Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies are a delightful fusion of traditional pumpkin pie and adorable cookie forms. This recipe will guide you step-by-step through creating these delicious, soft cookies that are perfect for the festive season. Imagine biting into a cookie that gives you the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg—all in a handheld treat. Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies are not just visually appealing; they also fill your home with an irresistible aroma that brings everyone together. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or as a sweet surprise for your loved ones.
These cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of Thanksgiving without the fuss of making a full pie. They are easy to prepare, family-friendly, and a perfect solution for bakers of all levels, whether you’re a novice or an experienced pro. Each bite is full of autumnal spice, melting in your mouth and leaving you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best aspects of Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies lies in their simple preparation. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, whipping up a batch of these cookies is a breeze. Not only are they a time-saver, but they also allow for quality family time in the kitchen. The kids can help mix the ingredients or cut the dough into fun shapes, making it a delightful activity that everyone can enjoy.
Additionally, these cookies are the perfect blend of quick and traditional. You get all the classic flavors of pumpkin pie, but in a fraction of the time and effort. They’re a festive and delicious treat that everyone will adore, and they make great gifts for friends and family—just package them up and spread the joy!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Gather these ingredients for the perfect Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Rich and creamy, this is the base that brings moisture and flavor to your cookies.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness and a smooth texture to the dough.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of your cookie, providing structure and softness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A warm flavor that enhances the cookie’s overall taste.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree – The star ingredient that infuses the cookies with moisture and classic pumpkin flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – A warm and sweet spice that evokes the essence of fall.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Adds an aromatic and slightly nutty flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger – Delivers a warm kick that enhances the comforting seasonal vibe.
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves – A bold spice that elevates the autumn flavors.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the filling) – This sweet layer forms a delicious contrast to the spiced pumpkin.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly for that perfect golden-brown finish.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process is essential as it incorporates air for a light texture.
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Gradually add in flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop when the dough just comes together.
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Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it even harder to resist tasting the dough!
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Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles to form cookie shells. Feel free to use cookie cutters for fun shapes if you want to get creative with your presentation.
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In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree and spices for the filling until smooth. This creamy mixture should be free of lumps and full of flavor.
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Place a small spoonful of the pumpkin filling onto each cookie shell. Be generous but avoid overfilling, as this could cause the cookies to overflow while baking.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake—you want them soft and chewy!
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Cool before serving. Allow the cookies to sit for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the pumpkin filling for added texture and flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt on top just before baking can also enhance the sweet-and-spicy balance. If you love the aromatic spices even more, feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your palate.
Additionally, use parchment paper on the baking sheets for easier cleanup and to ensure the cookies don’t stick. Experimenting with cookie shapes can also be a fun way to change things up if you’re baking for different audiences or occasions.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
For a festive presentation, dust your Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies with additional powdered sugar right before serving. Arrange them on a decorative plate with mini pumpkins or fall leaves for a beautiful autumn display. Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or apple cider to enhance the seasonal feel.
Serving these cookies as part of a dessert platter alongside other holiday treats or alongside whipped cream can also be delightful. They can easily be included in a gift bag for neighbors or friends as a sweet gesture during the holiday season.
Nutritional Information
While these cookies are a delicious treat, each cookie is a lovely indulgence, so moderation is key. Roughly, a single cookie contains about 150 calories, depending on the size and the amount of filling. With flavors that warm the heart and soul, they’re worth the occasional treat during the holidays!
Storing Tips & Variations for Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies
To keep your Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag; they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
For a healthier version, you can replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce and reduce the sugar slightly. You could also use whole wheat flour to add some nutrition to your treats. Get creative with variations—substitute the pumpkin with sweet potato or add a cream cheese frosting on top for an extra indulgent experience.
Conclusion for Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds but also an enjoyable baking experience that you can share with loved ones. With their warm, spiced flavors and delightful texture, they’re bound to become a cherished tradition in your holiday celebrations. Try making them today and experience the joy of holiday baking!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and blend the pumpkin until it’s smooth before using it in the recipe.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and baking.
3. What can I use instead of unsalted butter?
You can substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
4. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend that has a 1:1 ratio with all-purpose flour for a suitable alternative.
5. How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden edges and a firm center. They should feel slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fusion of traditional pumpkin pie flavors in cookie form, perfect for the festive season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles to form cookie shells.
- In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree and spices for the filling until smooth.
- Place a small spoonful of the pumpkin filling onto each cookie shell.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
Consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the pumpkin filling for added texture. Use parchment paper on the baking sheets for easier cleanup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
