The Nightmare Before Christmas Pumpkin Cookies

Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
2. Add the egg and beat until fully combined. Then mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, scraping the bowl again to ensure everything is well incorporated.
3. With the mixer off, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. Mix on low speed until just combined, then scrape the bowl and mix for a few more seconds.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Lightly grease your hands. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough, roll it gently into a ball, then flatten it slightly into a round disc. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart, and gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie to create a small indentation (this prevents doming).
6. Bake the cookies for 11 to 12 minutes, then remove from the oven and repeat with the remaining dough.
7. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting.
8. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for a couple of minutes until smooth. Scrape the bowl, then beat for another minute or two until light and fluffy.
9. Switch to the whisk attachment.
10. On low speed, add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, and powdered sugar. Mix until the sugar is incorporated, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for a few seconds.
11. Add the orange food coloring (12 drops yellow + 3 drops red) and beat until evenly colored. Scrape the bowl and mix again. Set the frosting aside until the cookies are cool.
12. Spread an even layer of frosting on each cooled cookie, smoothing the top to resemble a flat round moon.
13. Fit a piping bag with a #2 Wilton writing tip and fill it with black icing. For best results, practice your design on paper first. Pipe the mountain and Jack Skellington details onto the frosted cookies.