If you’re the kind of person who adores cozy spices and finds themselves wishing pumpkin season lasted all year, you’re going to fall in love with this Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe. Imagine biting into a thick, chewy cookie with a crisp edge and a silky pumpkin pie center—every bite is pure autumn delight! This recipe brings all the classic flavors of your favorite Thanksgiving dessert, but in a fun and downright irresistible cookie form. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with your coffee, these cookies are about to become your new tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

No complicated specialty items here—just simple, trusty ingredients that work together to achieve that classic pumpkin pie flavor, irresistible texture, and golden color. Each element brings its own magic, transforming humble pantry staples into a showstopping treat.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their sturdy structure and that satisfying chewy bite.
Pumpkin spice: Delivers the signature warmth and aromatic complexity you want in every pumpkin treat.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances and balances the sweetness and spices.
Cream cheese: Adds subtle tang and richness for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Unsalted butter: Provides that classic buttery flavor and helps crisp up the bottom of the cookies.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and ensures a perfectly crisp edge.
Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a touch of molasses-y depth to the dough and the filling.
Egg yolk: Contributes a lovely golden color and extra richness to the cookie base.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors beautifully, making the cookies taste homey and familiar.
Coarse sugar: For rolling—gives each cookie a sparkly, crunchy finish that’s both delightful to see and to eat.
Egg: The whole egg in the filling helps it set to a smooth, custardy texture.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show—real pumpkin for that authentic pie experience.
Whole milk: Lends creaminess and ensures the filling is soft but stable.
Whipped cream (optional): Adds a cloud-like, creamy finish if you want to take things over the top.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake up evenly and are a breeze to remove. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for skipping the sticky cleanup!

Step 2: Whip Up the Cookie Dough

In one bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice, and salt—the aroma alone will get you in the baking mood! In a larger bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and both sugars until the mixture looks oh-so-fluffy and pale. Toss in the egg yolk and vanilla, mixing well so every bite is flavored just right. Add the dry ingredients in a few batches, folding until the dough is thick and there are no dry spots left.

Step 3: Create the Pumpkin Pie Filling

In a separate bowl, blend the pumpkin filling ingredients: egg, brown sugar, pinch of salt, pumpkin spice, whole milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Give it a good whisk—you want it smooth and cohesive. This luscious filling is exactly what sets the Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe apart from ordinary cookies!

Step 4: Shape and Fill

Roll your dough into big, two-tablespoon-sized balls and then roll each through coarse sugar for a little crunch and sparkle. Next, use a tablespoon or the bottom of a medicine cup to press a well into each dough ball. Spoon in a tablespoon of pumpkin filling into each well. This step is where the cookie-to-pie transformation happens!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 14 to 17 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the bottoms are just golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack—you want the filling to set up nice and creamy before you dive in.

Step 6: Finish and Enjoy

If you’re in the mood for extra flair, dollop or pipe a swirl of whipped cream on each cookie just before serving. Sprinkle with a touch more pumpkin spice, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes these cookies as photogenic as they are tasty. For added pizzazz, dust the tops with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice or ground cinnamon. If you want to make them downright irresistible, add a little candied ginger or a tiny grating of orange zest for extra color and aroma.

Side Dishes

Serve your Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe alongside a warm mug of coffee, chai latte, or spiced apple cider. These cookies also pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit salad, balancing the cozy spice with something bright and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden platter or tiered dessert tray for your next fall gathering. For a gift, tuck a few into a bakery box lined with parchment and tie with twine. Feeling playful? Stack them into towers and secure with a skewer for a cookie bouquet—sure to delight kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cookies store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days—if you have any left! For longer keeping, refrigerate them, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving so that both cookie and filling are tender and flavorful.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container, adding a sheet of wax paper between layers. This Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe is always handy for last-minute cravings or impromptu guests when stored this way—they’ll keep for a month!

Reheating

Thaw frozen cookies overnight in the fridge, then let them sit at room temperature for the best texture. If you want a just-baked feel, a quick 10 seconds in the microwave will bring back their signature softness and warmth.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin puree?

Stick with pure pumpkin puree for this Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe, as the spiced canned pie filling can throw off the balance of flavors and sweetness. You’ll get the best texture and taste with plain pumpkin, then add your own spices.

Why do I need cream cheese in the cookie dough?

The cream cheese makes the cookies incredibly tender and gives them a subtle tang that plays off the sweetness and spice. It’s a secret ingredient that transforms ordinary cookies into something special!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to shape and bake. Just let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before rolling.

What’s the best way to make uniform wells for the filling?

A tablespoon measuring spoon is perfect for pressing the wells, but if you have a small plastic cup (like a medicine cup), that’ll do the trick for even, tidy indentations!

Do I have to use coarse sugar for rolling?

Not at all—it’s optional but adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the finished cookies. If you skip it, your Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe will still be delicious and beautiful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new fall favorite or want to wow your friends and family, put this Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe at the top of your must-bake list! It brings together the best of both worlds—indulgent cookie and classic pie—in every single delicious bite. Give it a try and make some sweet autumn memories!