Soft & Chewy Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Introduction

Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with our incredible Pumpkin Pie Cookies! These unique treats combine the best parts of a classic pumpkin pie with the convenience of a soft, chewy cookie. Imagine a tender, spiced cookie cradling a creamy dollop of real pumpkin pie filling. Perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or simply a delightful snack, these cookies will become your new favorite seasonal indulgence.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pie Cookies

• Taste of Tradition: Enjoy all the beloved flavors of pumpkin pie packed into a convenient cookie format.
• Irresistible Texture: Experience a delightful combination of a soft, chewy cookie base with a perfectly crisp bottom and a creamy, spiced center.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Our simple, step-by-step instructions make this recipe easy to follow for any home baker.
• Crowd-Pleading Favorite: These delicious Pumpkin Pie Cookies are always a hit with family and friends, appealing to all ages.
• Holiday-Ready: They are the ideal festive dessert for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or any fall celebration.

Ingredients

To make these irresistible Pumpkin Pie Cookies, gather these fresh ingredients. Using high-quality items ensures the best flavor and texture every time.

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour (337g)
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie 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 packed light brown sugar (112g)
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup coarse sugar for rolling (78g)

For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:

• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ¼ cup brown sugar (56g)
• Pinch table salt
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ cup whole milk (2oz)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (122g)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for serving (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

Always use room temperature ingredients like butter, cream cheese, and eggs. This helps them combine smoothly, creating a uniform, lump-free cookie dough and a silky filling. As explained by Sally’s Baking Addiction, room temperature ingredients help create an evenly textured batter. For an extra special touch, consider making your own pumpkin pie spice blend for a fresher flavor. Remember, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. For dairy-free options, you can experiment with plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives, though results may vary. If you don’t have coarse sugar, regular granulated sugar works for rolling, adding a subtle crunch.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before starting makes baking a breeze. You will need a few standard kitchen items for these Pumpkin Pie Cookies.

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (stand or hand)
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Medium cookie scoop
• 1 tablespoon measuring spoon (for wells)
• Wire cooling rack
• Kitchen scale (optional, for accuracy)

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create perfectly soft and chewy Pumpkin Pie Cookies. This recipe guides you through each stage, ensuring a delightful result every time.

1. Prepare for Baking:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar.
• Beat this mixture on medium-high speed with an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy, usually about 3 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, then blend again to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
• Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
• Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three additions. Mix on low speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once the flour is mostly incorporated, fold a few times with a rubber spatula to ensure there are no dry pockets remaining. The resulting cookie dough will be thick.

3. Prepare the Pumpkin Pie Filling:

• In a separate medium bowl, combine all the filling ingredients: the large egg, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, pumpkin pie spice, whole milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract.
• Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and well blended. Set the filling aside.

4. Assemble and Bake the Cookies:

• Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the cookie dough into 2-tablespoon balls, about 36 grams each.
• Roll each dough ball completely in the coarse sugar to coat evenly. This adds a beautiful sparkle and a delightful crunch.
• Place the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Continue until the cookie sheet is filled.
• Using a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon, gently press down on the center of each dough ball to create a distinct well. Make sure the well is deep enough to hold the filling but not so thin that the cookie bottom breaks.
• Fill each well with 1 tablespoon of the prepared pumpkin pie filling. Be careful not to overfill, as this could cause the filling to spill over during baking.
• Bake the cookies for 14 to 17 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and light golden brown, and the filling is mostly firm.
• Carefully transfer the baked Pumpkin Pie Cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The filling will set further as they cool.
• Repeat with the remaining cookie dough, making sure the baking sheet is cooled between batches to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

5. Serve:

• When ready to serve, you can pipe or dollop a generous amount of whipped cream on top of each cookie for an extra touch of indulgence (this is optional).
• For an appealing finish, sprinkle with a little extra pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon. Enjoy your homemade treats!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve perfect results with these smart tips. Always use room temperature ingredients for your cookie dough and filling; they combine much more smoothly, leading to a better texture. For accuracy, measure your flour by weight using a kitchen scale rather than volume. Avoid overmixing the cookie dough once you add the flour, as this can lead to tough cookies. When pressing the wells, ensure they are deep enough to hold the filling without making the cookie too thin at the bottom. Do not overfill the wells, as the filling can bubble over during baking. Let your baking sheets cool completely between batches to prevent premature spreading. Bake until the cookie edges are lightly golden and the filling looks mostly set; it will firm up more as it cools. For perfectly flattened cookies, you can gently press them with the back of a spoon if they dome too much during baking.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These Pumpkin Pie Cookies are incredibly versatile, perfect for any fall occasion.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve them warm from the oven or at room temperature; both are delicious.
• Top with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a swirl of cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
• Pair these spiced cookies with a hot cup of coffee, a warm mug of apple cider, or a comforting glass of milk.

Storage:

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
• If adding whipped cream, do so just before serving to maintain its freshness and texture.

Freezing:

• You can easily freeze baked cookies. Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container, using wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Variations:

• Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the cookie dough for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Drizzle cooled cookies with a touch of melted caramel sauce or white chocolate for a gourmet touch.
• Adjust the amount of pumpkin spice in the dough or filling to suit your personal preference, adding more for a bolder flavor.
• Experiment with different extracts like maple extract or a hint of almond extract to enhance the autumn flavors.

Nutrition

Enjoying these delightful cookies is a treat! Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	184 kcal
Carbohydrates	26 g
Protein	2 g
Fat	8 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.4 g
Monounsaturated Fat	2 g
Trans Fat	0.2 g
Cholesterol	35 mg
Sodium	70 mg
Potassium	53 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	15 g
Vitamin A	1088 IU
Vitamin C	0.3 mg
Calcium	22 mg
Iron	1 mg

FAQ

Can I make the dough or filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the cookie dough and filling separately, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let them come to room temperature before assembling and baking.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners that will alter the taste and consistency of your Pumpkin Pie Cookies.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

How do I prevent the filling from overflowing?
Make sure your wells are deep enough and do not overfill them. Use exactly 1 tablespoon of filling per cookie.

Do I need to chill the cookie dough?
Chilling the dough isn’t strictly necessary for this recipe, but it can help prevent spreading if your kitchen is warm. A quick 30-minute chill can be beneficial.

Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
Yes, these cookies ship well! Ensure they are completely cooled before packing them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper.

Conclusion

These Soft & Chewy Pumpkin Pie Cookies are truly a dream come true for anyone craving the flavors of fall. Combining a tender, spiced cookie with a rich, creamy pumpkin pie filling, they offer a delightful twist on classic autumn desserts. Simple to make and utterly delicious, they are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all to yourself. We encourage you to try this recipe today and bring the warmth and comfort of homemade pumpkin pie to your kitchen!