Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Every fall, I get a little giddy at the thought of pumpkin treats. It's like a warm hug from the season itself! One of my all-time favorites is Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies. These little delights remind me of the days spent with my grandmother in her cozy kitchen, where the scent of spices and baked goods would dance in the air. She always said that the best part of baking was the joy it brought to others, and I couldn't agree more.

These cookies are the perfect way to bring a taste of autumn to your home. With their tender texture and creamy pumpkin filling, they blend the flavors of classic pumpkin pie into a delightful cookie form. Whether you're hosting a gathering, bringing a treat to a potluck, or just enjoying a cozy evening in, Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies are sure to be a hit. Trust me, they'll disappear faster than you can say "pumpkin spice!"

Why You'll Love "Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies"

• Quick and easy to prepare - ready in just 35 minutes!
• Minimal ingredients make it a breeze to whip up any day of the week.
• Family-friendly recipe that's perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Freezer-friendly - store leftovers for future cravings!
• Deliciously combines the flavors of classic pumpkin pie in a fun cookie form.
• Great for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (this is the secret to that cozy flavor!)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 6 oz unsalted butter (room temperature, about 70°F for a smooth dough)
• 3 oz cream cheese (room temperature for easy creaming)
• ⅓ cup coarse sugar (for rolling, it gives a nice sparkly crunch)
• 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour (I always use King Arthur all-purpose flour for consistent results)

• ½ cup pumpkin purée (be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 pinch table salt
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup whole milk
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for best flavor and aroma)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. First things first, let's get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C). This is the magic number for ensuring our cookies bake perfectly.
2. While the oven warms up, you can start gathering your ingredients and tools, so we're ready to roll!

Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together 6 oz of room temperature unsalted butter and 3 oz of cream cheese until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and trust me, you'll love the texture!
2. Add in ½ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of packed brown sugar. Mix until fully combined - it should look lovely and creamy!
3. Now, toss in 1 large egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Give it a good mix until everything is well incorporated.
4. Next, it's time for the star of the show - add in 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice! Mix until it's well blended into the buttery goodness.
5. Finally, gradually add in 2 ⅔ cups of all-purpose flour. Start with a spatula to fold it in gently, then use your hands if necessary. Don't worry if it's a bit crumbly at first; keep mixing until you have a smooth dough!

Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

1. In another bowl, combine ½ cup of pure pumpkin purée, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and 1 large egg. Mix these ingredients until they're well combined - it should create a nice, creamy pumpkin mixture.
2. Add in ¼ cup of whole milk, ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of table salt. Stir everything together, and don't forget to give it a little taste - it should be delicious!
3. Lastly, add in ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for an extra flavor boost. Mix until everything is smooth and combined!

Assemble and Bake

1. Now, grab your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper - this helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking!
2. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Don't worry about making them perfect; a little rustic charm is always welcome!
3. Now for the fun part! Take a dollop of your pumpkin filling and place it right on top of each cookie dough ball. You want a nice little mound of pumpkin goodness on each one!
4. Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden, but the center will still look soft.

Cool and Serve

1. Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set a bit more, making it easier to transfer them!
2. Carefully move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part - the aroma will be heavenly, and you'll want to dive right in!
3. Once cooled, serve them up to your family and friends, and watch them disappear as everyone indulges in these delightful treats!

Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch.
• Substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pumpkin filling.
• Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for an extra sweet touch.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Serve these cookies warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful treat. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cider or coffee. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar before serving!

Storage

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Helpful Notes

• For added flavor, consider mixing in mini chocolate chips or butterscotch chips into the cookie dough.
• If you prefer, you can use light cream cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit any nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds.
• These cookies can be made ahead of time; just bake and freeze before the filling is added!
• Adjust the sweetness by using less sugar or a sugar substitute if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze these cookies! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!

What can I use instead of pumpkin purée?

If you don't have pumpkin purée on hand, you can substitute it with homemade pumpkin purée made from roasted and blended pumpkin flesh. Alternatively, you can use sweet potato purée or even butternut squash purée for a twist on flavor. Just ensure they are pure and not mixed with other ingredients. For more information on pumpkin varieties, you can check out Allrecipes' guide to pumpkins.

How do I store leftover cookies?

To store leftover cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for about 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but be aware they may dry out a bit. For the best texture, stick to room temperature storage!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon if it doesn't. This will help keep the texture nice and chewy, just like the original recipe!

Final Thoughts

I hope you're as excited to try these Simple Pumpkin Pie Cookies as I am to share them! There's something so special about the way baking brings people together, filling the air with warmth and delicious aromas. Whether it's a chilly fall day or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to create smiles all around. Don't hesitate to get creative with your own twists, and remember, the best part of cooking is the love you sprinkle into every bite. So grab your apron, let's get baking, and enjoy this cozy treat with your loved ones!