte for a seasonal treat.
• Chai Tea – The spices in chai complement the flavors of the cookies beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Variety Tray – Include a selection of other vegan cookies alongside your pumpkin sugar cookies for an inviting dessert platter.
• Fruit and Nut Selection – Add fresh fruits and mixed nuts to create a balanced snack spread.

For Festive Celebrations

• Halloween Treats – Serve these cookies at Halloween parties as a festive dessert option.
• Thanksgiving Dessert Table – Include them on your Thanksgiving dessert table for a sweet touch.

How to Perfect Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Perfecting your Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies can take these treats to the next level. Follow these tips for the ultimate cookie experience.

• Chill the Dough – Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain shape while baking, resulting in perfectly formed cookies.
• Use Quality Ingredients – Opt for high-quality vegan butter and organic powdered sugar for better flavor and texture.
• Monitor Baking Time – Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; remove them when edges turn golden for optimal chewiness.
• Experiment with Colors – Feel free to adjust the food coloring to create vibrant designs; get creative with your cookie presentation!
• Store Properly – Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Complement your delicious cookies with these delightful side dishes that enhance the overall experience.

1. Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting – A creamy spread that adds richness; perfect for dipping or spreading on top of cookies.
2. Apple Slices with Almond Butter – Crisp apple slices paired with almond butter provide a crunchy contrast to soft cookies.
3. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – Another classic cookie choice that offers different textures and flavors, great for variety.
4. Spiced Hot Cider – A warm drink that pairs well with pumpkin flavors; simmer cider with spices for added warmth.
5. Coconut Milk Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side dish that balances sweetness.
6. Caramelized Bananas – Sweet, caramelized bananas offer a warm, gooey treat that complements pumpkin flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.

• Incorrect Butter Temperature: Using cold vegan butter can lead to a dense dough. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for proper creaming.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough as instructed for optimal shape and texture.
• Inaccurate Measurements: Baking is a science, so be precise with your ingredient measurements. Use a kitchen scale if possible, especially for flour and sugar.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven varies; ensure yours is accurately preheated and consider using an oven thermometer for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Wrap cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap or place cookies in freezer-safe containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm each cookie for a minute or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.

How do I achieve vibrant colors in my cookies?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid coloring. Gel colors provide more intense hues without altering the dough’s consistency.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the dough ahead of time and freeze it. You can slice and bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry?

If your dough appears dry, add dairy-free milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

How long does it take to prepare these cookies?

The total time from prep to bake is around four hours due to chilling, but active preparation takes less than an hour.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Copycat Vegan Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. They are perfect for any occasion or holiday gathering! Feel free to customize with different food colorings or shapes according to your preference. Enjoy baking!