Cozy Fall Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe: Sweet Autumn Magic

Sweet autumn memories flood back with these delectable pumpkin pie cookies that capture cozy seasonal magic.

Crisp leaves and chilly breezes inspire nostalgic baking moments in my kitchen.

Warm spices swirl through each tender bite, promising comfort and joy.

Soft and chewy textures blend classic pie flavors into an irresistible cookie form.

Nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger dance together in a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug.

Creamy pumpkin essence mingles with buttery cookie goodness for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Pumpkin Pie Cookies Full of Fall Flavor

• Pumpkin pie cookies transform traditional pie flavors into adorable hand-held treats that capture autumn's warmth in every bite.
• These cookies require basic baking skills and simple ingredients, making them perfect for home bakers of all experience levels who want a hassle-free dessert.
• Compact and cute, these cookies work wonderfully for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family dessert nights where people want a festive yet manageable sweet treat.
• The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, allowing busy bakers to plan ahead and reduce day-of stress while ensuring fresh, delicious cookies are always within reach.

All the Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Cookies in One List

• Butter, Sugar: Rich, creamy foundation for soft, tender cookies with a sweet base.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor depth to the cookie dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and texture for perfect cookie consistency.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Pumpkin Purée: Provides classic autumn flavor and smooth, creamy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to filling.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spice blend for traditional pumpkin pie flavor.
• Egg Yolk: Helps bind filling and creates rich, smooth consistency.

• Whipped Cream, Cream Cheese Frosting: Optional topping for extra richness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Light sprinkle for additional spice and presentation.

How to Bake Pumpkin Pie Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whip Up the Cookie Base

• Butter
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Flour
• Salt

Grab a big mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to blend butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Slowly add flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough takes shape. Wrap the dough in plastic and let it chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 2: Create Luscious Pumpkin Filling

• Pumpkin purée
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract

In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin purée, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 3: Shape and Prepare Cookies

Fire up the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into small balls and place them on the sheet. Using your thumb or a spoon, gently press a little pocket into each cookie. Spoon a tiny amount of pumpkin filling into each indentation.

Step 4: Bake and Garnish

Slide the cookies into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown. Let them rest on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer to a cooling rack. For an extra touch of decadence, top with a small swirl of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting and a light sprinkle of cinnamon.

Smart Tips to Make Better Pumpkin Pie Cookies

• Chill for Texture Success: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure a perfect, firm cookie base during baking.
• Control Filling Placement: Use a small spoon or piping bag to add the pumpkin filling precisely, preventing overflow and maintaining a neat cookie appearance.
• Prevent Cracking Edges: Gently create thumb indentations before adding filling to help cookies maintain their shape and avoid cracking during baking.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the spice blend by increasing or decreasing cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to match your personal flavor preference.
• Store with Care: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Keeping Pumpkin Pie Cookies Fresh and Soft

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Pack cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their soft texture and bring out the warm spices.
• Avoid leaving cookies at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness and prevent potential bacteria growth.

Drinks and Snacks to Serve with Pumpkin Pie Cookies

• Complement the pumpkin pie cookies' cozy autumn flavors with a creamy, spiced chai tea that echoes the warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the cookies.
• Create a delightful contrast by serving the cookies alongside a scoop of smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream that balances the cookies' warm, spiced profile.
• Elevate the dessert experience with a rich caramel-infused hot chocolate or caramel macchiato that adds depth and sweetness to the pumpkin pie cookies.
• Highlight the seasonal essence by pairing the cookies with a crisp, slightly tangy warm apple cider that brings out the subtle spice notes in the cookie filling.

Fun Variations of Classic Pumpkin Pie Cookies

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of egg yolk, and select plant-based sugar to create dairy-free, egg-free cookies.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Thumbprints: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of traditional sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Cookies: Swap regular flour with coconut or almond flour, use sugar-free sweetener, and increase healthy fat content with additional nut-based ingredients.

Questions Bakers Ask About Pumpkin Pie Cookies

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

• Do I need any special tools to make these cookies?

You only need basic baking tools like a mixer, mixing bowls, baking sheet, and a thumb or spoon to create the indentation in the cookies.

• How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies should be slightly firm but not dark brown. If they look pale, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.

• Can I freeze these pumpkin pie cookies?

Absolutely! After baking and cooling completely, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful pumpkin pie cookies blend classic autumn flavors with irresistible cookie charm. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these treats deliver warm comfort perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 g) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar

Spices and Additional Flavors:

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting
• A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Craft a velvety cookie dough by whipping butter and sugar until airy and pale, incorporating vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
2. Gently fold flour and salt into the creamy mixture, kneading until a soft, pliable dough emerges.
3. Cocoon the dough in plastic wrap and allow it to rest and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour, enhancing its texture.
4. Compose the pumpkin filling by blending pumpkin purée with brown sugar, aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, complemented by a rich egg yolk and vanilla extract until silky smooth.
5. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Sculpt the chilled dough into delicate one-inch spheres, positioning them carefully on the baking surface.
7. Create a gentle indentation in each cookie’s center using your thumb or a rounded utensil, forming a perfect vessel for the spiced filling.
8. Lovingly spoon approximately half a teaspoon of pumpkin mixture into each cookie’s hollow.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges transform into a delicate golden hue.
10. Allow cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack.
11. Optionally, crown each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, dusting with a whisper of cinnamon for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and create a more concentrated flavor profile during baking.
• Use fresh, high-quality pumpkin purée for the most robust and authentic autumn taste in your cookies.
• For gluten-free variation, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Control the spice intensity by adjusting the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to suit personal preference or reduce heat for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 194
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg