I don’t really like pumpkin, but I keep finding ways that I love it like these cookies and my Paleo Pumpkin Muffins/Cupcakes. These cookies are soft with a just enough pumpkin spice to make you feel all the cozy fall feels. My kids love the frosting, which is such a win as paleo frostings can be hard to pull together. You could also leave off the frosting and toss in some chocolate chips instead.
Need a nut-free option? I have you covered!
Perfect for any fall celebration or treat. Delicious!
Paleo Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1/4 cup palm shorting*
- 1/2 cup maple sugar*
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/4 cup almond flour
- 3/4 cup tapioca flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Frosting
- 1/4 cup palm shortening*
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 ` cup maple sugar*
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350. Line a cookie sheet with parchment.
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Cream shortening, sugar, egg, pumpkin and vanilla.
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Add all the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
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Scoop small spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon) of batter onto the cookie sheet, spacing about 2" apart. Bake for 10-11 minutes in the 350 degree oven.
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While baking, combine all the frosting ingredients in a small bowl, whisking or beating with a mixer to combine.
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Let the cookies cool completely, and then frost. Enjoy! We love these stored in the fridge or freezer for a thicker frosting texture.
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Cookies can be frozen in a single layer and then stored in the freezer in a sealed container for 3+ months.
Recipe Notes
NUT-FREE SUBSTITUTION - I definitely prefer the almond flour/tapioca flour combo above, but I know that's tough for a nut-free homes. To make this nut-free, use 2/3 cup cassava flour total to replace the almond + tapioca flour. This will result in a smaller batch of cookies.
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Can I use coconut sugar or ghee instead? Yes, these will turn out with coconut sugar and ghee, but I have found maple sugar and palm shortening game-changing for better Paleo cookies and highly recommend! I get mine on Amazon.
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KETO VARIATION: Use Lakanto Golden Monkfruit Sugar instead of the maple sugar in the cookies, and all Golden Monkfruit Sugar in the frosting instead of the honey + maple sugar in the frosting
These are SO GOOD! My husband always requests them and any friends who “don’t like pumpkin spice” have fallen in love and get so excited when I tell them I’m making a batch! They have just the right amount of spice and the frosting is a must! I had to sub coconut sugar and a little maple syrup before I found maple sugar and it’s just as delicious – in case you don’t have it near!
Aw, I’m so happy these are a favorite and requested! Thanks for the tip on what worked for you with the coconut sugar + maple syrup.
My 14 year old made these for the family and we loved them. The frosting has a buttery flavor and texture that is whipped and creamy. Your recipes are helping all 6 of us to eat better.
I’m so happy your family loved them and how great your 14 year old made them. Thank you!
I made these and my picky teens loved them! Love love love all that you do, thank you!
I’m so happy these were enjoyed even by the picky teens – thank you!