If you love the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin pie but want something easier to share and snack on, Pumpkin Pie Cookies are the perfect solution. These soft, cake-like cookies are packed with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cozy fall spices, then often topped with a creamy glaze or sugar dusting for a bakery-style finish.
They combine everything you love about pumpkin pie—creamy pumpkin flavor and warm spices—into a handheld cookie that’s perfect for fall baking, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or cozy afternoon treats.
What Are Pumpkin Pie Cookies?
Pumpkin pie cookies are soft-baked cookies made with pumpkin puree and traditional pie spices. Unlike crispy cookies, these are:
- Soft and cake-like
- Moist and tender
- Lightly spiced and aromatic
- Often topped with glaze or icing
They taste like a slice of pumpkin pie in cookie form.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Soft and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture
Pumpkin puree keeps them incredibly moist.
Warm Fall Flavor
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice create cozy aroma.
Easy to Make
No complicated techniques required.
Perfect for Holidays
Great for Thanksgiving, Halloween, and fall gatherings.
Kid-Friendly Treat
Mild sweetness and soft texture make them popular with all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Best Pumpkin to Use
Canned Pumpkin Puree
- Smooth texture
- Consistent moisture
- Best for baking
Homemade Pumpkin Puree
- Slightly more watery
- Needs extra draining
For best results, canned pumpkin puree is recommended.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in:
- Pumpkin puree
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Stir until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add dry ingredients into wet mixture.
Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 6: Scoop Dough
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheet.
Leave space between cookies as they will spread slightly.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are soft.
Do not overbake—cookies should stay soft.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Let cookies cool completely before adding glaze.
Drizzle or spread glaze on top.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Keeps cookies soft and tender.
Use Room Temperature Butter
Ensures smooth and even texture.
Measure Pumpkin Carefully
Too much moisture can make cookies cakey or dense.
Don’t Overbake
They continue to set as they cool.
Chill Dough (Optional)
Helps control spreading and enhances flavor.
Flavor Variations
Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Cookies 🎃
Top with rich cream cheese frosting instead of glaze.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍫
Add semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Maple Pumpkin Cookies 🍁
Replace glaze with maple icing for deeper fall flavor.
Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies 🥣
Add rolled oats for texture and chewiness.
Spiced Pumpkin Cookies 🌶️
Increase cinnamon and add a pinch of cloves or ginger.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Pie Cookies
These cookies pair perfectly with:
- Hot coffee ☕
- Chai tea 🍵
- Hot chocolate 🍫
- Apple cider 🍎
They’re especially cozy during fall evenings.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Much Pumpkin
Leads to overly soft or soggy cookies.
Overbaking
Removes softness and makes them dry.
Skipping Cooling Before Glazing
Glaze will melt if cookies are warm.
Overloading Flour
Too much flour makes cookies dense.
Make-Ahead Tips
Pumpkin pie cookie dough can be:
- Refrigerated for 24 hours before baking
- Frozen as dough balls for later baking
This makes them perfect for holiday prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these cookies taste like pumpkin pie?
Yes—they capture the spice and creamy pumpkin flavor in cookie form.
Can I use fresh pumpkin?
Yes, but ensure it is well-drained.
Why are my cookies cakey?
Pumpkin naturally creates a soft, cake-like texture.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely—they are delicious plain or lightly dusted with sugar.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Pie Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy classic pumpkin pie flavor in a soft, handheld treat. With warm spices, rich pumpkin puree, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, they bring cozy fall comfort in every bite.
Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these cookies are ideal for holiday baking, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm drink on a cool day. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite you come back to year after year.
Soft, spiced, and perfectly cozy—everything a fall cookie should be.
Print
Pumpkin Pie Cookies 🎃🍪✨ | Soft, Spiced & Irresistibly Cozy Fall Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, coconut oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheet and gently flatten.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cookies are set.
- Let cool completely.
- For filling, beat cream cheese, pumpkin, powdered sugar, and spices until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe filling onto half the cookies and sandwich with the remaining cookies, or spread on top.
- Chill for 20 minutes before serving.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 14 cookies
- Calories: 170
- Net Carbs: 24g
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 3g