Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies – A Delicious Fall Treat
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, flavorful cookies filled with a creamy pumpkin filling that’s perfect for fall. These cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also add a warm, seasonal touch to your dessert table. With their cozy flavors and creamy centers, they are always a hit at gatherings or even just for a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love It
These cookies are not only delicious but also come with several benefits. They are incredibly easy to make and bring the delightful flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese together for a satisfying treat. The warm spices create a comforting aroma, making your kitchen feellike fall. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy them without the last-minute rush. You can even customize the cookies with your favorite toppings or spices!
Ingredients
To make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
Substitutions & Key Variations
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your preferences. For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You could also swap out the pumpkin for mashed bananas for a different flavor while still keeping that moist texture!
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. After that, cover the dough and refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough into 1.5 tablespoon portions and roll them into balls. Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball and create a well in the center using your thumb or a teaspoon.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just turning golden. If the centers puff up while baking, gently press the wells down again using a teaspoon while the cookies are still warm. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Then add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until the filling is smooth and light. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm it up slightly.
Step 7: Fill the Cookies
Once the cookies are fully cooled and the filling has chilled, spoon or pipe the pumpkin filling into each cookie’s center well. Top each cookie with a swirl or dollop of whipped cream. If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flair.
Step 8: Enjoy
These cookies can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. For the best texture, fill and garnish just before serving. If not serving immediately, keep the filled cookies chilled.
Success Tips
- Temperature: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing, especially the butter and cream cheese.
- Texture: Avoid over-mixing the dough to maintain a soft texture.
- Common Mistakes: Don’t skip chilling the dough; this helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Also, remember to create the wells for the filling before baking!
How to Serve
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies are delightful on their own but are best enjoyed fresh with a cup of coffee or tea. You can present them on a serving platter for gatherings or as part of a fall dessert buffet. They also go wonderfully with some autumn-inspired treats.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. If you have unfilled cookies, you can keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy, you can serve them cold, or let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for optimal texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies before filling. Just ensure they are fully cooled before placing them in an airtight container.
How long do these cookies last?
When properly stored, filled cookies can be enjoyed for about 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, while unfilled cookies can last up to a week at room temperature.
Can I make these cookies without pumpkin?
Absolutely! You can substitute mashed bananas, applesauce, or even a chocolate filling for a completely different flavor.
What can I do if my cream cheese filling is too runny?
If your filling is too runny, consider adding more powdered sugar or cream cheese to thicken it up.
Nutrition Notes / Equivalents
While these cookies are a delicious treat, moderation is key! Each cookie can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. You can also consider adjusting the sugar or using alternative sweeteners if preferred.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With a creamy pumpkin filling and a soft cookie base, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try making them for your next gathering or as a delightful treat for yourself!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out these related recipes for more delightful treats.
Links to Related Recipes
- Maple Pecan Cookies
- Spiced Apple Cider Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
- Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree not pie filling
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
For the cream cheese filling
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream store-bought or homemade
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
Instructions
Preparation
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl using a mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Baking the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop the dough into 1.5 tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Slightly flatten each ball and create a well in the center using your thumb or a teaspoon.
- Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. If centers puff up, gently press the wells down while warm.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, heavy cream, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and light.
- Chill the filling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling the Cookies
- Once cookies are cooled and filling is chilled, spoon or pipe pumpkin filling into each cookie's center.
- Top each cookie with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
Serving
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh. Serve with coffee or tea.