Description
These Pumpkin Pie Cookies combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie with a soft, creamy cookie base for a perfect fall treat. Featuring a spiced cookie dough rolled in coarse sugar and filled with a rich pumpkin filling, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for serving with whipped cream for added indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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)
Filling
- 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
For Serving (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Cookie Dough Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Mix Cookie Dough Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and well blended, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat again for even mixing. Then, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and mix to incorporate fully.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture in three additions to the wet ingredients, mixing gently between additions. Fold with a spatula to ensure there are no dry pockets. The dough will be quite thick at this stage.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Filling: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, pinch of salt, pumpkin spice, whole milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Set aside.
- Shape and Sugar the Cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls of about 2 tablespoons (approximately 36g each). Then, roll each dough ball in coarse sugar until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
- Create Wells for Filling: Using a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon, gently press down in the center of each dough ball to form a small well or indentation for the filling.
- Fill the Cookies: Spoon 1 tablespoon of the prepared pumpkin filling into each well, making sure not to overfill to prevent spilling during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 17 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the bottoms become a light golden brown.
- Cooling: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat: Bake remaining dough in batches, ensuring the cookie sheet cools between batches to help maintain cookie shape and texture.
- Serve: When ready to serve, optionally top each cookie with a dollop or pipe of whipped cream. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for an extra festive touch. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Pie Cookies!
Notes
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy dough.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture, avoid pumpkin pie filling which is sweetened and spiced.
- Coarse sugar adds a delightful crunchy texture and sparkle to the cookie exterior.
- You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Allow the cookie sheet to cool between batches to prevent spreading and to maintain the cookie shape.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives and use a plant-based milk.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin pie cookies, pumpkin spice cookies, fall cookies, pumpkin dessert, cream cheese cookies, spiced cookies
