Pumpkin Pie Cookies (Print Version)

Soft cookies with creamy pumpkin filling, coated in coarse sugar and topped with optional whipped cream for a delightful fall treat.

# Ingredients:

→ For the cookie dough

01 - 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (337g)
02 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (86g)
05 - 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (6oz)
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (110g)
07 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (112g)
08 - 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1/3 cup coarse sugar for rolling (78g)

→ For the pumpkin filling

11 - 1 large egg, room temperature
12 - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (56g)
13 - Pinch of table salt
14 - 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
15 - 1/4 cup whole milk (2oz)
16 - 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (122g)
17 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 - Whipped cream for serving (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - Whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high until fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and blend again. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the flour mixture in 3 additions, scraping the bowl as needed. Fold the dough gently with a spatula to remove any dry pockets. The dough will be thick.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, brown sugar, salt, pumpkin spice, whole milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
04 - Roll the cookie dough into 2-tablespoon balls (36g each) using a cookie scoop. Roll each ball in coarse sugar to coat and place on the prepared cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Using a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon, press down on each dough ball to create a well in the center. Fill each well with 1 tablespoon of the prepared filling.
05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 14-17 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the bottoms are light golden brown. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
06 - Repeat the shaping, filling, and baking process with the remaining cookie dough, ensuring the cookie sheet is cool before placing new dough balls on it.
07 - Pipe or dollop whipped cream on top of each cookie if desired. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin spice or cinnamon. Serve and enjoy.

# Additional Notes:

01 - To create the well in the cookie dough, use a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon or the base of a small medicine cup.
02 - Only add whipped cream to cookies you plan to serve immediately.
03 - Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer storage. Bring to room temperature before serving.
04 - Cookies can be frozen in an airtight container with wax paper between layers.