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Oh, my dear friends! Let me whisk you away to a cozy corner of my kitchen, where the aromas of fall wrap around me like a warm hug. It was a chilly evening, and I was yearning for something that combined all the warm flavors of pumpkin pie but with the playful twist of a cookie. After some delightful experimentation (and a few taste-testing sessions with my family), I discovered these Pumpkin Pie Cookies!
Imagine the soft crunch as you bite into one, with the buttery sweetness complementing that spiced pumpkin filling. Oh, the scent wafting through the kitchenโcinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet, creamy pumpkin! Itโs like a comforting blanket on a chilly day. These cookies won my heart, and I promise theyโll earn a special place in your autumn traditions too!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Whip these up in no time with minimal fuss!
- Healthy Twist: Made with wholesome ingredients, keeping your spirits up!
- Deliciously Flavorful: Packed with fall spices that dance on your taste buds!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family gatherings and cozy get-togethers.
- Customizable: Get creative with flavors and spices to make them your own!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
This is the secret to a rich, tender cookie! Make sure itโs softened for easy mixing.1/2 cup granulated sugar
For just the right sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly!1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Adds a delightful depth of flavor and a slight chewiness.1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This little touch makes everything taste more harmonious!2 cups all-purpose flour
Flour is the base for our cookies, giving them structure to hold all that delicious filling!1 teaspoon baking powder
Helps our cookies rise and stay chewy instead of flat!1/2 teaspoon salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances all the lovely flavors!1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
A must-have for that warm, fall essence!1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Just a hint adds a beautiful, aromatic touch to the cookies!1 cup pumpkin pie filling
The star of our show! Bursting with cozy spice and creamy texture.
Full recipe card is below!
How to Make It
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Let that oven get nice and warm while you mix up the doughโthis ensures the cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. The smell will be heavenly, so you might find yourself sneaking a taste! Just remember, thereโs more to come!
3. Add Vanilla
Beat in the vanilla extract. Ah, the magic this adds! It makes the whole kitchen smell like a dream.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The scents of warm spices will tantalize your senses. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Donโt over-mix; we want these cookies to be tender!
5. Form the Cookies
Roll tablespoon-sized amounts of dough into balls and flatten them slightly. Itโs like making little clouds! Place half the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Add Pumpkin Pie Filling
Spoon a small amount of pumpkin pie filling onto the center of each cookie. Just a dollop will doโthe filling is the surprise everyoneโs waiting for!
7. Seal the Cookies
Top with the remaining cookie halves and pinch the edges to seal them. Donโt worry about them being perfect; a little rustic charm is part of the joy!
8. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The smell will be intoxicating, trust me!
9. Cool and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Try your best to wait before diving in!!
Pro Tips for Success
- Check Butter Softness: Your butter should be soft enough to leave an indent when pressed but not melted.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: If possible, have your eggs and butter at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Donโt Over-Mix: Gently fold in the flour until just combined for tender cookies.
- Spacing is Key: Leave enough space between your cookies to allow for spreading as they bake.
Flavor Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: A sprinkle of chocolate chips in the dough joyfully merges with the pumpkin filling!
- Swap in Maple Syrup: Replace some sugar with maple syrup for a delightful twist!
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding cloves for a deeper flavor or ginger for a zesty kick.
- Nutty Surprise: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture!
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair perfectly with a cozy cup of chai tea, coffee, or your favorite hot cocoa. Serve them on a rustic plate, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon for that cozy touch, inviting everyone to gather ’round!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just roll them into balls, chill, and bake when youโre ready! Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week!
Leftovers
If you have any cookies left (which is a rarity!), crumble them over yogurt for a delightful breakfast treat or snack. They also make a fabulous topping for ice creamโtalk about a splendid dessert!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and bundle them in a freezer-safe bag. Theyโll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a delightful treat any time!
Reheating
The best way to bring these cookies back to life is by popping them in a 350ยฐF oven for 5-7 minutes. This makes them nice and warm again, perfect for that gooey filling!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as youโll need to adjust spices to your taste.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No need for chill time unless you find the dough too sticky! A quick chill can help if you’re in a warm kitchen!
How can I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and they should turn out wonderfully!
Can these cookies be made vegan?
You can replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Theyโll be just as delightful!
Final Thoughts
Baking these Pumpkin Pie Cookies brings a world of warmth and sweet nostalgia into your kitchen. Each bite is a little piece of pure joy, perfect for gatherings or a quiet moment with your favorite mug of tea. So grab your apron, turn up the music, and let the coziness envelop you. Happy baking, friends! ๐๐งก
Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Roll tablespoon-sized amounts of dough into balls and flatten them slightly.
- Spoon a small amount of pumpkin pie filling onto the center of each cookie.
- Top with the remaining cookie halves and pinch the edges to seal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool before transferring to wire racks.
