Name: Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature; ½ cup (110g) packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups plus 1 tbsp (223g) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ cup (120ml) pure pumpkin puree; ¼ cup (55g) packed light brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp (15ml) evaporated milk or cream; 2 tbsp (18g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or homemade pumpkin pie spice blend); ½ cup (120ml) cold heavy cream (35% fat); 1 tbsp powdered sugar; Ground cinnamon for sprinkling

Print Recipe·4 from 2 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, fall-inspired treat that captures the warm, spicy essence of pumpkin pie but in a fun, handheld form, the Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. These cookies boast a soft yet sturdy dough that cradles a luscious pumpkin-spiced filling, topped off with a delicate swirl of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying a sweet afternoon snack, this Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe delivers all the comfort of classic pumpkin pie with a playful twist that’s sure to become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ten clear glass bowls and two white eggs arranged neatly on a dark wooden board over a white marbled surface. The largest bowl at the top center is filled with white flour with a textured round scoop mark. To its right, there is a bowl holding a square block of yellow butter. Below the flour, a medium bowl contains white granulated sugar, and next to it on the left, another bowl holds light brown sugar pressed flat on top. On the left side just above the eggs, a bowl has white powder mixed with two brown spices. To the right of the eggs, a bowl contains various brown spices clustered together. On the bottom left, a bowl with smooth pale yellow liquid sits beside a bowl of light beige brown sugar crumbs. At the bottom right, a bowl holds bright orange pumpkin puree with a small scoop mark in the middle. A small dark bottle is positioned in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step to making these charming Pumpkin Pie Cookies. Each element is crucial, contributing to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible autumnal color that makes these cookies so inviting.

Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb when creamed with sugar.
Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and moisture both in the dough and filling.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps achieve the light and fluffy texture in the dough.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure to both dough and filling.
Pure vanilla extract: Lends warm, aromatic depth to the dough.
All-purpose flour: Builds the cookie’s foundation with the right density and chew.
Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cookies rise just enough for that soft but defined shape.
Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice: Infuse the cookies with those signature pumpkin pie spices we all love.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.
Pure pumpkin puree: The star ingredient in the filling, offering sweetness and a vibrant orange hue.
Evaporated milk or cream: Makes the pumpkin filling smooth and creamy.
Cold heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar: Whipped to a luscious topping that crowns each cookie beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: A final sprinkle to make it all smell and taste amazing.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming the unsalted butter with both light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is key to ensuring your cookies turn out tender and perfectly textured. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all that buttery sweetness with the aromatic vanilla.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. This blend of dry ingredients ensures your dough has that delicate spice flavor and the structure to hold its shape around the filling. Gently fold this mixture into your butter mixture until no flour streaks remain.

Step 3: Chill and Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form it into an 11-inch log, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes firms it up, making it easier to slice and shape later. Once chilled, slice the dough into 14 portions and roll each into smooth balls.

Step 4: Create the Divot for Filling

Using a lightly floured teaspoon, press gently into the center of each dough ball to create a deep indentation or divot. You want a generous well for that luscious pumpkin filling, so be patient and careful to avoid cracks. Let the shaped cookies chill again for about 10 to 15 minutes—this helps them keep their shape in the oven.

Step 5: Make the Pumpkin Filling

Whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, evaporated milk or cream, flour, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and evenly combined. This filling should be velvety and rich, bursting with cozy pumpkin pie flavors that contrast perfectly with the buttery cookie dough.

Step 6: Bake With Love

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the pumpkin filling into each cookie’s divot. Start baking at the higher temperature for 3 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the edges are golden and the filling is set. For an extra thick center, pull the cookies out halfway during baking, add a bit more filling, then finish baking.

Step 7: Cool and Whip the Cream Topping

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until medium-stiff peaks form. This rich, fluffy whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch for your Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe.

Step 8: Final Touches

Once cookies are completely cooled, pipe a swirl of whipped cream on top of each cookie using a star tip for a professional, festive look. Finish with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon. These little details bring the entire cookie to life and wow everyone who takes a bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe

The image shows four round cookies on white parchment paper, placed over a wooden tray. Each cookie has one thick layer with a light brown dough that looks soft and slightly cracked. There is a small, smooth well carved in the middle of each cookie, filled with a darker brown filling that is shiny and smooth, creating a neat contrast with the dough. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t be shy about adding a little extra pizzazz! A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the look and flavor, adding texture and an inviting sweetness that complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies go perfectly with a hot cup of spiced chai tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a creamy latte. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that’s hard to resist, especially during cooler months.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, arrange the cookies on a festive platter garnished with cinnamon sticks and autumn leaves for a seasonal vibe. Alternatively, stack them with parchment paper in between for a charming homemade gift. You can even personalize each cookie with colored piping gel or edible gold dust for a dazzling presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Pumpkin Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer your whipped cream topping fresh, add it right before serving rather than storing cookies with it already piped on.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and shaping. For baked cookies, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To gently warm the baked cookies, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies soggy and the filling watery. Add freshly whipped cream topping after reheating to maintain that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute canned pumpkin for homemade puree?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a fantastic and convenient option that works just as well for the filling, delivering consistent moisture and flavor every time.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can easily make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This DIY spice mix tastes fresh and customizable to your preferences.

How do I make sure my cookie dough doesn’t spread too much?

Chilling the dough log first and then chilling the shaped cookies before baking helps them hold their shape and form lovely divots for the filling.

Can I use a different topping instead of whipped cream?

Definitely! Cream cheese frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar pairs beautifully with this pumpkin pie flavor, giving you plenty of options to mix things up.

Will these cookies keep well for a party?

Yes, they are perfect for parties! Just keep the whipped cream topping separate until serving to keep the cookies fresh and looking their best.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe brings all the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin pie into a delightful cookie form that’s easy to bake and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, these cookies will fill your kitchen with joyful aromas and your heart with fall nostalgia. Give them a try and watch them become a new seasonal favorite!