If you're looking for a sweet treat, look no further than a single 22g pumpkin shortbread cookie. Each cookie contains 110 calories, making it a perfect snack to hold you over until your next meal.

Along with the calorie count, pumpkin shortbread cookies also offer some nutritional benefits. The main ingredient, pumpkin, is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. The buttery shortbread adds a touch of indulgence to the cookie, making it a delicious and satisfying snack.

In this article, we'll dive into the calorie count, ingredients, and health benefits of pumpkin shortbread cookies. We'll also discuss potential drawbacks of consuming too many of these tasty treats, and offer alternative ways to incorporate pumpkin into your meals.

The Calorie Count in a Single Pumpkin Shortbread Cookie

As mentioned before, each 22g pumpkin shortbread cookie contains 110 calories. This calorie count includes 6g of fat, 14g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. It's important to pay attention to the serving size when indulging in a sweet snack like a cookie. While one cookie can be a satisfying treat, consuming too many may lead to overconsumption of calories and sugar.

The Weight of Each Cookie

Each pumpkin shortbread cookie weighs 22g, or just under an ounce. While small in size, these cookies can provide a satisfying and flavorful snack. They can also be a great addition to a dessert platter or as a homemade gift during the fall season.

The Ingredient List for Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies

To make pumpkin shortbread cookies at home, you'll need the following ingredients: -1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature -1 cup powdered sugar -1 teaspoon vanilla extract -2 cups all-purpose flour -1/2 cup pumpkin puree -1 teaspoon ground cinnamon -1/2 teaspoon ground ginger -1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg -1/4 teaspoon salt Cream the butter and powdered sugar in a mixer until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the pumpkin puree. Roll the cookie dough into balls and flatten with a fork. Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes.

The Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies

While pumpkin shortbread cookies are a sweet indulgence, they also offer some nutritional benefits. One cookie contains approximately 6% of your daily value of vitamin A and 2% of your daily value of iron. However, it's important to note that these cookies are high in both calories and sugar. Consuming too many may lead to overconsumption of these nutrients, which can contribute to health issues like obesity or diabetes.

The Health Benefits of Eating Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies

The main ingredient in pumpkin shortbread cookies, pumpkin, offers some health benefits. It's rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, which all contribute to overall health and wellness. These nutrients can contribute to improved immune function, heart health, and healthy skin. However, it's important to consume pumpkin in moderation and not rely solely on pumpkin treats like cookies for the health benefits.

The Potential Drawbacks of Eating Too Many Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies

While one pumpkin shortbread cookie can be a satisfying treat, consuming too many can have potential drawbacks. These cookies are high in calories and sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and health issues like obesity and diabetes. It's important to pay attention to portion sizes and consume sweet treats like cookies in moderation.

How to Make Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies at Home

To make pumpkin shortbread cookies at home, follow these simple steps. 1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar in a mixer until light and fluffy. 2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. 5. Stir in the pumpkin puree. 6. Roll the cookie dough into balls and flatten with a fork. 7. Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes. These cookies are easy to make and are a great addition to any dessert platter or fall-themed gathering.

Alternatives to Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies

If you're looking for an alternative to pumpkin shortbread cookies, there are a variety of options available. Some healthier options include fruit like apples, pears, or berries, or snacks like roasted nuts or popcorn. If you're looking for a sweet treat, consider a single serving of dark chocolate or a homemade fruit smoothie.

Ways to Incorporate Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies into Your Meals

While pumpkin shortbread cookies are a sweet treat, they can also be incorporated into your meals in a variety of ways. Add crushed cookies to the topping of an apple crisp or pumpkin pie, or crumble cookies over a bowl of ice cream or yogurt. You can also use pumpkin shortbread cookies as a small, sweet addition to a dessert platter or gift them to friends and family during the fall season.

The Best Way to Store Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies

To keep pumpkin shortbread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you're planning to store them for longer, consider freezing the cookies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe storage container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.