Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe
These delightful Pumpkin Pie Cookies combine the best of pumpkin pie flavors with a soft, buttery cookie base. Each cookie is filled with a creamy pumpkin-spiced filling and topped with luscious whipped cream, making them a perfect festive treat for fall and holiday gatherings.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
Pumpkin Filling
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
- Make the cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms. Wrap the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into balls, each about 1.5 tablespoons in size. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly and press a teaspoon into the center to create a well for the filling. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges. While the cookies are still warm, gently re-press the wells if needed. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the canned pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, heavy cream, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix all ingredients until the filling is light, smooth, and well combined. Chill the filling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Assemble the cookies: Once the cookies and filling have cooled and chilled, use a piping bag or spoon to fill the wells of the cookies with the pumpkin mixture. Top each filled cookie with a dollop of whipped cream. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to get the perfect texture and flavor.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes it easier to shape the cookies.
- If you prefer, you can make your own whipped cream by whipping heavy cream and a little sugar until soft peaks form.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Keywords: pumpkin pie cookies, pumpkin cookies, fall desserts, holiday cookies, pumpkin pie spice cookies