Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Thanksgiving is a time of rich flavors, family gatherings, and joyful celebrations. Pumpkin pie often takes center stage during this festive season, filling homes with its warm and welcoming aroma. However, if you’re looking to mix things up while still keeping that beloved pumpkin flavor, then Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies are a fantastic choice. These cookies are not just visually appealing but also capture the essence of pumpkin pie in a fun, portable treat that everyone can enjoy.

Imagine biting into a soft cookie that tastes just like a slice of pumpkin pie, complete with creamy pumpkin filling. The combination of the crispy edges with the chewy center, along with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, makes these cookies irresistible. They are perfect for sharing during Thanksgiving parties, and they also make great gifts for friends and family.

In addition to being delicious, these cookies are quite easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delightful batch that’s sure to impress your guests. The process of baking together can even become a cherished family tradition. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy the process of baking these delightful cookies together!

How to Make Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Making Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. You don’t need to be a professional baker to create these delightful treats. Just gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and you’ll be well on your way to making a memorable dessert that everyone will love.

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

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your oven ahead of time ensures even baking.

2. Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to mix them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This may take a few minutes, but it’s worth it to ensure a delightful texture in your cookies.

3. Add the vanilla extract and mix well until incorporated. The vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cookie base.

4. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. The pumpkin pie spice is key; its mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger will provide that classic holiday flavor.

5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling is essential for that perfect cookie texture, giving them a chance to firm up.

7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a rolling pin for this. If it’s sticky, sprinkle a little more flour.

8. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. Keep in mind that you’ll need an even number of circles for the top and bottom of each cookie.

9. In a small bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and egg to make the filling. Stir until smooth and well combined. This mixture will provide the distinctive pie-like center of the cookies.

10. Place half of the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

11. Spoon a small amount of pumpkin filling onto each circle. Don’t overfill, as it may ooze out while baking.

12. Top with another dough circle to form a sandwich. Gently press the edges to seal them.

13. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.

14. Allow to cool before serving. This will help set the filling and make them easier to handle.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Serving Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies can be as simple or as elegant as you want. Here are a few ideas to elevate your presentation:

1. On a Platter: Place the cooled cookies on a beautiful platter for a festive display. You can garnish the platter with cinnamon sticks or small pumpkins to enhance the Thanksgiving theme.

2. With Whipped Cream: Serve the cookies with a side of whipped cream for dipping. It adds a delightful creaminess that pairs excellently with the pumpkin flavor.

3. Warmed Up: For a comforting treat, warm the cookies slightly before serving. The filling will be extra gooey and delicious, creating a delightful contrast with the cookie.

4. As Gifts: Package the cookies in clear bags tied with orange or brown ribbons. These make lovely gifts for neighbors or to take with you to Thanksgiving gatherings.

5. Pairing with Drinks: Serve these cookies with a nice cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider. The warm beverages will complement the cookies beautifully.

How to Store Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Proper storage will help keep your Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies fresh and tasty. Here are some tips for storing them:

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days.

2. Refrigerator: If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating the cookies. Place them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. They can last in the fridge for about a week.

3. Freezer: For even longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can remain in the freezer for up to 3 months.

4. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply remove the cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. You can warm them up slightly in the oven or microwave for an extra comfort treat.

Tips to Make Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies come out perfectly:

1. Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened before mixing. Cold butter will not cream properly, impacting the cookie texture.

2. Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so measuring your ingredients correctly is crucial. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to get it right.

3. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

4. Chilling Is Key: Do not skip the chilling step! It helps solidify the dough, leading to cookies that hold their shape while baking.

5. Fresh Pumpkin Spice: If possible, use fresh pumpkin pie spice rather than pre-mixed. You can combine ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a fresher taste.

6. Experiment with Fillings: If you want to try a different flavor, consider adding a cream cheese filling or apple filling instead of pumpkin.

Variation

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies are versatile, and you can customize them to fit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider:

1. Gluten-Free Version: To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

2. Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of an egg for a vegan-friendly cookie.

3. Nut Variants: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling or the dough can provide a delightful crunch.

4. Chocolate Version: For chocolate lovers, try adding chocolate chips to the cookie dough or swapping pumpkin puree with chocolate ganache as a filling.

5. Mini Cookies: Create mini versions of these cookies for bite-sized treats that are perfect for large gatherings.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use pumpkin pie filling, but be aware that it contains added sugars and spices. You might want to reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies can last for about 3 days at room temperature, up to a week in the refrigerator, and up to three months in the freezer.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it ahead of time. Wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to bring it back to a workable temperature before rolling it out.

Can I make a larger batch?

Of course! The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to accommodate larger gatherings. Just ensure that you adjust the baking times if you’re baking multiple trays at once.

What should I do if my filling runs out during baking?

If you find your filling overflowing during baking, it’s likely that you’ve overfilled the cookies. Next time, try to use a smaller spoonful of filling to prevent this issue.

Creating Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Cookies can add a delightful twist to your holiday traditions. Enjoy baking and sharing these simple yet delicious treats with your loved ones. Embrace the holiday spirit with these cookies, which are sure to bring a smile and warmth to any festive gathering!

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