When the fall season rolls around, our culinary desires tend to gravitate towards comforting flavors like pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Among the myriad of pumpkin-inspired treats, pumpkin cream cheese cookies stand out as a delightful fusion of rich creaminess and warm autumnal spices. These cookies are not just any ordinary treat; they combine the soft, spiced flavors of pumpkin with a luscious cream cheese filling, reminiscent of a plush pumpkin pie but in a portable, handheld form. This recipe marries the seasonal nostalgia of pumpkin spice with the creamy indulgence of a cheesecake-like interior, wrapped up in a tender cookie dough. The addition of semi-sweet chocolate chunks and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) adds textural contrast and nutty complexity, making these cookies a bit more sophisticated while still being kid-friendly. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack, a festive holiday platter, or an adventurous bake to share with loved ones, pumpkin cream cheese cookies are a delicious way to ring in the season.
Ingredients about Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies
List of Ingredients with Measurements
To craft these scrumptious pumpkin cream cheese cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz. Cream Cheese (at room temperature)
- ⅓ cup Powdered Sugar
- 3 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 ½ tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 2 ½ tsp Pumpkin Spice
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter (cold)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- ½ cup Pumpkin Puree
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks
- 6 Tbsp Pepitas
Optional Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re looking to alter the recipe slightly or make adjustments based on your pantry items, consider the following swaps:
- Substitute Neufchâtel cheese for cream cheese for a lower-fat option.
- Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour to make the cookies gluten-free, just be aware of different dough consistencies.
- Replace pumpkin spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if you don’t have pre-mixed pumpkin spice.
- Use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
- For an added crunch, swap pepitas with chopped walnuts or pecans.
How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
Begin by preparing the luscious cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese with ⅓ cup powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Once incorporated, set the mixture aside, allowing the flavors to meld together as you move on to the next step.
Step 2: Crafting the Cookie Dough
For the pumpkin cookies, first sift together 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin spice, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt in a large bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup cold unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and ⅓ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, alternating with the wet ingredients – 1 large egg, ½ cup pumpkin puree, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – until well combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and pepitas to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
Step 3: Assembling the Cookies
Once the dough has come together, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into small balls, approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a small indentation. Spoon a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each indentation, then gently fold the edges of the dough around the filling to encase it completely. Ensure that each cookie is sealed to prevent leakage during baking.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Transfer the prepared cookies onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each one to account for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed or stored for later indulgence.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies
Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies
Pumpkin cream cheese cookies are incredibly versatile, lending themselves well to a variety of serving scenarios. For a delightful afternoon tea, pair them with a steaming cup of spiced chai or fresh brewed coffee. Their balance of sweetness and spice also makes them a fantastic addition to a holiday cookie exchange or a festive fall dessert table.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
Enhance your cookie experience by serving them with a side of whipped cream or a creamy vanilla sauce for dipping. For an elegant finish, dust the cookies with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar before serving. Hosting a cozy autumn gathering? Pair the cookies with a robust mulled wine or a spiced cider to complement the pumpkin spice flavors.
How to Store Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies
Proper Storage Methods
To keep your pumpkin cream cheese cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a warmer climate, it may be best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the cream cheese filling from spoiling.
Tips for Reheating or Freezing
For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a sealed freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy, let the cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for around 5 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid over-mixing the cookie dough, as it can lead to tough cookies. Additionally, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling. Lastly, make sure each cookie is sealed well to prevent the cream cheese from leaking during baking.
Helpful Tips for Better Results
For a more evenly baked cookie, rotate your baking sheet halfway through the baking process. If you’d like a stronger pumpkin flavor, consider increasing the amount of pumpkin puree slightly, adjusting the dry ingredients accordingly.
Variation of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies
Suggested Variations or Twists on the Recipe
For a different flavor twist, incorporate a tablespoon of maple syrup into the cream cheese filling for a touch of natural sweetness. If you’re a fan of spices, increase the pumpkin spice or add a pinch of clove for extra warmth. For a fun color contrast, substitute white chocolate chunks for a different take on this classic.
Adjustments for Dietary Preferences
To make the cookies suitable for a vegan diet, use a plant-based cream cheese, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg, and swap out the butter for a vegan alternative. For those with nut allergies, replace pepitas with additional chocolate chunks or omit them altogether.
FAQs
What Can I Do If the Dish Isn’t Turning Out Right?
If your cookies are spreading too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape. For dry cookies, double-check your flour measurement and ensure it’s accurate by spooning and leveling the flour rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and cream cheese filling in advance. Refrigerate both components separately for up to 24 hours, then assemble and bake when ready to serve fresh cookies. Alternatively, pre-bake the cookies and store them according to the methods above.
What Can I Substitute for Ingredients?
Missing pumpkin spice? Make your own by combining 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves. No semi-sweet chocolate chunks? Use dark or milk chocolate chips as a substitute, adjusting sweetness to your preference.
