Baking is an art that brings joy to many. Among the many delightful treats, cookies shine as favorites. Today, we will explore a special recipe for Pumpkin Pie Cookies. These cookies combine the flavors of pumpkin pie and the joy of soft, chewy cookies. They’re perfect for autumn gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy day at home. With warm spices and a creamy filling, each bite offers a delicious taste of the season. Let’s dive into why you should make these pumpkin pie cookies, how to prepare them, and tips to make them excellent!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to whip up a batch of Pumpkin Pie Cookies. First, they are the perfect way to celebrate fall. The comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices will fill your kitchen with wonderful fragrances. Plus, they are not your ordinary cookie; they come with a rich filling that surprises your taste buds.
Making these cookies is also a fun and enjoyable process. Baking with family or friends creates memories that last a lifetime. Imagine kids getting excited about mixing ingredients and shaping cookie balls! It’s a simple activity that can bring smiles and laughter to your home.
These cookies also make great gifts. Packaged nicely, they can be wonderful gifts for friends and neighbors during the holiday season. Everyone loves receiving homemade goods, and these cookies show you care.
Lastly, these Pumpkin Pie Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner, celebrating Halloween, or enjoying a fall get-together, these cookies will be a hit.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Now, let us get to the heart of the matter—making the delicious Pumpkin Pie Cookies. Follow this simple recipe step by step to create your own batch of these tasty treats.
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 & 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 5 oz pumpkin puree
- 2/3 cup heavy cream (cold)
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Orange gel food coloring
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, place the softened butter, vegetable or canola oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream these ingredients until smooth and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is nicely combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Next, add the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to the bowl. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop out dough to make 9 equal-sized cookie balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with enough space between them to allow for spreading while baking.
Flatten and Create Wells: Gently flatten each ball to about 1 inch thick. Use a measuring cup or your fingers to create a small well in the center of each cookie.
Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-9 minutes. The cookies should be soft in the center and slightly set around the edges.
Cool the Cookies: Once done, take the cookies out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Filling: While the cookies cool, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, 1 tbsp of white sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and orange gel food coloring. Blend until smooth.
Fill the Cookies: Finally, spoon the pumpkin pie filling into the cooled wells of your cookies. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Pie Cookies!
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Serving your Pumpkin Pie Cookies is easy and fun. You can arrange them on a beautiful plate for presentation. Dust some powdered sugar over the top for an extra touch of flair!
If you want to make them a bit more festive, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top or pairing them with a glass of cold milk or warm cider. These cookies are not only a treat on their own but also make great companions for your favorite fall beverages.
How to Store Pumpkin Pie Cookies
To keep your Pumpkin Pie Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. To do this, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Pumpkin Pie Cookies turn out perfect:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature. This helps them combine better, resulting in cookies that are soft and fluffy.
Measuring Flour: When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This ensures you don’t end up with too much flour, which can make the cookies dense.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the dough until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Spacing: Be sure to leave enough space between the cookie balls on the baking sheet. This allows them to spread without sticking together.
Taste the Filling: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the filling by adding more or less sugar, according to your taste preference.
Variation
If you want to mix things up a bit, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough. Chocolate pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin flavor, adding a rich sweetness. You can also use different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give the cookies a different twist.
For a healthier option, try swapping some of the sugar for applesauce or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the nutritional value.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth before adding it to the filling.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking.
Q3: Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They are delicious even after freezing!
Creating these Pumpkin Pie Cookies is a fun and rewarding experience. Not only will you end up with delightful treats, but you’ll also enjoy the wonderful smells of fall wafting through your home. Give this simple recipe a try, and you’ll be sure to impress family and friends with your baking skills! Enjoy your baking!
Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable or canola oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir gently until just combined.
- Scoop out dough to make 9 equal-sized cookie balls and place them on the baking sheet, spaced out.
- Gently flatten each ball to about 1 inch thick and create a small well in the center of each cookie.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes until soft in the center and slightly set around the edges.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, 1 tbsp of white sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and orange gel food coloring until smooth.
- Spoon the pumpkin pie filling into the cooled wells of your cookies.