Pumpkin Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic flavors of a beloved autumn dessert, blending the warmth of pumpkin pie with the convenience of a cookie. This scrumptious creation combines the rich, smooth taste of pumpkin puree with a blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, reminiscent of traditional pumpkin pie. The dough, soft and chewy, offers a comforting texture, while the inclusion of brown sugar adds a hint of caramel-like sweetness.
Each pumpkin pie cookie serves as a miniature homage to the quintessential fall treat. The cookies are often topped with a light glaze or a sprinkle of sugar, which not only enhances their flavor but also adds a delightful contrast in texture. These treats are perfect for cozy gatherings, as a snack with a warm cup of tea, or as a festive addition to any holiday table.
What sets pumpkin pie cookies apart is their ability to capture the essence of pumpkin pie in a bite-sized form. They’re incredibly versatile, too – you can add nuts, chocolate chips, or a cream cheese frosting to elevate them further. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice aficionado or a cookie lover, pumpkin pie cookies are sure to tantalize your taste buds and bring a touch of autumn magic to your kitchen.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOK TIME
25 minutes
COOLING TIME
30 minutes
COURSE
Snacks
CUISINE
American
SERVINGS
16 cookies
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Dry Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze (Optional)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixer (hand or stand)
Spatula
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Cooling rack
Whisk (for glaze)
Small bowl (for glaze)
Making of Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Making the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until light and fluffy.
Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Baking the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Making the Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies.
Decorating options for cookies
Classic Icing: Use orange and green icing to mimic a pumpkin. Pipe orange icing over the cookie to form the pumpkin’s body and green for the stem.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Before baking, sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar on the cookies for a simple, sweet decoration.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cookies with a dollop of cream cheese frosting, which pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Nutty Garnish: Press a pecan or walnut half into the top of each cookie before baking for a crunchy texture.
Pumpkin Seeds: For a unique twist, add roasted pumpkin seeds on top of the icing for an extra pumpkin flavor and crunch.
Fondant Decorations: Craft small fondant leaves or pumpkins and place them on top of the cookies.
Glazed Finish: Brush a light glaze over the cookies for a shiny, sweet finish.
Edible Glitter or Gold Leaf: For a festive touch, sprinkle edible glitter or apply small pieces of gold leaf.
Tips and Tricks for Making Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Consistent Size: Ensure your cookies are of uniform size for even baking. Use a cookie scoop if available.
Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger if desired.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for better integration.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the oven as baking times may vary. Remove cookies when they are just turning golden.
Let Cookies Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Experiment with Flavors: Add a touch of maple syrup or vanilla bean for a unique flavor twist.
Storage of leftover cookies
Room Temperature Storage
Place the cookies in an airtight container.
Separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator Storage
For longer freshness, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They can last up to 1 week when refrigerated.
Freezing
Wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations in the Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Maple-Glazed Pumpkin Pie Cookies: Drizzle a maple syrup glaze over the cookies for a rich, autumnal flavor.
Chai-Spiced Twist: Incorporate chai spices like cardamom, cloves, and black pepper into the dough for a spicy kick.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add dark or white chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolatey contrast.
Pecan-Studded Cookies: Mix chopped pecans into the dough for added texture and nutty flavor.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies: Combine rolled oats with the flour for a chewier texture and added fiber.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl cream cheese into the cookie dough before baking for a creamy, tangy flavor.
Pumpkin Ginger Snap Cookies: Add ground ginger and crystallized ginger pieces for a zingy, spicy twist.
Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches: Fill two cookies with a pumpkin spice cream cheese filling for a decadent sandwich cookie.
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg as substitutes for a vegan-friendly version.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten-free dietary needs.
Nutritional Facts of Pumpkin Pie Cookies (Per Cookie)
Calories: Approximately 130-160 kcal
Fat: 5-7g (varies with ingredients like butter)
Saturated Fat: 3g (depends on the type of butter used)
Cholesterol: 20-30mg (based on egg content)
Sodium: 80-120mg (based on the amount of salt and baking powder/soda)
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin to a smooth consistency similar to canned puree.
The standard recipe is not vegan, as it contains egg and butter. However, you can modify the recipe using plant-based butter and egg substitutes to make it vegan-friendly.
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
Absolutely! Chocolate chips can be a great addition. You can mix in semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate chips to the dough.
The cookies are done when they are slightly golden around the edges and set in the middle. It usually takes about 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
Conclusion
Pumpkin Pie Cookies encapsulate the essence of autumn in a delightful, bite-sized treat. Combining the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Pumpkin Pie Cookies cookies are versatile, easily adaptable to various dietary needs, and can be decorated to enhance their festive appeal.
Whether served at a family gathering, as a cozy snack, or as a part of a holiday spread, they bring a touch of warmth and joy to any occasion. The simplicity of the recipe, coupled with the potential for creative decoration, makes them a favorite for both bakers and cookie lovers alike.
