Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies

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Why Make This Recipe

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies are a delightful blend of warm spices, creamy pumpkin filling, and buttery cookie goodness. They offer the comforting flavors of a traditional pumpkin pie, yet they come in the fun and easy-to-handle shape of cookies. These cookies are perfect for gatherings, holiday parties, and cozy evenings at home. Making them allows you to share your love for the festive season while impressing friends and family with a unique twist on a classic dessert.

Plus, these cookies are simple to make! They require common ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice bakers can follow with ease. These cookies provide a great way to introduce children to baking or to spend quality time with loved ones in the kitchen.

Despite their rich flavors, these cookies are not overly sweet, making them a great complement to the savory dishes often served during Thanksgiving. Also, they store well, so you can make them ahead of time and have a delicious treat ready for when you need it.

How to Make Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Cream Together the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Take your time; this step is crucial for achieving a light texture in your cookies.
Add the Vanilla: Once your butter and sugar mixture is fluffy, add in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Vanilla adds flavor and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This step helps to evenly distribute the spices and ensures you avoid any clumps in your cookie dough.
Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture. Do this slowly, mixing on low speed until the dough starts to come together. This may take a minute or two.
Chill the Dough: Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to roll out.
Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, take the dough out of the fridge. Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a rolling pin, and don’t forget to occasionally dust the surface and the dough with flour to prevent sticking.
Cut the Dough into Circles: Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut the dough into circles. Make sure to have an even number of circles since each cookie will need a top and a bottom.
Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and egg. Mix until well blended. This filling will create a delicious pumpkin center for your cookies.
Assemble the Cookies: Place half of the dough circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a small amount of the pumpkin filling onto each circle, making sure to leave a little space around the edges. Then, take the remaining dough circles and gently place them on top of the filled cookies.
Bake: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overbake them.
Cool: Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies

These cookies are best served warm or at room temperature. They also make a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert tray. You can dust the cooled cookies with a little extra powdered sugar for a decorative touch, or even drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk to add an extra sweetness.

They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat. When serving at a gathering, consider placing them on a festive platter, perhaps alongside other holiday-themed goodies, to create an inviting dessert table.

How to Store Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies

To keep your Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for about 3-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. To freeze them, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out the desired amount and allow them to thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, or you can warm them up in the oven for a few minutes to regain their soft texture.

Tips to Make Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always make sure your ingredients, especially the spices and pumpkin puree, are fresh. This will greatly enhance the flavors in your cookies.
Don’t Rush the Chilling: Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling. Don’t skip this step; it helps in rolling out the dough and yields better-shaped cookies.
Experiment with Spices: If you love spices, feel free to add a little extra pumpkin pie spice or even a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the filling for added warmth.
Piping the Filling: If you have a piping bag, consider using it to fill the cookies. This method helps place the filling more precisely and keeps it contained.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Since they are small, they can easily go from perfectly baked to overdone.

Variation

For a bit of a twist, you can add chocolate or nuts into the filling. Mini chocolate chips can be folded into the pumpkin filling for a delicious contrast, while chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch. You could also consider using different extracts, such as almond or maple, to change the flavor profile of the cookies.

For a healthier version, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or use a sugar substitute in place of brown sugar. Always ensure you maintain the right balance of dry to wet ingredients for proper cookie texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and keep it stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to roll it out. Chilling is necessary for the best texture.

Q: Can I use canned pumpkin instead of puree?
A: Yes, canned pumpkin works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure you are using pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as that contains added spices and sugars.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: The cookies are done when the edges are starting to turn golden brown. The centers may look a little soft but will continue to firm up as they cool.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before or after rolling it out. Make sure you wrap it tightly before placing it in the freezer.

Q: Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
A: No, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Refrigeration can dry them out, so it’s best to keep them at room temperature.

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the autumn season and bring festive cheer to your holiday gatherings. With their delightful taste and easy preparation, they are sure to become a beloved addition to your holiday traditions.