These soft, light and moist pumpkin pie cookies topped with homemade cream cheese frosting are the perfect easy fall dessert for cozy gatherings, holiday gifting, or a warm treat with coffee.
Fall is the time when baking really shines. The cooler weather, shorter days, and seasonal ingredients make it the perfect excuse to turn on the oven.
If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie cookies are a great option. These soft, light and fluffy cookies capture all the cozy flavor of fall spices and pumpkin, topped with a layer of my homemade cream cheese frosting—no filling needed.
Whether you’re baking for a get-together, prepping treats for school, or just craving something sweet, this easy fall dessert checks all the boxes. Quick to make, simple to serve, and full of warm, nostalgic flavor.
Why Pumpkin Pie Cookies Belong in Your Fall Baking Lineup
I love baking these when I want something festive but low-effort. They’re just the right mix of fun and cozy, and they always go over well at parties or even for a quiet weekend at home.
Unlike fall cupcakes that need piping bags and a steady hand, these cookies come together fast and still feel special with their creamy frosting on top. The light, fluffy texture makes them a crowd-pleaser, and the spice blend really brings out that classic pumpkin dessert flavor.
If you’re planning your fall baking lineup or just need a quick win for Thanksgiving, these cookies are a solid choice that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients for the Fluffy Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s talk ingredients. The beauty of this fall baking recipe lies in its simplicity—nothing fancy, just wholesome staples that come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookies:
- 7 oz pumpkin puree
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 16 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/3 tsp salt
I love canned pumpkin puree for convenience, but if you’re feeling ambitious, roast and blend your own—just make sure it’s thick, not watery. Want to add some flair? Toss in white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for a little crunch. It’s optional, but oh-so-delicious for fall treats.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (113g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon (7.5ml) vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for extra fall dessert warmth)
Tools:
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (for lining the baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup—key for perfect fall treats)
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand Mixer (to beat the butter and sugar until creamy and blend the wet ingredients smoothly)
- Whisk (for combining the dry ingredients evenly)
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon (for gently mixing the dry ingredients into the wet to avoid overmixing and keep the cookies light and moist)
- Cookie Scoop (to portion out small, uniform dough balls for consistent cookie sizes), or you can obviously use a regular spoon too.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Sifter (for sifting powdered sugar for the cream cheese frosting to avoid lumps, though you can whisk it if you don’t have one)
- Piping Bag (optional, if you want to pipe the frosting, though spreading works fine too)
- Wire Cooling Rack (to cool the cookies completely before assembling, keeping them soft and preventing sogginess)
Step-by-Step Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making these light and fluffy pumpkin pie cookies. This recipe is straightforward, even if you’re new to fall baking. It takes about 25-30 minutes to prep, 10–12 minutes to bake, and yields around 30 cookies (depending on the scoop or spoon you use).
As for cleaning up the mess—well, that totally depends on who’s doing the cleaning. 🙂
Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, blending until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Mix in the pumpkin puree until evenly combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients in four portions, stirring until just mixed. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky—perfect for these tender fall cookies, so no need to chill it!
- Step 6: Using a cookie scoop (about 1 tbsp per cookie), drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Gently press the tops to slightly flatten.
- Step 7: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 8: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy autumn dream with these fall treats baking!
- Step 9: While the cookies cool, make your frosting. Whisk (or use a mixer on medium speed to beat) the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then stir in vanilla extract. If the frosting feels too soft, chill it for 15 minutes before using. For a complete, easy, step-by-step walkthrough, check out this guide to my Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting — no mixer needed!
- Step 10: Once cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe the frosting onto the top side of each cookie. Repeat for all cookies. (see below for optional toppings!)
- Step 11: Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Light and Fluffy Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Getting these pumpkin pie cookies just right is a breeze with a few simple tricks up your sleeve. Since this fall baking recipe is all about that soft, tender texture, here’s how to nail it every time:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, stir until just blended. Overmixing can make your cookies dense instead of light and fluffy. A gentle hand keeps them airy.
- Check Your Pumpkin Puree: Use thick, high-quality puree (canned or homemade) to avoid excess moisture, which can weigh down the dough. If it seems watery, pat it dry with a paper towel before mixing.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can lead to heavy cookies. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for the perfect balance in this baking recipe.
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for smoother blending, which helps create that creamy, moist texture in these pumpkin desserts.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking, keeping your fall treats intact and golden.
- Store Smart: Keep these cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month—just thaw and enjoy!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: If you’re adding white chocolate chips or pecans, fold them in gently after mixing the dough to keep the cookies light but add a fun twist to your easy fall dessert.
With these tips, your pumpkin pie cookies will come out perfectly fluffy and ready to steal the show at any autumn gathering!
Easy Decorating Ideas for Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Take your pumpkin pie cookies to the next level with these simple yet eye-catching decorating ideas that scream fall. Each one is designed to be quick, beginner-friendly, and perfect for making your fall treats stand out at any gathering. Whether you’re serving these at a Thanksgiving table or packing them for a school event, these easy touches will add a festive flair to your easy fall dessert without much fuss.
Personally, I love keeping things simple—just cream cheese frosting, no toppings. But my son? He’s all about anything that looks “different” and fun, so these ideas are right up his alley.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: After spreading the cream cheese frosting, sprinkle a light mix of cinnamon and sugar over the cookies for a rustic, sparkly finish that enhances their warm, spiced flavor. It’s a quick way to add texture and a subtle crunch.
- Maple Glaze Drizzle: Mix a simple glaze with powdered sugar and a splash of maple syrup, then drizzle it over the frosted cookies using a spoon or piping bag for an elegant, golden swirl. The maple adds a rich, autumnal note that pairs perfectly with pumpkin desserts.
- Chopped Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans over the frosting for a nutty, crunchy contrast that adds sophistication to your fall baking. Press them lightly into the frosting to ensure they stick.
- Edible Gold Dust: Sprinkle a light layer of edible gold dust or shimmer powder over the frosted cookies for a subtle, elegant sparkle that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s a quick way to elevate your pumpkin desserts into something truly special.
These decorating ideas are quick, fun, and guaranteed to make your pumpkin pie cookies the star of any fall dessert spread!
I Hope This Becomes Your Fall Favorite
I hope this pumpkin pie cookie recipe brings all the warmth, comfort, and nostalgic flavor of the season into your home. From the soft, fluffy texture to the creamy homemade frosting, these cookies are made to be shared, savored, and enjoyed. Let them be your go-to treat for cozy nights, festive gatherings, or just a little fall-inspired joy baked fresh from your kitchen.
