A Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches Recipe!

The air gets crisp, leaves turn fiery hues, and suddenly, everything smells like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cozy comfort. If your heart starts doing a happy little jig at the mere mention of autumn, then get ready for the ultimate fall indulgence! Forget basic cookies; we’re talking about a transcendental experience, a handheld hug of seasonal joy. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, spiced cookie, perfectly balanced with a luscious, creamy frosting that whispers secrets of browned butter. Yes, friends, it’s time to create magic in your kitchen with these incredible Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches. They’re more than just a treat; they’re an invitation to embrace the coziness of the season, one glorious bite at a time!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches

1. Unbeatable Flavor & Aroma

These Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches are an absolute symphony of fall flavors. We’re not just throwing in a dash of cinnamon; we’re talking about a rich blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, perfectly complementing real pumpkin purée. But the secret weapon? Browned butter, used in both the cookies and the frosting! It adds a deep, nutty, caramel-like complexity that takes these from good to absolutely legendary. The aroma alone will make your kitchen the coziest place on earth.

2. Perfect Soft & Chewy Texture

There’s nothing worse than a dry cookie. Our Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches boast an incredibly soft, chewy texture that practically melts in your mouth. The pumpkin purée keeps them wonderfully moist, while the precise balance of ingredients ensures they’re tender with just the right amount of give. When sandwiched with the silky-smooth, fluffy cream cheese frosting, it creates a textural dream team you won’t be able to resist.

3. Impressive Yet Simple to Make

Don’t let their gourmet appearance fool you; these Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches are surprisingly straightforward to whip up! While there are a few steps, each is easy to follow, and the detailed instructions guide you to perfection. They look like they came from a fancy bakery, making them ideal for impressing guests, delighting your family, or bringing to a potluck. You’ll get all the “oohs” and “aahs” with minimal stress!

4. The Ultimate Seasonal Comfort

More than just a dessert, these Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches embody the very essence of autumn. They’re warm, inviting, and utterly comforting, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee on a chilly morning or as a delightful treat after a fall feast. They tap into that nostalgic feeling of harvest season, bonfires, and crisp air. Every bite is like a cozy blanket on a cool day, making them the ultimate wholesome, homemade treat.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches

🥣 Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg

🍪 Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies:

• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup pumpkin purée (make sure it’s not pie filling!)
• 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon molasses (not blackstrap)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

🍦 Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Detailed Directions: How to Make Your Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches

1. Prep Your Dry Mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set this fragrant mix aside.
2. Brown Butter Magic (for cookies): Melt 1 cup of butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir it often! It will sizzle, then foam. Keep stirring until it turns a lovely amber color, smells nutty, and you see golden-brown bits at the bottom. This adds incredible flavor!
3. Chill That Butter: Pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl, scraping out all those delicious brown bits. Pop it in the refrigerator for about 25 minutes to chill, but don’t let it become solid. It should still be soft.
4. Get Ready to Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats – this makes cleanup a breeze!
5. Mix Up the Wet Stuff: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the chilled brown butter with 1 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar for about 1 minute until it looks like wet sand. Next, add the pumpkin purée, egg yolk, molasses, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure it’s all mixed in.
6. Combine & Create Dough: Slowly add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined – be careful not to overmix! Your dough will be wonderfully soft, but not sticky.
7. Sweet Topping Time: In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. This is for that perfect sprinkle!
8. Scoop & Coat: Grab a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop. Scoop the dough and drop each portion directly into your cinnamon sugar mixture. Gently toss to coat, keeping the scooped shape. No need to roll them with your hands!
9. Bake to Perfection: Place the coated cookie dough on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches between each cookie for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges look set and the centers are still slightly puffed. Don’t worry, they’ll flatten as they cool.
10. Cool Down: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before you add the frosting.
11. Brown Butter Magic (for frosting): Repeat step 2! Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan, stirring until it’s amber, nutty, and has golden-brown bits.
12. Cool Frosting Butter: Pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl and let it cool completely to room temperature. This is important for a smooth frosting!
13. Whip Up the Frosting Base: In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the cooled brown butter and softened cream cheese. Mix on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s super smooth and creamy.
14. Finish the Frosting: Turn the mixer down to low speed and add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Once combined, crank the mixer back up to medium-high speed for another 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is wonderfully smooth and fluffy.
15. Assemble Your Masterpiece: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag with a star tip (or simply use a spoon). Swirl or spread a generous amount onto the flat side of one cooled cookie. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to create a beautiful sandwich. If they feel a little soft, pop them in the refrigerator briefly to set. Enjoy your wholesome, homemade treat!

