This is how to make easy pumpkin sugar cookies that are so cute at Thanksgiving or Halloween! Simple baking projects for kids.

Right around September we start thinking of Halloween desserts….ok, sometimes much earlier in the year than that! We are all about simple here at Pynmi though, so let's start with these pumpkin sugar cookies that are easy to make and the kids can help in the kitchen!

Pumpkin Decorated Cookies

Aren't these so cute, and EASY to do! We have made cute cupcakes for a variety of holidays using this and that, the key is that it stays simple and the result is cute, but of course.

These pumpkin sugar cookies are solid for Halloween, a Fall festival, or even an activity during Thanksgiving day.

You can either purchase refrigerated sugar cookies, cut them, bake them, and have them ready and cooled. Make sugar cookies homemade with this recipe OR use our simple 3 ingredient shortbread cookies recipe.

Halloween Cookies

Both ways work great. The pumpkin decoration comes down to cutting small pieces of orange and green Twizzler twists.

If little children are doing this baking activity pre cut the licorice. Spread vanilla frosting on the cookies and place pieces on frosting to create a pumpkin.

Make 1 beforehand and have an example for them so they can see where to place them.

Pumpkin Decorated Cookies

It's a fun Fall edible activity that could also be done in the classroom if you prep everything. Put frosting in small dixie cups, enough licorice to make pumpkin in a cup too and a cookie to complete, then eat!

Then make a batch of iced pumpkin cookies with cake mix and our pecan shortbread bars for the adults.

For more fun this Fall here are a bunch of free printables for kids!

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

By Easy pumpkin sugar cookies decorated with halloween pictures on top using licorice pieces. Prep: 10 minutes minsCook: 8 minutes minsTotal: 18 minutes minsServings: 12 Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe Comment Print Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sour cream
1 cup butter 2 sticks, softened
6 cups flour, plus more for rolling dough

Instructions

Mix butter and sugar with a mixer until fluffy. Add vanilla, sour cream and eggs. Beat. Add baking soda and flour until combined. Refrigerated covered for about an hour. Flour a surface, roll out dough to about 1/4″ thick. Place on ungreased baking sheet for about 7-9 minutes at 375 degrees. Cool completely before frosting and decorating.