Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Name: Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup softened butter (Ensure butter is at room temperature.); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar (Use packed brown sugar for best results.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt (Balances sweetness.); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Traditional pumpkin pie spice.); ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (Traditional pumpkin pie spice.); 1 cup pumpkin pie filling; powdered sugar (For dusting before serving.)

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies encapsulate the spirit of the season in a delicious little package. Imagine biting into a soft, spiced cookie that carries the essence of traditional pumpkin pie, yet is perfectly portable. This delightful treat offers a unique twist on classic Thanksgiving flavors, making it the ideal dessert for your holiday celebrations. With the colder weather settling in, there’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla wafting through your kitchen, luring everyone in for a taste of what’s to come. These cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also evoke nostalgia and comfort, making them a must-have during the festive season.

Why You’ll Love It

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies stand out for numerous reasons beyond just their delightful taste and beautiful presentation. For one, these cookies capture the essence of pumpkin pie without the fuss of making an entire pie. They offer the same flavors you love while providing a fun and interactive way to enjoy your favorite dessert classic. Sharing these cookies at family gatherings will ignite conversations about favorite Thanksgiving memories and traditions, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.

Additionally, Pumpkin Pie Cookies provide an exciting alternative for those who may not have time to prepare a full pie. They bake up quickly and can easily be made in batches, which is ideal for potlucks or large family get-togethers. Plus, who doesn’t love cookies? Their handheld nature makes them a convenient option for kids and adults alike, ensuring that they can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.

Moreover, these cookies are incredibly versatile. While they pay homage to the traditional Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, you can customize them to fit your preferences. Whether you want to add chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness or include nuts for a satisfying crunch, the possibilities are endless. This adaptability allows everyone to put their unique spin on these delightful cookies.

Trust us, your family and friends will adore these cookies. They’ll crave that seasonal flavor long after the last bite, asking for the recipe so they can make them at home. Your Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies will create lasting memories and become a special tradition in your household, ensuring that every year includes this scrumptious dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup pumpkin pie filling
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

To create your Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies, you’ll need some commonly found pantry staples, making this recipe handy for anyone. Start with one cup of softened butter to give your cookies a rich, creamy texture. Next, combine granulated sugar and brown sugar, each at one cup, which will provide both sweetness and deep flavor. Don’t forget a teaspoon of vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma. For the dry ingredients, grab three cups of all-purpose flour, along with a teaspoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness. Stick with traditional pumpkin pie spices, including one teaspoon of ground cinnamon and half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg to capture the essence of autumn.

The star of the show is the one cup of pumpkin pie filling, which provides that classic pumpkin flavor and moisture for the cookies. Lastly, don’t overlook the powdered sugar; a dusting of it adds an elegant finish to your cookies once they’ve cooled.

How to Make Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Step 1

To make these delights, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will cook evenly and reach that perfect golden color. While the oven warms up, take a large mixing bowl and add the softened butter. Cream the butter together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. You’ll want to mix this until it’s light and fluffy, which typically takes about three to five minutes. This process is vital, as it incorporates enough air into your mixture, contributing to a deliciously tender cookie. Once you’ve achieved that fluffed-up goodness, it’s time to add the vanilla extract to infuse even more flavor into this luscious mixture.

Step 2

Next, grab another mixing bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients. This includes the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisking ensures even distribution of the baking soda and spices throughout the flour, preventing any clumps. After combining these dry ingredients, you will gradually incorporate this mixture into the wet ingredients. Do this a little at a time to maintain the cookie’s texture and ensure even mixing. As you fold in the flour mixture, you’ll start to see your cookie dough come together beautifully, creating a rich and fragrant batter.

Step 3

With your dough now complete, it’s time to roll it out. Place it on a lightly floured surface, ensuring it’s about ¼ inch thick. Using cookie cutters, cut out circles from the dough. These circles will create the top and bottom of your cookies. Next, it’s time for the fun part! On half of the circles, add about a teaspoon of pumpkin pie filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill them, as that can lead to messy cookies. Lay the remaining circles on top of those with the filling. Seal the edges using a fork to create a beautiful, decorative border while also ensuring that the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.

Step 4

Finally, place the assembled cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, providing a non-stick surface for easy removal later. Bake these gems in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want the edges to be lightly golden while keeping the centers soft and chewy. Once done, transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the tops for a touch of sweetness and a pretty presentation.

Directions

To start with your Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about three to five minutes of mixing. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract into the butter mixture to add depth to the flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ensuring even distribution of all ingredients. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch and use a cookie cutter to cut out circles. On half of those circles, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie filling to the center. Top with the remaining dough circles and carefully seal the edges using a fork. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack and lightly dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Helpful Notes

When making Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies, a few tips can help elevate your baking experience. First, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start mixing. This not only helps with the creaming process but also ensures a uniform texture in your cookies. If you forget to take your butter out in advance, don’t worry! You can cut it into small cubes and microwave it for just 10-15 seconds to soften it up without melting it.

For even baking, make sure to rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time. Ovens can often have hot spots, and rotating will ensure every cookie bakes evenly. Also, if you want extra flair, consider adding a pinch of ginger or cloves to the spice mixture for an additional layer of flavor.

Lastly, don’t rush the cooling process! It’s tempting to dive into these cookies immediately, but cooling them on a wire rack allows for the ideal texture—soft on the inside but with a slightly crisp edge.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper storage is crucial to keep your Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies delicious for as long as possible. Once completely cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, consider layering the cookies with parchment paper and placing them in the refrigerator, where they can last for about a week.

For extended storage, you can freeze the cookie dough prior to baking. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-friendly bag. The dough can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions as usual.

Reheating your cookies is simple. If you want them warm and fresh-tasting, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds just before serving. Alternatively, you can put them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about five minutes. This will refresh their soft texture and warm up the pumpkin filling, reminding you of freshly baked goodness.

FAQs

What’s the best way to ensure my cookies stay soft?

To keep your cookies soft, slightly underbake them. This ensures that they maintain a chewy center as they firm up while cooling. Storing them in an airtight container will also help preserve their softness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to check that your pumpkin pie filling is also gluten-free.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

You might consider adding colored sprinkles on top before baking or incorporating chocolate chips for a twist. Both will enhance the festive atmosphere and provide a little extra sweetness.

Is it okay to use homemade pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works just as well as canned for these cookies. Just ensure the puree is not too watery, as excess moisture could alter the cookie’s consistency.

Can these cookies be shipped or given as gifts?

Yes! Pack them in a sturdy box or tin with parchment paper to cushion them. Make sure to layer the cookies carefully to prevent them from breaking.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they have a light golden edge but are still soft in the center. A little pressing with your finger should leave an imprint but not reveal doughiness.

Can these be made ahead of time?

Certainly! You can bake them a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and they’ll be great for your Thanksgiving gatherings or as a delightful treat any time.

Conclusion + CTA

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies are undeniably a perfect addition to your festive celebrations. They offer all the beloved flavors of pumpkin pie in a cozy, cookie form that’s both fun to make and delightful to share. Cook, share, and enjoy these cookies with your loved ones this holiday season, creating sweet memories that will last a lifetime. Ready to bring joy into your home with these delicious treats? Gather your ingredients and start baking today!