Presentation & Serving Ideas for Your Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches

These Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches are already gorgeous, but with a few extra touches, you can elevate them even further!

Presentation:

• Classic Swirl: For that bakery-perfect look, pipe the frosting using a large star tip. It creates a beautiful, inviting swirl.
• Mini Marvels: Use a smaller cookie scoop (e.g., 1.5 tablespoons) to create delightful mini Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches, perfect for parties or portion control.
• Drizzle & Dust: Before serving, drizzle a little caramel sauce or melted white chocolate over the tops of the sandwiches for extra decadence. A light dusting of powdered sugar or more cinnamon sugar topping can also add an elegant touch.
• Open-Faced Option: If you prefer a less intense sandwich, serve single cookies with a generous swirl of frosting on top, perhaps with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or crushed Biscoff cookies.
• Edible Glitter: For a festive sparkle, add a tiny bit of edible gold or copper glitter to the frosting before piping, or lightly dust it over the finished cookies.

Serving:

• Coffee Break Bliss: Pair them with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate cozy experience.
• Dessert Platter Star: Arrange them on a beautiful serving platter for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or Halloween parties. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
• Gift of Love: Pack a few Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches in a decorative box or cello bag with a ribbon. They make a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
• Ice Cream Companion: Serve a single cookie sandwich alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream for an extra-special dessert.
• Lunchbox Treat: A perfectly proportioned Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwich can be a delightful surprise in a school or work lunchbox, bringing a smile to anyone’s day.

Storing Your Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches

To ensure your delicious Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches remain fresh and delightful, proper storage is key, especially with that luscious cream cheese frosting!

How to Store:

• Refrigeration is a Must: Because the frosting contains cream cheese, it’s crucial to store assembled Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents spoilage and keeps the frosting firm.
• Single Layer for Best Results: If possible, store them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together or squishing the frosting. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between layers.
• Unfrosted Cookies: If you want to bake ahead, the unfrosted pumpkin spice cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Frosting Separately: The brown butter cream cheese frosting can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You’ll want to re-whip it for a minute or two before piping to restore its fluffy texture.

How Long They Last:

• In the Refrigerator (Assembled): Your Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, aim to enjoy them within 3 days.
• Freezing Assembled: While possible, freezing assembled sandwiches can sometimes slightly alter the texture of the frosting. If you do freeze them assembled, wrap each cookie sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Freezing Unfrosted Cookies: The unfrosted cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Once completely cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

FAQs About Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches

Got questions about these delightful Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches? We’ve got answers!

1. Q: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?
   A: No, please do not! Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners, which will alter the flavor and texture of your cookies significantly. Always use 100% pure pumpkin purée.
2. Q: What kind of molasses should I use?
   A: Use regular unsulphured molasses (light or dark). Avoid blackstrap molasses, which has a much stronger, more bitter flavor that isn’t suitable for this recipe.
3. Q: Why do I need to brown the butter? Is it really necessary?
   A: Browning the butter is highly recommended as it adds an incredible depth of nutty, toasted flavor that makes these Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches truly stand out. While you *can* skip it and just use melted butter, the flavor won’t be as rich or complex.
4. Q: Can I make these Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches ahead of time?
   A: Absolutely! You can bake the cookies up to 3 days in advance and store them at room temperature. The frosting can also be made 2-3 days ahead and refrigerated. Just re-whip the frosting before assembling.
5. Q: My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
   A: Common culprits for spreading include butter that’s too warm, incorrect flour measurement (too little), or an oven that isn’t hot enough. Ensure your browned butter is chilled but soft, measure flour precisely, and preheat your oven fully.
6. Q: How do I know when the browned butter is ready?
   A: Keep a close eye on it! The butter will foam, then the foam will subside, revealing amber-colored liquid with golden-brown bits at the bottom of the pan. It will have a wonderfully nutty aroma. Remove it from the heat immediately when you see this, as it can burn quickly.
7. Q: My cream cheese frosting is too thin/thick. How can I fix it?
   A: If your frosting is too thin, gradually add more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of milk or cream (1/2 teaspoon at a time) until it’s spreadable.
8. Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   A: While this recipe hasn’t been tested with gluten-free flour, you could try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be aware that the texture might be slightly different.
9. Q: What’s the best way to get uniformly sized cookies?
   A: A cookie scoop is your best friend here! Using a 3-tablespoon scoop (like a #24 disher) ensures all your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly and makes for perfectly matched sandwiches.
10. Q: Are these Pumpkin Spice Cookie Sandwiches good for gifting?
    A: They are absolutely perfect for gifting! Their impressive appearance and delicious flavor make them a thoughtful and much-appreciated present during the fall season. Just ensure they are kept cool if gifting on a warm day.