Pumpkin Pie Cookies combine the rich, warm flavors of pumpkin pie into a soft, chewy cookie form. These cookies are flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice, creating the perfect autumn treat. A hint of pumpkin puree adds moisture, making the cookies tender and full of seasonal flavor. With the crunch of walnuts, they offer a satisfying texture, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Making Pumpkin Pie Cookies is quick and easy. The prep time is just about 15 minutes, while baking takes around 12-15 minutes. Once they are done, allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. These cookies are ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes!
Baking Pumpkin Pie Cookies brings the perfect balance of sweet and spice, making it a go-to recipe during the fall season. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the house is irresistible. Each bite offers a soft, flavorful texture, and the addition of walnuts provides a delightful crunch. These cookies are not only delicious but also a great way to share the warmth of the season with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love It Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe
- The Pumpkin Pie Cookie recipe blends the best of fall flavors into a perfect treat. The pumpkin flavor shines through, balanced by a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s an easy way to bring the taste of pumpkin pie into a cookie form.
- This recipe is simple and quick, making it a favorite for busy bakers. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy delicious cookies without the fuss. Perfect for a last-minute dessert or snack.
- These cookies are soft and chewy, giving you the perfect bite every time. The dough holds together beautifully, ensuring a great texture and flavor. Plus, they make the house smell amazing as they bake!
Ingredient Notes for a Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough, allowing the cookies to bake with a soft, tender texture. Using unsalted butter ensures you can control the overall salt level in your recipe.
- Brown Sugar: This ingredient gives the cookies a deep, molasses-like flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices. It also helps create a soft, chewy texture.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the dough together while providing structure and stability to the cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. It balances the spices and pumpkin, giving the cookie a subtle sweetness.
- Pumpkin Puree: The key ingredient that makes these cookies a pumpkin treat. It brings moisture, flavor, and a touch of earthiness, helping to create a soft and flavorful cookie base.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cookie dough, providing the right consistency. Flour gives the cookies their shape and helps hold all the ingredients together.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly as they bake, ensuring they have a light and airy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: One of the signature spices in pumpkin pie, it adds warmth and depth of flavor, bringing out the sweet, earthy tones of the pumpkin.
- Ground Ginger: Adds a subtle, spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin and balances the other warm spices.
- Ground Nutmeg: A warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and ginger. It brings a touch of sweetness and complexity to the flavor profile of the cookies.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors in the cookies, balancing the sweetness and spices. It’s essential for a well-rounded taste.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices that delivers the classic pumpkin pie flavor. It amplifies the seasonal taste of the cookies.
- Chopped Walnuts: Adds crunch and texture to the cookies. Walnuts provide a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the dough, and their richness complements the spices and pumpkin.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
Making the perfect pumpkin pie cookie recipe is easy with a few helpful tips. Start by using canned pumpkin for convenience. It adds the right flavor and moisture to your cookies. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately for consistent results. This small step ensures every cookie turns out just right.
Spices are essential in a pumpkin pie cookie recipe. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring that warm, fall flavor. You can adjust the spice levels to match your taste. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, add a bit more cinnamon or ginger. This lets you customize your cookies.
For a chewy texture, don’t overmix the dough. Stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, which is not ideal for the light and chewy texture that makes pumpkin pie cookies so special. Remember, gentle mixing keeps the cookies soft and tender.
Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe Variation
For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding a streusel topping. Mix together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of butter, then sprinkle over the cookie dough before baking. This will add a crunchy, sweet layer on top of the soft cookies. Another variation is adding a cream cheese frosting, making it a decadent dessert that mirrors the flavor of pumpkin pie even more.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe
Serve these pumpkin pie cookies warm for the ultimate fall treat. Pair them with a hot drink like spiced coffee, apple cider, or even a warm chai latte to enhance the flavors. They make a perfect dessert for family gatherings or an afternoon snack.
For an extra special touch, serve the cookies on a platter with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This creates a dessert that’s both satisfying and comforting, perfect for autumn occasions or when you’re in the mood for something cozy.
Storage Options
To store your pumpkin pie cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze these cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
To thaw, simply leave them out at room temperature for an hour or microwave for a few seconds. This makes these cookies a great make-ahead treat for any holiday gathering or weekend bake.
FAQs About Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned, but make sure to cook and strain the pumpkin to remove excess moisture. This will ensure your cookies aren’t too soggy.
How do I get my pumpkin pie cookies to be soft?
For soft pumpkin pie cookies, avoid overbaking them, and ensure you use enough butter or oil to keep the dough moist. Chilling the dough before baking can also help maintain softness.
Can I freeze pumpkin pie cookies?
Yes, you can freeze pumpkin pie cookies. Place them in an airtight container and freeze them for up to three months for the best taste and texture.
What can I add to my pumpkin pie cookies for extra flavor?
For extra flavor, consider adding white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking. These ingredients can enhance the sweetness and texture of your cookies.
Perfect Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2 minutes.
- Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Pumpkin: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree to the bowl. Beat until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and pumpkin pie spice (if you're using it).
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If you want a bit of crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts. This step is optional but adds a nice texture to the cookies.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are set. You can test the cookies by gently pressing on them—if they spring back, they’re ready.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart.
Notes
