If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the very essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Pie Cookies: Delicious Fall Flavor in Every Bite! are like little bites of autumn bliss. Soft, cakey, and packed with warm spices, they’re perfect for those crisp evenings when you’re curled up with a good book—or when friends come over for a casual gathering.

What makes this recipe a true favorite in my home is its delightful blend of flavors and its versatility. Whether you whip them up on a busy weeknight or serve them at family gatherings, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to bake and share!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Spiced: Each bite is infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger that remind you of your favorite pumpkin pie.
Simple Preparation: With just a few straightforward steps, you can have these cookies ready to impress your family and friends.
Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies in one batch, they’re great for parties or as a sweet surprise for neighbors.
Make Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough ahead of time, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want!
Family Friendly: Kids love these soft cookies just as much as adults do—perfect for baking together!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Pumpkin Pie Cookies is simple and straightforward. You probably already have many of these items in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour (337g)
1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
½ teaspoon salt
3 oz cream cheese, room temperature (86g)
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (6oz)
½ cup granulated sugar (110g)
½ cup brown sugar, packed (112g)
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup coarse sugar for rolling (78g)
1 large egg, room temperature
¼ cup brown sugar (56g)
Pinch table salt
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
¼ cup whole milk (2oz)

Variations

One of the best things about this cookie recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Add chocolate chips: For an extra indulgent treat, mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips before baking.
Use different spices: If you love experimenting, try adding cardamom or allspice along with the pumpkin spice for a unique flavor twist.
Make it nutty: Toss in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Frosting options: Instead of cream cheese glaze, top with a simple powdered sugar icing or even a maple syrup drizzle!

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cookies: Delicious Fall Flavor in Every Bite!

Step 1: Prepare Cookie Dough: Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice, and ½ teaspoon salt. This step helps ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together 8 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup packed brown sugar. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter which makes your cookies nice and tender.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed to avoid splatters and add in 1 large room temperature egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until everything is just combined—remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl so no bits get left behind.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet

Gradually add your whisked dry ingredients into the wet mixture in about three parts. Mix on low speed after each addition until just combined—this helps maintain that soft cookie texture we love!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour—up to 24 hours if you can wait! Chilling helps improve both flavor and texture while preventing those pesky spread issues during baking.

Step 6: Bake Cookies: Preheat and Prep

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats so that your cookies don’t stick while baking.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), portion out rounded dough balls onto prepared sheets—make sure there’s enough space between each one! Bake one sheet at a time for about 10-14 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool Cookies

Once baked to perfection, let them cool on baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack. This step ensures they set properly without losing their shape!

Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: Base

For that delicious topping, combine softened cream cheese with remaining softened butter in a large bowl. Beat together until smooth—this will create a lovely creamy base for our glaze.

Step 10: Add Sweetener and Flavoring

On low speed, gradually mix in brown sugar, pinch of salt, pumpkin spice, and whole milk into the cream cheese mixture until combined. Then add vanilla extract and increase speed until fluffy. Adjust consistency if necessary with more milk; you want it spreadable but not runny.

Step 11: Assemble and Garnish

Once your cookies have cooled completely (very important!), generously spread that glorious cream cheese glaze over each one. For an extra touch of fall flair, dust lightly with ground cinnamon or sprinkle finely chopped candied nuts on top!

Step 12: Serve and Store

Serve these delightful cookies at room temperature. If there are any leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days—or freeze them if you want to enjoy later! Just remember to thaw overnight before bringing back to room temp.

Now go ahead—bake up those Pumpkin Pie Cookies! You won’t regret it!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie Cookies: Delicious Fall Flavor in Every Bite!

Making these cookies is a joy, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your baking game even further!

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensuring your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature helps them blend seamlessly, resulting in a smoother texture and better rise in your cookies.
Chill the Dough – Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator prevents spreading and enhances the flavors. It’s worth the wait!
Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on those cookies while they bake! They should be lightly golden around the edges and soft in the center. Overbaking will result in dry cookies.
Experiment with Glazes – Feel free to get creative with your cream cheese glaze! Add different spices or extracts, like maple or almond, to give your glaze a unique twist.
Store Properly – To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will prevent them from drying out due to the cream cheese frosting.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Cookies: Delicious Fall Flavor in Every Bite!

Serving these pumpkin pie cookies is just as delightful as baking them! Here are some fun ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

Ground Cinnamon – A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top adds an aromatic touch that complements the pumpkin flavors beautifully.
Chopped Candied Pecans or Walnuts – Sprinkle some finely chopped candied nuts over the glaze for added texture and crunch!

Side Dishes

Apple Cider – A warm cup of spiced apple cider pairs wonderfully with these cookies, enhancing their autumnal vibe.
Vanilla Ice Cream – For a comforting dessert experience, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm cookie flavors.
Pumpkin Spice Latte – This classic fall drink is an ideal companion for your pumpkin pie cookies. Its robust coffee flavor and warm spices harmonize beautifully with every bite.
Caramel Sauce Dip – A small bowl of rich caramel sauce offers a sweet dip option that brings out the flavors of pumpkin and spice even more.

Enjoy serving up your delicious pumpkin pie cookies this season!

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Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prepping! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy the delightful flavors of fall whenever you like.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
If you prefer them chilled, keep them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

Allow baked cookies to cool completely before freezing.
Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
For a warm treat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful cookies.

Can I make Pumpkin Pie Cookies without cream cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese glaze with a simple powdered sugar icing. Just mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla until smooth.

What makes these Pumpkin Pie Cookies: Delicious Fall Flavor in Every Bite! special?

These cookies capture the rich and warm spices of traditional pumpkin pie while being incredibly easy to share. They offer all the flavors of fall in a soft, cake-like cookie form!

How do I adjust the spices in Pumpkin Pie Cookies?

Feel free to customize the spices according to your taste. You can add more cinnamon or nutmeg if you love those flavors or try adding cardamom for an extra twist!

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Just ensure it has binding agents to help maintain texture.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

You want to look for lightly golden edges and a slightly soft center. Remember that they will continue to bake slightly after being removed from the oven.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Pumpkin Pie Cookies: Delicious Fall Flavor in Every Bite! They embody the warmth of autumn and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or savoring them throughout the week, I’m sure they’ll bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with delightful aromas!