Nothing says fall fun like a table full of cookies, frosting, and friends! Hosting a Pumpkin Cookie Decorating Night is the sweetest way to gather everyone for laughter, creativity, and (of course) delicious treats. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in with your kids or inviting your friends for a festive girls’ evening, this guide will help you plan every detail — from baking tips to frosting fun!
🧡 Bake the Perfect Pumpkin Cookies
You can’t decorate without a sturdy (and tasty!) base. These pumpkin-shaped cookies hold their shape and taste amazing!
Ingredients:
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2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup sugar
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1 egg
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
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Orange food coloring (optional for dough)
Directions:
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and pumpkin spice.
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Gradually add dry ingredients until combined.
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Chill the dough for 30 minutes (this helps your pumpkin shapes stay crisp!).
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Roll out and cut with pumpkin cookie cutters. 🍂
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Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Cool completely before decorating!
💡 Tip: Add a few drops of orange food coloring to your dough for extra festive flair — no frosting needed for simple designs!
🍊 Whip Up the Best Cookie Icing
Decorating nights need frosting that’s pretty and easy to use!
Royal Icing (for detail work):
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3 cups powdered sugar
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2 tbsp meringue powder
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5 tbsp warm water
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Mix until glossy and smooth. Separate into bowls and tint with gel food coloring!
Creamy Butter Icing (for softer frosting):
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½ cup butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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2 tbsp milk
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Beat until smooth and creamy. Perfect for kids — easy to spread and delicious!
💡 Pro tip: Use squeeze bottles or piping bags for clean lines and swirls!
🍁 Set Up Your Decorating Station
Make your table feel like fall magic!
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Use a neutral or plaid tablecloth.
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Place each frosting color in its own small bowl or piping bag.
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Add mini pumpkins, fall leaves, or fairy lights for cozy sparkle. ✨
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Don’t forget napkins and toothpicks for detail work!
🥣 Set out toppings like:
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Mini chocolate chips
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Edible glitter
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Orange and gold sprinkles
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Crushed graham crackers (for “pumpkin patch dirt”)
👩🍳 Make It a Party!
🎵 Play soft autumn music or a light jazz playlist.
☕ Serve hot cocoa, cider, or pumpkin spice lattes.
📸 Create a “Cookie Photo Booth” — set out a cute background for everyone to snap their creations!
🏆 Have a fun contest: “Cutest Cookie,” “Most Creative,” or “Silliest Face.”
💡 Family tip: Set aside a “kids’ corner” with pre-frosted cookies and wide sprinkles for easy fun.
🍂 Cleanup Trick:
Line the table with parchment or kraft paper before decorating. When you’re done, just fold it up and toss for quick cleanup!
🧁 Wrap-Up: Sweet Memories in Every Bite
A Pumpkin Cookie Decorating Night is all about togetherness — laughter, sugar, and sweet fall vibes. Whether your cookies turn out picture-perfect or delightfully messy, they’ll taste like memories made around your table. 🧡