Pumpkin pie cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves fall flavors. They’re soft, spiced, and bring all the warmth of pumpkin pie into a handheld, cookie-sized version. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about making pumpkin pie cookies, including step-by-step instructions, ingredient breakdowns, tips for perfect cookies, and even variations to try.
Whether you’re looking to bake for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or just because, pumpkin pie cookies will be a hit at any gathering!
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Pumpkin spice cookies aren’t just any cookie. They’re packed with cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, making them the ultimate fall treat. In addition, these cookies are great for when you want to enjoy the flavors of pumpkin pie without the hassle of making an entire pie. Plus, they’re much easier to transport and share, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, or even gifting to friends.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also versatile. You can make them soft and chewy, add frosting, or even turn them into cookie sandwiches. Therefore, the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie Cookies
To make the best pumpkin pie cookies, it’s essential to use quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient is important:
1. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is the star of the show. You can use canned pumpkin or make your own fresh pumpkin puree. Canned pumpkin is more convenient and works just as well, but if you want an extra burst of fresh flavor, try making your own.
Tip: If you’re using fresh pumpkin puree, be sure to strain it. Fresh pumpkin has more moisture than canned, and too much moisture can make your cookies soggy.
For those interested in making their own puree, here’s a simple guide to making fresh pumpkin puree.
2. Flour
All-purpose flour works best for these cookies. It’s the right balance between structure and tenderness. Be sure to measure your flour correctly! Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly from the bag can pack in too much flour, resulting in dry cookies.
3. Pumpkin Pie Spices
Pumpkin pie spices bring that warm, familiar flavor. This mix includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Since these spices are crucial for creating the cozy, fall-inspired taste, don’t skip them. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice at home, you can easily make your own by combining these spices.
Pro Tip: To enhance the flavor, try toasting your spices in a dry skillet for a minute before adding them to the dough. This brings out their natural oils and intensifies the flavor.
4. Sweeteners: Brown and White Sugar
Using both brown sugar and white sugar in this recipe creates a great balance. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight molasses flavor, which complements the pumpkin and spices. White sugar helps the cookies spread and adds the right amount of sweetness.
For a healthier alternative, you can experiment with coconut sugar or honey. Just be mindful that these substitutions may change the texture slightly.
5. Butter
Butter adds richness and flavor. For best results, use unsalted butter and make sure it’s softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. If you’re using salted butter, you may want to reduce or omit the added salt.
6. Eggs
Eggs act as a binder in the cookie dough, holding all the ingredients together. Additionally, they add moisture and help the cookies rise. Use large eggs at room temperature for best results.
7. Baking Soda and Baking Powder
These leavening agents are crucial for getting the right texture. Baking soda helps the cookies spread, while baking powder makes them light and fluffy. Using both ensures a balanced rise and spread.
8. Vanilla Extract
Don’t skip the vanilla extract! It enhances all the other flavors and adds a touch of sweetness. Pure vanilla extract is always better than imitation for a more natural flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Making pumpkin pie cookies is simple, but following each step carefully will help you achieve the best results. Here’s a detailed guide:
1. Prepare the Dough
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This step ensures the baking agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the white and brown sugars. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating air pockets in the dough, which results in soft and chewy cookies.
Add the Pumpkin and Eggs
Next, beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined. It’s important to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
2. Chill the Dough
For the best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough firms up the fat in the cookies, which helps them hold their shape and prevents spreading too much during baking. You can even chill the dough overnight for even better flavor.
3. Bake the Cookies
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers will still be soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
4. Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Frosting or Glaze
If you want to take your cookies to the next level, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. For a richer option, spread cream cheese frosting on top, or sandwich two cookies together with frosting for pumpkin pie sandwich cookies!
Expert Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies
To ensure your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and full of flavor, follow these expert tips:
1. Measure Your Flour Correctly
Too much flour can make your cookies dry and dense. Therefore, always measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
2. Don’t Overmix
Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, especially after adding the flour.
3. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough is a must for perfect pumpkin pie cookies. It allows the flavors to meld and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
4. Adjust Baking Time for Texture
For softer cookies, take them out when the edges are set, but the centers still look a little underdone. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Want to know more about how chilling cookie dough improves flavor? Check out this helpful article from Serious Eats.
Flavor Variations and Customizations for Pumpkin Dessert Cookies
Pumpkin pie cookies are incredibly versatile. Here are some fun variations and customizations you can try:
1. Pumpkin Pie Cookie Bars
If you prefer bars over individual cookies, you can press the dough into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!
For another delicious fall dessert option, check out this strawberry rhubarb pie for a tart and sweet flavor combination.
2. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. You can find high-quality gluten-free flours that will give you the same texture and taste as regular flour without the gluten.
3. Vegan Pumpkin Cookies
To make this recipe vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
4. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate lovers can easily turn these into pumpkin chocolate chip cookies by adding 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough. The combination of rich chocolate and warm pumpkin spice is absolutely irresistible!
5. Add Nuts or Dried Fruit
For extra texture, try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries to the dough. These add-ins will provide a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that complements the soft, chewy cookies.
How to Serve and Store Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Serving Ideas
Pumpkin pie cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:
- With a cup of coffee or chai tea: The spices in the cookies pair perfectly with warm beverages.
- Topped with whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream turns these cookies into a mini pie experience.
- As part of a dessert platter: Combine pumpkin pie cookies with other fall treats like German pancakes or caramel popcorn for a festive spread.
Storing Your Cookies
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Freezing Instructions
Pumpkin pie cookies freeze beautifully. To freeze, place the baked and cooled cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for each pumpkin pie cookie (based on a standard-sized cookie):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 2g
If you make variations like adding chocolate chips or nuts, the nutritional content will change slightly. For more precise information based on your specific ingredients, you can use a tool like MyFitnessPal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time if the dough is very cold.
How Do I Keep My Cookies Soft?
To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will help maintain moisture in the cookies, keeping them soft for days.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain any excess moisture from fresh pumpkin puree, as it tends to be more watery than canned pumpkin. Fresh pumpkin can give your cookies a more intense flavor, but canned works just as well and is more convenient.
Can I Freeze the Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer. You may need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Pumpkin pie cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy the comforting flavors of fall. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving something sweet, these cookies are a sure hit. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and can be easily customized to suit your taste.
With tips, variations, and serving ideas, you’ll have all the information you need to bake the perfect batch of pumpkin pie cookies. So grab your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the warm, spicy scent of fall!