Name: Pumpkin Pie Cookie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-490541H22M34S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for garnish); 1/4 cup cream cheese (for topping); 2 tablespoons additional pumpkin puree (for topping); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping); 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)

Pumpkin pie cookies are everything we love about fall desserts, wrapped up into a handheld treat. These soft, spiced cookies combine the tender texture of a pumpkin cookie with the creamy richness of pumpkin pie filling, finished with a delicate drizzle or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in with a cup of cider.

What sets these cookies apart is their balance of warmth and indulgence. The base is lightly crisp at the edges yet fluffy inside, with a sweet and spicy pumpkin pie topping that melts with every bite. You get the full essence of pumpkin pie without needing a fork or plate.

You’ll love these cookies for how easy they are to make and how festive they feel. Whether you’re baking them for Thanksgiving dessert trays or making them for friends, they bring the nostalgic comfort of pumpkin pie in a shareable cookie form. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly and stay soft for days.

What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?

For this recipe, canned pumpkin puree works best. Be sure to avoid pumpkin pie filling, which already has sugar and spices added. Using pure pumpkin allows you to control the sweetness and spice levels. If you want to try fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth, but make sure to strain excess liquid.

These cookies need just a few baking staples along with pumpkin puree. The blend of fall spices makes them incredibly aromatic while baking.

Pumpkin Puree: This is the heart of the cookie and the topping, giving moisture and classic flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and depth, and helps keep the cookies soft.
Butter: For richness and structure in the cookie base.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: To lift the cookies and keep them light.
Egg: Binds the dough and gives it a tender texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the cozy fall flavors.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: This trio gives the cookies their signature spiced aroma.
Powdered Sugar (optional): For dusting or drizzling if desired.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. This step ensures your cookies have a soft texture.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make scooping easier and prevent spreading.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Add Pumpkin Pie Topping

While cookies cool, make a simple pumpkin pie topping with pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, and a touch of cream cheese. Spread it over the cooled cookies like frosting.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream just before serving.

Serving and Storing These Cookies

These pumpkin pie cookies are best served at room temperature with a hot drink or as a fall dessert. They feed about 16 people depending on cookie size. Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months, just thaw and top before serving.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Pie Cookies?

Hot Apple Cider

The spice in the cookies pairs beautifully with warm apple cider.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla adds a creamy contrast to the spiced cookie.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle a little on top for extra indulgence.

Maple Latte

The coffee notes balance out the sweetness in the cookie.

Chai Tea

The spice of chai complements the warm notes of pumpkin spice.

Whipped Cream

Serve a spoonful on top or on the side.

Roasted Pecans

Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for crunch.

Dark Chocolate Chunks

A few bits melted over the topping adds richness.

If you love these pumpkin pie cookies, you might enjoy these other creative takes on classic cookies:

Peggi’s Gigantic Melt-In-Your-Mouth Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect when you want something crunchy and nostalgic.
Lemon Churro Cookies for a mix of tangy and cinnamon sugar.
Butter Pecan Cheesecake when you’re craving a cookie in cheesecake form.
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies bring rich, old-fashioned charm to the table.
Pumpkin Bread with Maple Cream Cheese Filling if you’re all about pumpkin spice season.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add chocolate chips? Use a piping bag for the topping? Swap in sweet potato instead?

I love seeing how others make these cookies their own. Your questions and creativity make this space feel like a community kitchen.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Pumpkin pie cookies are a must-make if you’re looking for a festive, fuss-free fall dessert that delivers the nostalgic flavor of pumpkin pie in a fun, shareable format. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, these cookies bring all the warmth and spice you crave this time of year.