Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe
These Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies are a delightful seasonal treat combining soft, spiced cookie dough with a creamy pumpkin filling, all baked to perfection and optionally topped with whipped cream for an extra festive touch. Perfect for autumn celebrations or whenever you crave a cozy, pumpkin-flavored dessert.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18-20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 large egg yolk
- 6 oz unsalted butter (room temperature, about 70°F for a smooth dough)
- 3 oz cream cheese (room temperature for easy creaming)
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup coarse sugar (for rolling, gives a nice sparkly crunch)
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- Pinch table salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
For Serving (Optional):
- Prepare Equipment and Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 tsp salt. Set the dry ingredients aside for later use.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 oz room temperature cream cheese, 6 oz room temperature unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add 1 large room temperature egg yolk and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients in three additions, folding with a spatula to avoid dry pockets. The dough will be thick.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 large room temperature egg, 1/4 cup brown sugar, a pinch of salt, 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup pumpkin purée, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside until ready to fill the cookies.
- Shape and Fill the Cookies: Scoop the cookie dough into 2-tablespoon portions (about 36g each) and roll into balls. Roll each ball in 1/3 cup coarse sugar until coated. Arrange on the prepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Using a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon, gently press a well into the center of each dough ball. Fill each well with 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin filling prepared earlier.
- Bake and Cool the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 17 minutes or until the cookies are set and the bottoms turn light golden brown. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with any remaining dough, allowing the cookie sheet to cool between batches. Cooling thoroughly before added toppings ensures they hold shape.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooled, optionally pipe or dollop whipped cream onto each cookie. Sprinkle lightly with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for an extra burst of autumn flavor. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth, well-incorporated cookie dough.
- Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and texture of the filling.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before adding whipped cream to prevent it from melting.
- Coarse sugar used for rolling adds a nice crunch and sparkle to the cookie exterior.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies without filling or toppings, then fill and garnish after thawing.
Keywords: pumpkin pie cookies, pumpkin cookies, autumn dessert, fall cookies, pumpkin spice cookies, creamy pumpkin filling, holiday cookies