Description
These delightful cookies combine a buttery sugar cookie base with a rich, spiced pumpkin custard filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they offer the classic flavor of pumpkin pie in a convenient, hand-held treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon for filling
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in one egg and the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-emulsified.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl, then gently mix into the wet ingredients.
- Shape the dough into an 11-inch log, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice the chilled log into 14 even portions, roll into balls, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Press a floured teaspoon into each ball to create a deep divot, smooth any cracks with your fingers, and chill for another 10-15 minutes.
- Whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, the second egg, cream, one tablespoon of flour, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), fill each divot with 2 teaspoons of pumpkin mixture, and bake for 3 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool cookies on a wire rack before topping with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
Notes
To ensure the perfect shape, do not skip the chilling steps, as cold dough prevents the cookie walls from spreading too much. If the centers sink slightly after baking, a small dollop of extra whipped cream hides any imperfections perfectly. Store these in the refrigerator due to the custard filling.
- Prep Time: 50 mins
- Cook Time: 13 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American