Delicious Pumpkin Pie Cookies: The Perfect Fall Treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Spiced Flavor: These Pumpkin Pie Cookies are infused with warm pumpkin spice, capturing the essence of fall in every bite.
• Soft, Buttery Texture: The perfect balance of buttery richness and tender crumb makes each cookie melt in your mouth.
• Festive and Fun: Their charming pumpkin shape and sweet coating make them a delightful treat for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in just 45 minutes—no baking skills required!

Introduction

Imagine biting into a cookie that combines the comforting warmth of pumpkin pie with the delightful chewiness of a freshly baked cookie. That’s exactly what these Pumpkin Pie Cookies deliver! Perfectly spiced, buttery, and irresistibly soft, they’re the ultimate fall treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just craving a cozy autumn snack, these cookies are your new go-to. Plus, they’re so fun to make—roll, shape, and sprinkle your way to pumpkin perfection! Ready to turn your kitchen into a fall wonderland? Let’s dive into the magic of Pumpkin Pie Cookies!

Ingredients with Measurements

• 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour (337g)
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 oz cream cheese (86g, room temperature)
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (6oz, room temperature)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (110g)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar (112g)
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup coarse sugar for rolling (78g)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (56g)
• Pinch of table salt
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
• ¼ cup whole milk (2oz)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (122g)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Pumpkin Pie Cookies

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, and salt. Set this mixture aside; it will be added gradually to your wet ingredients later.

3. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This creates a rich base for your cookies.

4. Add Sugars and Egg Yolk

Mix in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg yolk. Continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. Add vanilla extract for that warm, aromatic flavor.

5. Incorporate Pumpkin and Milk

Stir in the pumpkin puree and whole milk until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This gives the cookies their signature pumpkin flavor and moist texture.

6. Combine Dry and Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix, or your cookies may turn out tough.

7. Shape the Cookies

Using your hands, scoop small portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in coarse sugar to give a sweet, crunchy exterior. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

8. Flatten and Egg Wash

Slightly flatten each dough ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass. Beat the remaining egg and brush it lightly over the tops of the cookies for a shiny, golden finish.

9. Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

10. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream if desired.

Creative Presentation and Serving Ideas

• Decorative Pumpkin Shapes: Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into mini pumpkins or fall leaves before baking.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for an elegant touch.
• Serve with a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Top each cookie with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra indulgence.
• Mini Pumpkin Bites: Make smaller balls for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
• Festive Plating: Arrange cookies on a fall-themed platter with mini pumpkins, leaves, and acorns for a stunning presentation.

How to Store and How Long They Last

Store Pumpkin Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep them fresh and soft, you can also freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for a fresh-baked feel.

FAQs About Pumpkin Pie Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
2. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin puree? No, use plain pumpkin puree to avoid added sugars and spices that could alter the flavor.
3. Are these cookies suitable for vegans? Not as-is, since they contain butter, cream cheese, and eggs. Substitute with plant-based alternatives for a vegan version.
4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Absolutely! Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough before shaping.
5. Is pumpkin spice necessary? Yes, it provides the warm, aromatic flavor characteristic of fall. You can make your own blend or buy pre-made pumpkin spice.
6. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, shape the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
7. What’s the best way to reheat these cookies? Warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.
8. Can I make the cookies ahead of time? Yes, prepare the dough, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
9. Are these cookies kid-friendly? Absolutely! Their sweet, spiced flavor and fun shape make them a hit with children and adults alike.
10. What other toppings can I add? Try caramel drizzle, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Pumpkin Pie Cookies—your new favorite fall treat that combines the best of pumpkin pie and cookie goodness in every bite!