Introduction to Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Fall isn’t just about colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice lattes—it’s also the season of pumpkin desserts. And while pumpkin pie is the traditional favorite, sometimes you want a treat that’s easier to share and eat on the go. That’s where Pumpkin Pie Cookies come in.

These cookies pack all the flavors of classic pumpkin pie—spiced pumpkin filling, buttery crust-like base, and sometimes even whipped topping—into a handheld dessert. They’re portable, festive, and irresistibly delicious. Imagine pumpkin pie shrunk down into cookie form, and you’ve got a sweet that’s perfect for parties, bake sales, Thanksgiving gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

Whether you’re baking them as soft pumpkin cookies topped with frosting or as pie-style cookies filled with pumpkin custard, these little treats are guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your dessert table.

Why Pumpkin Pie Cookies Are So Popular

Pumpkin pie cookies have exploded in popularity over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why.

1. All the Flavors of Pumpkin Pie in One Bite

They deliver everything you love about pumpkin pie—warm spices, creamy filling, buttery flavor—but in cookie form.

Cookies are easier to pack, serve, and enjoy at gatherings compared to a whole pie.

3. Creative Variations

From thumbprint pumpkin pie cookies to frosted pumpkin cookies, there are endless ways to enjoy them.

4. Seasonal Favorite

Pumpkin desserts are synonymous with fall, and these cookies fit right into the festive spirit.

5. Kid-Friendly Treat

Children love cookies, and these combine the fun of cookies with the comfort of pie.

Pumpkin pie cookies bridge the gap between classic tradition and modern convenience, making them a go-to fall dessert.

To understand pumpkin pie cookies, it’s worth looking at where pumpkin desserts originated.

Pumpkin in Early America → Pumpkins were a staple crop for early settlers, used in stews, breads, and eventually desserts.

Pumpkin Pie Origins → The first pumpkin pies appeared in the 1600s, when colonists baked pumpkin custards inside hollowed pumpkins. Over time, these evolved into the pastry-crusted pumpkin pie we know today.
Cookies Enter the Scene → Cookies became popular in America in the 18th and 19th centuries, often flavored with molasses, spices, and seasonal ingredients.
Pumpkin Pie Cookies as a Modern Twist → Blending the beloved pumpkin pie with the convenience of cookies gave rise to today’s trend of pumpkin pie cookies.

This evolution shows how food traditions adapt, combining nostalgia with practicality for the modern kitchen.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin in Cookies

Yes, cookies are indulgent—but pumpkin brings some surprising nutrition to the mix.

1. Rich in Vitamins

Pumpkin is packed with vitamin A (great for vision and immunity) and vitamin C (supports skin and immune health).

2. Fiber Boost

Pumpkin adds dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and makes cookies more filling.

3. Low in Calories

Pumpkin puree is naturally low in calories, making it a healthier baking ingredient.

4. Antioxidants

Pumpkin contains beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that supports overall health.

5. Moisture for Baking

Pumpkin keeps cookies soft and moist without needing excessive butter or oil.

So while pumpkin pie cookies may be a treat, they’re a nutrient-rich dessert option compared to many other sweets.

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Cookies

What makes pumpkin pie cookies so special is the balance of classic baking staples with pumpkin pie flavors.

Dry Ingredients:

All-purpose flour → Provides structure.
Baking powder & baking soda → Helps cookies rise.
Salt → Enhances flavor.

Pumpkin pie spice → A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

Wet Ingredients:

Pumpkin puree → The star ingredient, bringing flavor and moisture.
Brown sugar & granulated sugar → Sweetness and chewiness.

Unsalted butter or oil → Richness and texture.
Eggs → Bind the dough.
Vanilla extract → Complements the pumpkin and spice.

Optional Add-Ins:

Cream cheese frosting → A tangy, creamy topping.
White chocolate chips → Sweet contrast to the spice.
Pecans or walnuts → Adds crunch.

Graham cracker crumbs → For a pie-crust-inspired base.

These ingredients come together to make cookies that are cozy, flavorful, and perfectly seasonal.

Pumpkin Pie Cookies – The Perfect Fall Dessert Bite

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour
• ½ cup oat flour (gluten-free if needed)
• ¼ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ tsp cream of tartar (for a snickerdoodle-style texture)

Optional Cream Cheese Drizzle:
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp milk or almond milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, oat flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and cream of tartar (if using).

Add pumpkin puree, melted oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your palm or a spoon.
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are firm and tops are set.

Let cool on the tray 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Make the drizzle (optional):
7. Beat cream cheese, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

✨ Naturally grain-free, refined sugar-free, and packed with cozy pumpkin spice flavor!

💡 Great for meal prep: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer!

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 10 mins , Cook Time : 12 mins , Total Time : 25 mins , Servings : 12 cookies , Calories : 95 , Net Carbs: 8g , Fats: 6g , Protein: 2g