Best Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe (Soft, Easy, and Delicious!

Fall is the season of warm spices, cozy sweaters, and comforting desserts, with pumpkin-flavored treats reigning supreme. From pumpkin lattes to pumpkin breads, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this iconic fall flavor. However, if you’re a fan of pumpkin pie but crave something more portable, then Pumpkin Pie Cookies are here to satisfy your autumn cravings. These cookies combine the creamy, spiced filling of a traditional pumpkin pie with the soft, chewy texture of a cookie. Perfectly bite-sized, they make an excellent addition to your cookie tray for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any fall gathering.

These cookies are not only easy to make, but they also come together in under 30 minutes, requiring no chilling time and minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging in a cozy dessert at home, Pumpkin Pie Cookies offer all the familiar flavors of fall in a fun, handheld form.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pie Cookies

While pumpkin pie is a classic fall dessert, making a full pie can feel like a big task, especially for casual occasions. Pumpkin Pie Cookies offer an easy, low-maintenance alternative that still delivers all the flavor you love. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

1. Quick and Easy to Make: Unlike traditional pumpkin pie, these cookies don’t require any dough rolling, pie crusts, or even chilling time. You can whip them up in less than 30 minutes!
2. Packed with Fall Flavors: Each cookie has the perfect balance of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger – all the classic spices that make pumpkin pie so irresistible. These cookies taste like a warm hug in the form of dessert.
3. Customizable: The versatility of these cookies is one of their greatest strengths. You can add toppings like whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or chocolate drizzle to make them extra special. Plus, you can adjust the recipe to accommodate dietary preferences, such as making them vegan or gluten-free.
4. Perfect for Gatherings: If you’re attending a potluck, hosting a holiday dinner, or looking for a homemade gift to give to friends and neighbors, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to transport and can be made in large batches with little effort.
5. No Pie Crust Required: While pie crust is delicious, it can be finicky and time-consuming to prepare. Pumpkin Pie Cookies capture all the essence of pumpkin pie without the hassle of making (or buying) pie dough.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need for Pumpkin Pie Cookies, as well as some substitution options to make this recipe your own:

Each of these ingredients plays an important role in creating the perfect cookie. Let’s dive into some details:

• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor balance.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create that warm, cozy flavor that makes these cookies feel like fall in every bite. You can also swap these out for pumpkin pie spice or chai spice for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Butter: Butter provides richness and helps give the cookies a soft, tender crumb. For a vegan version, simply substitute with plant-based butter.
• Sugars: A combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar gives these cookies a sweet, caramel-like flavor and helps them stay soft. Brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds extra moisture.
• Flour and Leavening Agents: The flour forms the structure of the cookie, while baking soda and baking powder help them rise. If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour works perfectly here.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Ready to bake these delicious cookies? Let’s walk through the process step by step:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them with non-stick spray. Parchment paper helps ensure even browning and prevents the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This step is important to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps give the cookies their soft texture.

Pro Tip: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This ensures that it blends smoothly with the sugars and creates the perfect cookie dough texture.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. After that, add the egg (or flax egg if you’re making the vegan version) and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix – once the flour is fully incorporated, stop mixing. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies.

Pro Tip: Mixing the dry ingredients into the wet slowly helps prevent flour from flying everywhere and ensures that everything combines evenly.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you want perfectly round cookies, you can roll the dough between your hands before placing it on the baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. Be careful not to overbake them – the cookies will continue to set as they cool.

Pro Tip: For the best results, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Customizing Your Pumpkin Pie Cookies

One of the best things about these cookies is how customizable they are. Here are some ideas for toppings and variations that can take your cookies to the next level:

Topping Ideas

• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to the top of each cooled cookie for a pie-like finish. This gives you the feel of a pumpkin pie in every bite.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread or drizzle a bit of cream cheese frosting on top for an extra layer of sweetness and richness. Cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the warm spices in these cookies.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cookies.
• Maple Glaze: Make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and maple syrup, then drizzle it over the top for a sweet and sticky finish.

Pumpkin Pie Cookie Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun variations to try:

• Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie Cookies: If you love a little extra spice, swap out the sugar cookie base for a gingersnap dough. The molasses and spices in gingersnaps are a natural match for the pumpkin filling.
• Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies: To make this recipe plant-based, use a flax egg and vegan butter. The texture and flavor will still be amazing, and everyone can enjoy them.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Cookies: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Be sure to measure by weight for the most accurate results.
• Pumpkin Pie Cookie Bites: Instead of making full-sized cookies, you can press the dough into mini muffin tins to create small, bite-sized cookie cups. Fill them with a bit of extra pumpkin filling for a fun twist!

Tips for Success

If you want your Pumpkin Pie Cookies to come out perfect every time, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter and egg (or flax egg) are at room temperature before you start. This allows the ingredients to mix together more smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture you’re aiming for.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that your cookies are uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly. No one likes unevenly baked cookies!
• Let the Cookies Cool: If you’re planning to add whipped cream, frosting, or any other topping, make sure the cookies are fully cooled. This prevents the toppings from melting and sliding off.
• Storing Cookies: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for longer. If you’ve added whipped cream or frosting, store the cookies in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Pumpkin Pie Cookies can be stored and even frozen, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert for busy holiday seasons. Here’s how to store and freeze your cookies:

Storing the Cookies

• Room Temperature: If you’re planning to enjoy the cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and fresh for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: If you’ve added whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or any other perishable topping, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Freezing the Cookies

• Freezing Baked Cookies: To freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

FAQs About Pumpkin Pie Cookies

1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, it’s important to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the balance of flavors in the cookies.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should be soft but set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking them.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you need them.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Pumpkin Pie Cookies, you’ll definitely want to try these other fall-inspired treats:

• Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: A soft, chewy cookie coated in cinnamon sugar with a hint of pumpkin flavor.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Creamy layers of pumpkin and cheesecake on a buttery graham cracker crust.
• Pecan Pie Cookies: A delightful mash-up of two classic desserts, featuring a pecan pie filling on top of a soft cookie base.
• Classic Pumpkin Bread: Moist, spiced pumpkin bread that’s a fall staple for breakfast or dessert.

Final Thoughts on Pumpkin Pie Cookies

These Pumpkin Pie Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of pumpkin pie in an easy, bite-sized treat. They’re soft, chewy, and full of warm spices, making them the ultimate fall dessert. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Plus, with so many customization options, you can easily tailor this recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences. Whether you make them vegan, gluten-free, or with fun toppings like whipped cream or chocolate drizzle, these cookies are endlessly versatile.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of Pumpkin Pie Cookies. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #PumpkinPieCookies – we’d love to see how they turn out!

For more fun fall desserts, you might also enjoy this Seafood Lasagna Recipe, a comforting dish perfect for cool autumn nights.

Happy baking!