A Delightful Twist on the Classic Pie
These Pumpkin Pie Cookies are sure to be a hit with their warm, cozy flavors and soft, spiced filling. They’re perfect for any fall gathering, holiday table, or even a cozy night in!
Table of Contents
What Are Pumpkin Pie Cookies?
Pumpkin Pie Cookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats: pumpkin pie and soft, chewy cookies. They capture the rich, spiced flavors of traditional pumpkin pie but in a portable, bite-sized form. With a buttery crust-like base, a spiced pumpkin filling, and a hint of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or just indulging your pumpkin cravings!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Cookies
| Ingredients | Quantity | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🧈 Unsalted butter (softened) 🧈 | ½ cup | For the rich, soft cookie base |
| 🍬 Granulated sugar 🍬 | ¾ cup | Sweetens the cookies |
| 🍯 Brown sugar 🍯 | ¼ cup | Adds a touch of caramel-like flavor |
| 🥚 Egg 🥚 | 1 large | Helps bind the dough |
| 🍦 Vanilla extract 🍦 | 1 tsp | Enhances the flavor of the cookies |
| 🌾 All-purpose flour 🌾 | 1 ¾ cups | Provides structure to the cookies |
| 🍂 Pumpkin pie spice 🍂 | 2 tsp | The key to that warm, fall flavor |
| 🥄 Baking soda 🥄 | ½ tsp | Helps the cookies rise |
| 🥄 Baking powder 🥄 | ½ tsp | Ensures a soft, fluffy texture |
| 🧂 Salt 🧂 | ¼ tsp | Balances the sweetness |
| 🎃 Pumpkin puree 🎃 | ½ cup | Canned or homemade, adds the pumpkin pie filling |
| 🌰 Ground cinnamon 🌰 | 1 tsp | For extra warmth and spice |
| 🍶 Heavy cream 🍶 | 2 tbsp | For a creamy pumpkin filling |
| 🍭 Powdered sugar (optional glaze) 🍭 | ½ cup | To drizzle on top, adds sweetness and decoration |
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, and heavy cream to create the pumpkin filling.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form balls of dough and place them on the baking sheet. Gently flatten the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation for the filling.
Step 8: Add the Pumpkin Filling
- Spoon a small amount of the pumpkin filling into the center of each cookie.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 10: Optional Glaze
- For an extra touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of water or milk.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pie Cookies
- Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Use cold pumpkin puree: This helps the filling set better and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
- Don’t skip the spices: The pumpkin pie spice is what gives these cookies their signature fall flavor, so don’t hold back!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with whipped cream: Enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven with a dollop of whipped cream to mimic the pumpkin pie experience.
- Pair with coffee or tea: These cookies are perfect with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- For holiday gatherings: These cookies make a wonderful addition to your holiday cookie tray or a great alternative to traditional pies.
Nutritional Information
Per Cookie (based on 24 cookies):
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
Variations on Pumpkin Pie Cookies
- Add a cream cheese filling: For a richer cookie, add a small dollop of sweetened cream cheese along with the pumpkin filling.
- Make them gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an even more intense spice flavor.
Who Should Skip This Recipe?
- Those with dairy sensitivities: These cookies contain butter and heavy cream, so they may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or intolerances.
- Low-sugar diets: If you’re watching your sugar intake, these cookies may be too sweet.
- Pumpkin haters: While pumpkin lovers will adore these, those who aren’t fans of pumpkin may want to skip this recipe (or try a different fall cookie!).
FAQ
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook the pumpkin until tender and puree it until smooth. Canned pumpkin is typically more convenient and has a consistent texture, but homemade works well too.
2. How should I store Pumpkin Pie Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage.
3. Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, scoop, fill, and bake the cookies as directed.
What Do You Think?
Have you tried making Pumpkin Pie Cookies? Let me know how they turned out in the comments! Did you enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin in cookie form? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and feel free to share any variations you tried. If you loved these, check out my other pumpkin pie cookie recipes for more fall baking ideas!
Also check out my other cookie recipes, classic cookies, family cookies, cookies made for kids, and quick and easy cookie recipe categories for further inspiration and ideas!