Iced Pumpkin Cookies
Baking is a great activity for seniors, and a perfect way to spend the afternoon with their caregiver. Not only does the activity offer a sense of accomplishment and companionship, it can also impact their cognitive health.
Baking requires the cognitive ability to follow directions, correctly measuring ingredients, and solve problems as they arise during the preparation process. All of these steps get the mind engaged, helping to keep the mind sharp and aid in reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Then there is my favorite part of making a batch of cookies, the engagement of all the senses. There are so many different textures to engage the sense of touch, from the liquid ingredients like vanilla and milk to the soft textures of powdered sugar and baking powder, as well as the soft, gooey texture of a baked cookie. Don't forget the sense of smell! There is nothing better than a house that smells of freshly baked cookies! All of these sensory stimulation pieces are wonderful for seniors living with dementia or other cognitive impairment concerns.
In particular, pumpkin cookies also provide the added benefit of nutritional ingredients. Pumpkin, as called for in the recipe below, is an excellent source of potassium, fiber and Vitamins A and C. It is also known to help boost the immune system and can even help reduce inflammation. For seniors who may have trouble getting in the daily calories they need, these cookies can also be a source of much needed carbohydrates and calories that they may be lacking in their diet. Of course we aren't suggesting that they only eat cookies, as they are still higher in fat and sugar, but it is a way to help entice them to eat.
Baking definitely has it benefits for our elders. Such a great way to interact with their caregivers, accomplish a step-by-step task, and enjoy their accomplishment when they're all done. Try this pumpkin spice cookie recipe adapted from AllRecipes.com the next time you find yourself craving a batch of fresh cookies.
What You'll Need
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour | 1/2 cup butter, softened |
1 tsp ground cinnamon | 1 cup canned pumpkin puree |
1 tsp baking powder | 1 egg |
1 tsp baking soda | 1 tsp vanilla extract |
2 tsp pumpkin spice | ICING: |
1/2 tsp salt | 2 cups powdered sugar |
1 1/2 cups sugar | 3 Tbsp milk |
| 1 Tbsp melted butter |
| 1 tsp vanilla extract |
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper, or use a cooking spray to spray each pan.
Directions: Combine all of the dry ingredients (flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice and salt)
Cream together the sugar and butter, 2 to 3 minutes. Add in the canned pumpkin, egg and vanilla; mix until creamy. Add in the dry mixture until everything is well-combined.
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto cookie sheets; if you prefer, you may flatten the dough slightly.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until set.
Transfer cookies to a cooling rack.
While the cookies are baking, make icing: Mix together powdered sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk in small amounts if necessary, to achieve drizzling consistency.
Drizzle icing over cooled cookies once the cookies have cooled. Enjoy with a glass of hot apple cider for a perfect fall treat.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 36 servings | Calories: 122
Source: www.allrecipes.com/recipe/10033
Baking is a wonderful way to get seniors active and engaged in activity. They are sure to enjoy the delicious pumpkin cookies and will benefit from the interaction as well. Our Visiting Angels caregivers love to spend time in the kitchen with their clients. If you are in need of support for your aging loved one, please reach out, we are here to help/