Pumpkin Pie Cookies have become my absolute favorite way to capture the cozy magic of autumn. I remember making my first batch years ago, hoping to bottle that warm, spiced feeling of Thanksgiving dessert into a bite-sized treat, and oh boy, did it work! The aroma that fills my kitchen when these bake is pure fall bliss – a comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet pumpkin. If you’ve ever wondered how to make pumpkin pie cookies that taste just like the real deal, you’re in the right place. These cookies deliver all those beloved pumpkin pie flavored cookies notes in a perfectly chewy, delightful package. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe
These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a little taste of autumn heaven! You’ll adore them because:
- The flavor is spot-on – like a slice of pumpkin pie in every bite.
- They’re surprisingly quick to whip up, making them perfect easy pumpkin pie cookies for busy days.
- While they’re a treat, they use wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
- Making them is a budget-friendly way to enjoy fall flavors.
- Kids and adults alike go crazy for these delightful bites – they’re a huge hit at family gatherings.
- You’ll be proud to serve these delicious homemade pumpkin pie cookies that look as good as they taste.
- The aroma alone while baking is reason enough to make them!
Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward baking these delightful pumpkin pie cookies. For the cookie dough, you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour – the base for our cookie structure
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – for a little lift
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature – essential for a tender cookie
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, room temperature – adds richness and helps create that perfect pumpkin pie cookie dough texture
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar – for sweetness and crisp edges
- 1 large egg – binds everything together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for a classic flavor note
For the spiced pumpkin filling, which gives these cookies their signature taste, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup (122g) canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling) – make sure it’s pure pumpkin for the best flavor
- 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar – adds a lovely caramel note
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves – this blend creates those classic pumpkin pie spice cookies notes
- 1/8 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
Don’t forget optional toppings like whipped cream or cinnamon sugar!
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Ready to whip up some magic? These instructions make creating these delightful treats a breeze, perfect for anyone wondering how to make pumpkin pie cookies. Get ready for the most wonderful fall baking experience!
Preparing the Dough
First things first, let’s get that essential pumpkin pie cookie dough ready. Whisk together your all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until they’re perfectly smooth and creamy. Stir in the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, mix in the large egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined – be careful not to overmix! Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture for our cookies.
Making the Pumpkin Filling
Now for the star of the show – the pumpkin filling! In a small bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling!) with brown sugar. Add the warming spices: ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves, along with a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This fragrant mixture is what gives our cookies that authentic pumpkin pie flavor. Set this delicious filling aside while you get ready to assemble the cookies.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
It’s time to bring everything together! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to create cookie circles. Place half of these dough circles onto your prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pumpkin filling onto the center of each dough circle. Gently place another dough circle on top, pressing the edges to seal them completely. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch. Use a small knife to score or vent the tops of the cookies – this helps steam escape and prevents them from puffing up too much. These are truly the perfect pumpkin pie cookies for fall. Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These steps ensure you get wonderful pumpkin pie drop cookies that are easy to handle and bake beautifully, making them almost as quick as quick pumpkin pie cookies!
Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Want to elevate your baking game? These little tricks will ensure your pumpkin pie cookies are absolutely spectacular every single time. I’ve learned these through trial and error, and they make all the difference!
- Always use room temperature butter and cream cheese for the dough. This ensures they cream together properly for a smooth, tender cookie base.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough! It makes it much easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping their shape.
- When assembling, ensure the edges of the dough circles are well sealed. This prevents the delicious pumpkin filling from leaking out during baking.
- For that authentic pie experience, make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pre-spiced pumpkin pie filling.
What’s the secret to perfect ‘chewy pumpkin pie cookies’?
The secret to wonderfully chewy pumpkin pie cookies lies in the balance of ingredients and a slightly shorter baking time. For contrast, soft pumpkin pie cookies might bake a minute longer. Using cream cheese in the dough also contributes to that delightful chewiness and tender crumb. For more baking tips, check out these baking tips.
Can I make ‘easy pumpkin pie cookies’ ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled. You can also make the pumpkin filling a day ahead. Assemble the cookies just before baking for the freshest results, or bake them and store them properly for later enjoyment. Find more last recipes here.
How do I avoid common mistakes with ‘pumpkin pie cookies’?
A common pitfall is overfilling the cookies, which can cause leaks. Make sure to use only about a teaspoon of filling per cookie. Another mistake is not chilling the dough sufficiently, leading to spread. Lastly, always vent the tops to let steam escape, preventing a soggy bottom. Learn more about copycat recipes.
Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Pie Cookies
These delightful pumpkin pie cookies are versatile and wonderful served in so many ways! For a classic fall treat, enjoy them warm with a cup of hot apple cider or a creamy latte. They are also fantastic as a dessert, especially when topped with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream or a swirl of rich cream cheese frosting. Imagine biting into these spiced cookies with the cool, tangy frosting – pure bliss! For an extra touch of elegance and sweetness, consider making them into glazed pumpkin pie cookies. A simple vanilla or maple glaze drizzled over the top adds a beautiful finish and extra flavor. They’re perfect for any autumn gathering, holiday party, or simply as a special treat to brighten your day.
Nutrition Facts for Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delicious pumpkin pie cookies, with estimates per serving (recipe yields 18-20 cookies):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially toppings.
How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Proper storage is key to keeping these delicious pumpkin pie cookies fresh and flavorful, especially when you’ve made a big batch for fall gatherings. Once your cookies have completely cooled on a wire rack – this is super important to prevent sogginess – store them in an airtight container. For short-term storage, they’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you need to stash these gems away for longer, wrap them well and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. These make fantastic make-ahead treats for the holiday season! For more make-ahead ideas, check out these cold lunch ideas.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated pumpkin pie cookies for fall, you have a couple of reheating options. For best results, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re craving that fresh-baked warmth, you can gently reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until just warmed through. This brings back that delightful aroma and soft texture, making them taste like they just came out of the oven!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Pie Cookies
What are pumpkin pie cookies?
Pumpkin pie cookies are delightful baked treats that capture the essence of a classic pumpkin pie in cookie form. They typically feature a spiced cookie dough, often with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, filled with a smooth, sweet pumpkin puree mixture. They are a perfect way to enjoy those beloved autumn flavors in a portable, shareable dessert, bridging the gap between a cookie and a mini pie.
How do I make pumpkin pie cookies that are soft?
To achieve soft pumpkin pie cookies, ensure you don’t overbake them; pull them out when the edges are just lightly golden. Using cream cheese in the dough, as this recipe does, also contributes to a wonderfully soft and chewy texture. Chilling the dough properly and avoiding overmixing are also key steps to ensure they don’t become too cakey or cakey. For more cookie recipes, explore chocolate chip cookies.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin?
It’s best to use pure canned pumpkin puree, not pre-made pumpkin pie filling, when you want to know how to make pumpkin pie cookies that have the best flavor and texture. Pumpkin pie filling usually contains added sugars and spices, which can alter the sweetness and spice balance of your cookies. Using pure pumpkin allows you to control the exact flavor profile and sweetness of your cookies. Learn more about how to brine chicken.
Are these pumpkin pie cookies easy to make?
Yes, these are considered easy pumpkin pie cookies! The process involves making a simple cookie dough, preparing a quick pumpkin filling, and then assembling the cookies. While there are a few steps, none are overly complicated, making them accessible even for beginner bakers looking for a delicious fall treat.
Variations of Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Once you’ve mastered the classic pumpkin pie cookies, you’ll discover there are so many fun ways to adapt this recipe! For a quicker treat, try making them as pumpkin pie drop cookies. Simply drop spoonfuls of dough onto your baking sheet and flatten them slightly before adding the filling. If you love a crispier texture, these can also be made into pumpkin pie sugar cookies by rolling the dough in sugar before baking or adding a touch more sugar to the dough itself. For a dessert that feels even more like a slice of pie, consider transforming them into pumpkin pie cookie bars. Press half the dough into the bottom of a baking pan, spread the pumpkin filling over it, then crumble the remaining dough on top before baking. These variations offer different textures and serving styles, ensuring there’s a perfect pumpkin pie cookie for everyone!

Amazing Pumpkin Pie Cookies: 14 Perfect Bites
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18-20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Pie Cookies capture the essence of fall with a buttery cookie base, spiced pumpkin filling, and delightful toppings. They are perfect for any autumn gathering or holiday treat.
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1/2 cup (122g) canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream or whipped topping
- Cinnamon sugar
- Icing drizzle or powdered sugar dusting
- Mini pie crust cutouts for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until just combined. Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine pumpkin puree with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Shape and fill: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Use your round cutter to cut out circles. Place half the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Spoon 1 teaspoon of pumpkin filling onto each round. Top with another dough circle, gently pressing edges to seal. Crimp with a fork if desired. Use a small knife to score or vent the tops.
- Bake: Bake for 14–16 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Decorate: Once cool, add a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of glaze.
Notes
- Always chill the dough before rolling for best results.
- Do not overfill cookies or they may leak.
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Vent cookie tops to release steam and prevent sogginess.
- Store baked cookies in airtight container up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
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