If you’ve ever wanted pumpkin pie and chewy cookies to have a glorious flavor-packed baby, rejoice: this Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe is here to steal your heart (and probably your holiday dessert table). Imagine a cookie that offers the cozy spices of pumpkin pie, the comfort of a thick, chewy base, a crisp bottom for a satisfying bite, and that luscious, silky pumpkin filling crowning every bite. Not only do they taste like autumn in every mouthful, but they’re also real showstoppers that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe is just how straightforward these ingredients are. Each one works its own kind of alchemy in the dough or filling, building the perfect blend of texture, warmth, and classic pumpkin-pie appeal.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that creates structure and a chewy bite in every cookie.
Pumpkin spice: The classic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice gives the cookies their soul-warming, autumnal aroma.
Salt: Just a touch makes all those sweet, cozy flavors pop!
Cream cheese: Adds a subtle tang and rich texture, setting these cookies apart from any ordinary batch.
Unsalted butter: Ensures every bite is buttery, soft, and comforting while making that beautiful crisp bottom.
Granulated sugar: For sweetness and that classic, slightly crisp, cookie edge.
Brown sugar: Brings deep molasses notes and extra chewiness.
Egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough for maximum chew factor.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with warm, mellow undertones.
Coarse sugar (for rolling): Gives the cookies sparkling, crunchy exteriors that look as good as they taste.
Egg (for filling): Creates that silky set in the pumpkin pie center.
Brown sugar (for filling): Adds a lovely caramel depth and sweetness to the filling.
Table salt (filling): A little pinch balances the filling and brings forward all the pumpkin flavors.
Pumpkin spice (filling): Ensures the filling has all the same cozy complexity as the dough.
Whole milk: Smooths out the filling for a creamy, velvety consistency.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show! It lends the cookies color, flavor, and plenty of moisture.
Vanilla extract (filling): More lovely aroma and warmth to complement the pumpkin spice.
Whipped cream (optional): The crowning touch, offering a cool, fluffy finish to each cookie.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cookie Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your cookie sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy release and helps create that coveted golden-brown bottom on every Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe batch. Parchment paper also saves on cleanup — a win-win!

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, pumpkin spice, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high for about three minutes until the mixture becomes irresistibly fluffy. Scrape down the bowl, then add in the egg yolk and vanilla, blending until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, scraping as needed, and fold with a spatula to make sure every last flour pocket is mixed in. The dough will be thick — just as it should be!

Step 3: Whip Up the Pumpkin Pie Filling

In a fresh bowl, combine the whole egg, brown sugar, pinch of salt, extra pumpkin spice, whole milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Whisk it all together until smooth and silky. This filling is what sets this Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe apart from your run-of-the-mill cookies — it bakes up creamy and pie-like, elevating every bite.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into balls, each about two tablespoons (around 36g). Give each ball a cozy roll in coarse sugar to coat them completely — this is where you get that sparkle and extra crunch. Set them on your prepared cookie sheet with about two inches of space between each (they love a little room to spread their wings!).

Step 5: Fill the Centers

Using a tablespoon measure, press down into each dough ball to create a generous well. Try a small plastic medicine cup if you have one for super even results! Fill each well with about one tablespoon of your pumpkin pie filling so each cookie is crowned with silky, orange goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop your cookie sheet in the oven for 14 to 17 minutes, or until the cookies are set, the edges are just turning golden, and the bottoms are beautifully crisp. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack — this sets the filling perfectly and brings out the chewy texture everyone loves in a Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

When you’re ready to wow your family (or nab a quick midnight snack), dollop or pipe on a bit of whipped cream and dust with more pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Serve up the cookies and get ready for a standing ovation!

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

Whipped cream is the gold standard here, but don’t be afraid to get creative! A light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of extra pumpkin spice elevates both the flavor and the presentation of your Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe. For a crunch, add a few candied pecans on top. They make every cookie look festive and irresistible.

Side Dishes

Because these cookies are so rich and bold, pairing them with something lighter is a great way to create balance. Serve alongside a steaming mug of chai, spiced apple cider, or your favorite herbal tea. A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream turns your cookie into a decadent dessert plate. For a fun after-dinner setup, offer fresh fruit like apple slices or pears as a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe on a rustic wooden board, each cookie topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a dusting of spice. For the holidays, place them in decorative cupcake liners or mini tart pans. Bring a platter to your next autumn gathering, or arrange them in a gift box tied with orange ribbon — they’re guaranteed to charm friends and neighbors alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled (without whipped cream), these cookies will keep perfectly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, so don’t be surprised if they taste even better the next day! Want them to last longer? Pop the container in the fridge for up to a week — just let them come back to room temp before serving for the best soft, chewy texture.

Freezing

This Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe is a freezer’s best friend. Layer cooled cookies between sheets of wax paper in a sealed container to prevent sticking and freezer burn. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months! To serve, thaw at room temperature, then garnish with fresh whipped cream for cookies that taste just-baked.

Reheating

If you want that just-out-of-the-oven warmth, reheat individual cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The filling softens, the aroma fills the air again, and every bite feels downright magical. Skip reheating if you’ve already added whipped cream — simply add a fresh dollop after warming.

FAQs

Can I make the dough or filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make both the dough and the pumpkin pie filling up to a day ahead. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, allow both to come to room temperature for easy assembling.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree is fantastic in this Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe! Just be sure to drain off any excess liquid to keep your filling from getting runny. Consistency should be about the same as canned pumpkin.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice?

No worries at all! You can mix up your own blend with ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a touch of cloves or allspice. Adjust to your taste for a personalized spice profile.

Can I freeze the unbaked cookies?

Definitely. Roll, fill, and freeze the raw cookies on a tray until firm, then store in a sealed container for up to two months. Bake from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

What’s the best way to transport these cookies for a party?

Keep them chilled and stack them with parchment paper between layers in a rigid tin or box. For best results, wait to add the whipped cream until you arrive, so they stay as beautiful as they are delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie but want something new and fun, this Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe is the treat that will have everyone swooning. From their festive look to their decadent taste and dreamy textures, these cookies promise to turn any gathering into a celebration. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes your new autumn tradition!