Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe

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If you’re craving something that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of autumn in a delightful bite, look no further than this Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe. These soft, buttery cookies cradle a luscious pumpkin-spiced filling, combining the nostalgic warmth of pumpkin pie with the fun of a handheld treat. Whether you’re sharing with friends, gifting to neighbors, or sneaking a few yourself, this recipe brings a little slice of pumpkin pie joy in every cookie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet carefully chosen to give the Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe its characteristic taste and texture. Each element plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that provides richness to the aromatic pumpkin spice that brings that unmistakable fall flavor.

• All-purpose flour (2 ⅔ cups / 337g): The sturdy base for our cookies, giving them structure and softness.
• Pumpkin spice (1 tablespoon): This magic blend infuses the dough with essential warmth and autumn vibes.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance and deepen the sweetness.
• Cream cheese (3 oz / 86g, room temperature): Adds a subtle tang and creamy texture that makes the dough extra tender.
• Unsalted butter (12 tablespoons / 6oz, room temperature): The cornerstone of buttery softness and rich flavor.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup / 110g): Sweetens the dough while helping to create a light crumb.
• Brown sugar, packed (½ cup / 112g): Gives depth with its molasses notes and adds chewiness.
• Large egg yolk (room temperature): Contributes to the dough’s richness and aids binding.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet spices with a lovely floral warmth.
• Coarse sugar for rolling (⅓ cup / 78g): Creates a delightful sugary crust on the outside.
• Large egg (room temperature): Essential for the silky pumpkin filling.
• Brown sugar (¼ cup / 56g) for filling: Sweetens the filling with a subtle caramel tone.
• Pinch of table salt (for filling): Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
• Pumpkin spice (½ teaspoon for filling): Keeps the filling perfectly spiced and festive.
• Whole milk (¼ cup / 2oz): Smooths the filling to a creamy consistency.
• Pumpkin puree (½ cup / 122g): The star of the filling, bringing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon for filling): Rounds out the pumpkin flavor in the filling.
• Whipped cream (optional): For an indulgent finishing touch when serving.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies won’t stick and clean-up will be a breeze. Having this ready is a great way to get yourself into baking mode.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, and salt in a bowl. This combination will evenly distribute that signature warm spice and ensure your cookies have perfect seasoning in every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, about three minutes. This step is key for a tender cookie and lovely texture—don’t skip the fluffing!

Step 4: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Scrape down the sides of your bowl, then blend in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients bring richness and a lovely vanilla aroma that enhances the pumpkin notes.

Step 5: Combine Flour Mixture with Wet Ingredients

Add the flour mixture in three parts to the wet ingredients, mixing gently and folding with a spatula as needed to avoid overmixing but ensure no dry pockets remain. The dough will be thick, which is perfect for holding up the filling.

Step 6: Whisk Together the Pumpkin Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the egg, brown sugar, salt, pumpkin spice, whole milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the filling is smooth and well-blended. This simple blend gives your cookies that authentic pumpkin pie taste inside.

Step 7: Shape the Cookie Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop, roll the dough into 2 tablespoon balls (about 36g each). Then roll each ball in the coarse sugar to create a sparkling, crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Step 8: Form Wells and Add Filling

Place the sugared dough balls about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Use a tablespoon to gently press down the center of each ball, creating a small well ideal for the pumpkin filling. Spoon about one tablespoon of the filling into each indentation with care.

Step 9: Bake Until Set and Golden

Bake the cookies for 14 to 17 minutes or until they are just set and the bottoms turn a light golden brown. This ensures the perfect balance of cakey interior and slightly crisp edges. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before handling.

Step 10: Repeat and Enjoy

If you have leftover dough, wait for your cookie sheet to cool and repeat the process to bake the rest. Once cooled, your Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe is ready for the finishing touch and to be shared!

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

For a show-stopping presentation, pipe or dollop a bit of whipped cream on top of each cookie. Sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for extra warmth and appeal. These garnishes add texture, flavor, and seasonal festivity that make these treats impossible to resist.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of rich cold milk. For a special fall dessert spread, serve alongside a tart apple cider or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the pumpkin flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh autumn leaves and cinnamon sticks for a charming seasonal display. Wrapping a small stack in parchment and tying with twine makes for an adorable homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft, moist, and full of flavor without drying out, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls by rolling and coating them in coarse sugar, then placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you have fresh pumpkin pie cookies anytime!

Reheating

To refresh the baked cookies, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and enhances the pumpkin filling’s aroma—perfect for making leftovers taste like they were just made.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in the Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe. Just make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains additional sugars and spices that could affect the flavor balance.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese and butter with your favorite non-dairy alternatives, such as vegan cream cheese and plant-based margarine. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and festive.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help the dough hold together while keeping these delightful flavors intact.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, freezing is your best bet.

What’s the best way to scoop the dough?

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) helps ensure consistent cookie size and even baking. It also makes rolling the dough balls and coating them with sugar much easier and less messy.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe truly brings the heartwarming essence of fall into a bite-sized delight. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor the spices, and share joy with loved ones. Give it a try and watch how these cookies become a fast favorite in your kitchen and beyond!

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