If you’re on the hunt for a delightful fall treat that’s both festive and easy to whip up, this Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of. These cookies capture the warm, nostalgic flavors of pumpkin pie in a soft, buttery bite that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or just a sweet pick-me-up, they bring together the comforting spices and creamy pumpkin flavor in a way that feels like a hug from your oven. Trust me, once you try this Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for every autumn occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the smooth cream cheese that lends moisture, to the fragrant pumpkin pie spice that wraps you in cozy warmth, none are superfluous. Using simple pantry staples, you’ll be amazed how these familiar components come together to create something extraordinary.
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and that tender crumb we all love.
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice: The star spice blend giving that unmistakable fall flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
- 3 oz cream cheese (room temperature): Adds a rich creaminess that keeps the cookies soft and slightly tangy.
- 6 oz unsalted butter (room temperature): For a luscious buttery flavor and the perfect texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens up the dough with a gentle crunch.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings depth and caramel notes that complement the pumpkin beautifully.
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature): Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
- 1/4 cup pumpkin purée: The magic ingredient that infuses the cookies with genuine pumpkin flavor and moistness.
How to Make Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat so it’s ready when your dough is shaped. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheets smoothly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. This combination gives your cookies that irresistibly soft and tender texture. Gradually add granulated and brown sugars, beating until the mix is fluffy and lighter in color, which means you’ve incorporated plenty of air.
Step 3: Incorporate Egg Yolk and Flavors
Next, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. These give richness and depth, binding the dough and balancing out the sweetness. Mix just until combined to keep the dough light and tender.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. This dry mix brings the signature pumpkin pie flavors and ensures gentle distribution of spices, so every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything forms a cohesive dough. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies wonderfully tender.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar Coat the Cookies
Roll the dough into one-inch balls—this size creates the ideal bite-sized cookie. Then, roll each ball in coarse sugar for a delightful sparkling crunch on top that adds a subtle texture contrast and a hint of extra sweetness.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Arrange your sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets with a bit of space between them to allow spreading. Bake for about 14 minutes or until cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on racks completely before enjoying your pumpkin-studded rewards.
How to Serve Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, consider dusting your pumpkin pie cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a tiny drizzle of white chocolate for a sweet contrast. You can also garnish with a small dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting to elevate the cozy vibe.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or spiced latte, amplifying all those pumpkin pie spice notes. For a more indulgent snack, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a creamy pumpkin-flavored dip for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe a showstopper by arranging them in a rustic wooden tray lined with cinnamon sticks or autumn leaves. Wrap in pretty cellophane tied with twine for effortless seasonal gifts your friends will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They maintain their tender texture and pumpkin flavor beautifully when kept properly.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for quick thaw-and-go treats.
Reheating
Warm your cookies slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds or a few minutes in a low oven to revive that just-baked softness and bring out the pumpkin pie aroma anew. Just be careful not to overheat as they can dry out.
FAQs
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?
It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin purée for this recipe because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor balance and texture of the cookies.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand?
No worries! You can easily make your own blend with ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves or allspice. This way, you can adjust the spices to your taste and still capture that warm fall flavor.
Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter?
Butter is key for flavor and texture here, so margarine or oil won’t give the same delicious, tender crumb or buttery richness that makes these cookies special.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these pumpkin pie cookies stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days at room temperature, making them perfect for a lunchtime treat or after-school snack.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Both unbaked dough and baked cookies freeze well, which means you can enjoy these seasonal treats anytime without the stress of last-minute baking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe is not only a joy but a way to bring those classic pumpkin pie flavors into a handheld, shareable form. Whether for a cozy autumn afternoon, a festive party, or a delightful treat just because, these cookies never disappoint. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and fill your kitchen with the warming scents of pumpkin and spice—happy baking!
Print
Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies, a perfect seasonal treat combining classic pumpkin pie spices with a tender, buttery cookie base. These cookies are easy to prepare and bake, delivering a warm, fragrant flavor ideal for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 6 oz unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- Coarse sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add both granulated and brown sugars, mixing until the mixture becomes fluffy. Then incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract, combining thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until evenly blended.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients blend into the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is fully combined and uniform in texture.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Roll the dough into one-inch balls. Coat each ball lightly with coarse sugar to add a crunchy and sweet exterior, then place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for about 14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking racks before serving to set the texture and flavors.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Coarse sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute pumpkin purée with canned pumpkin if desired, but avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains spices and sugars.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before baking.
