Name: Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour (337g); 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 oz cream cheese, room temperature (86g); 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (6oz); ½ cup granulated sugar (110g); ½ cup brown sugar, packed (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 table salt; ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice; ¼ cup whole milk (2oz); ½ cup pumpkin puree (122g); ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; Whipped cream for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you are searching for a cozy, comforting dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite, this Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These cookies perfectly blend the warm spices of pumpkin pie with a soft, creamy filling at their heart, offering all the richness and nostalgia of traditional pumpkin pie but in a fun, handheld form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet seasonal treat, these Pumpkin Pie Cookies are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

The image shows a close-up of a thumbprint cookie being filled with thick, bright orange jam. The cookie base is light beige with a rough sugar-coated texture and a round, hollow center where the jam is placed. A spoon filled with the shiny, smooth orange jam is held above the cookie, with some jam dripping down into the hollow center. In the softly blurred background, two more similar cookies sit on a white marbled surface. The focus is on the cookie in the front and the spoon above it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of simple, essential ingredients that create its deep flavor and perfect texture. Each component plays a vital role from the tender cookie base to the creamy pumpkin filling, making the final result truly irresistible.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Pumpkin spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that adds warmth and signature pumpkin pie flavor.
Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors perfectly in both dough and filling.
Cream cheese: Adds a luscious creaminess and slight tang to the cookie dough.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and moisture ensuring a soft, tender cookie.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie’s light texture.
Brown sugar: Imparts a caramel-like depth of flavor and keeps the cookies chewy.
Egg yolk: Helps bind the dough and gives it richness.
Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant background note boosting all other spices.
Coarse sugar: Perfect for rolling the dough balls, creating a pleasantly crunchy exterior.
Whole egg: Used in the filling for structure and a smooth texture.
Milk: Lightens the filling and makes it creamy without being heavy.
Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, giving the filling that authentic pumpkin pie taste and vibrant orange color.
Whipped cream (optional): A lovely topping that adds an airy sweetness when serving.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workspace

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This simple preparation sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies and makes cleanup easier later on.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, and salt. This blend ensures that every bite carries that balanced, festive warmth that pumpkin pie lovers crave.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about three minutes. Taking the time here to achieve that airy texture will give your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Step 4: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These add richness and enhance the cookie’s overall flavor profile.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the flour mixture in three parts to the creamed wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold gently but thoroughly, ensuring there are no dry pockets left while maintaining a thick dough consistency perfect for rolling.

Step 6: Whisk Together the Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the whole egg, brown sugar, pinch of salt, pumpkin spice, whole milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous—this filling is where the classic pumpkin pie flavor truly shines.

Step 7: Shape and Roll the Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop, form the dough into 2-tablespoon balls, then roll each one in the coarse sugar. This step creates a delightful sugary crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Step 8: Create Wells and Add Filling

Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet with about 2 inches between them. Press down gently in the center of each dough ball using a tablespoon to create a well. Fill each with 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin filling, ensuring each cookie gets a generous, creamy center.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 14 to 17 minutes until they are set and have a light golden brown color on the bottom. The aroma will be intoxicating as your kitchen begins to fill with spicy pumpkin goodness. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before handling.

Step 10: Repeat Baking Remaining Cookies

Repeat the rolling, filling, and baking process with the remaining dough. Be sure your cookie sheet cools fully before adding new dough balls to maintain the perfect cookie texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies placed closely together on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two main layers: the base layer is a golden-brown cookie with a slightly rough texture, and the top layer is a swirl of white cream piped in a wavy pattern in the center of the cookie. The cream has small brown specks sprinkled over it, adding subtle contrast. The cookies appear soft and slightly thick, and the focus is on the front cookie with others softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of decadence, pipe or dollop whipped cream on top of each cookie just before serving. A light dusting of extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon sprinkled over the whipped cream elevates the seasonal vibes and adds a bit of visual charm.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic paired with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. The warm spices match beautifully with cozy beverages, making these treats ideal for autumn afternoons or holiday parties.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Pumpkin Pie Cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra whipped cream and pumpkin spice for dipping. You can also stack them with parchment paper in between for a charming gift presentation or serve them alongside mini pumpkin muffins for an adorable fall-themed dessert platter that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Keeping them sealed preserves their lovely soft texture and luscious filling without drying out.

Freezing

These Pumpkin Pie Cookies freeze well! Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to two months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, gently reheat them in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back the soft cookie texture and revives the creamy pumpkin filling perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully and is the easiest option to get that perfect pumpkin flavor and texture in your cookie filling.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the dough?

Cream cheese adds a subtle tang and richness that balances the sweetness, but if you’re allergic or prefer not to use it, you could experiment with additional butter or a cream cheese substitute, though the texture may slightly differ.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With some ingredient swaps—like vegan butter, vegan cream cheese alternatives, and egg replacements—you can make these cookies vegan-friendly, but the texture and flavor might shift a bit from the classic version.

How spicy are these cookies?

These cookies have a gentle pumpkin spice warmth that’s aromatic and inviting rather than overpowering, making them a crowd-pleaser for those who love the traditional pumpkin pie spice blend.

What is the best way to prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Pressing a firm but gentle well in each cookie and carefully spooning the filling ensures it stays put during baking. Also, don’t overfill the wells to avoid spillage as the filling expands slightly.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe is a delightful twist on a beloved dessert classic. These soft, spiced cookies filled with creamy pumpkin center capture that perfect fall feeling and are sure to bring smiles to your family and friends. Give this recipe a try — your kitchen and taste buds will thank you!