Jump to Recipe Print RecipeFall has a magical way of wrapping us in warmth, and nothing captures that cozy spirit quite like Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies. With their soft, buttery vanilla base and a luscious white chocolate ganache center spiced with pumpkin pie goodness, these cookies are as delightful as a warm sweater on a chilly day. The beauty of this recipe lies in its effortless preparation, making it a perfect choice for your fall gatherings or a sweet treat for Thanksgiving. Plus, they’re a lovely twist on traditional pumpkin pie, ensuring everyone will be asking for seconds. Are you ready to explore a warm, inviting flavor that will bring a smile to your face? Let’s dive in! Why Will You Love Pumpkin Pie Cookies? Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warming spices creates a taste that’s synonymous with fall. Effortless Preparation: These cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute baking. Unique Twist: Enjoy the classic pumpkin pie experience in a fun, handheld cookie form! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: They make a delightful addition to any festive gathering or holiday dessert table, ensuring everyone enjoys a bit of seasonal joy. Versatile Options: Feel free to swap white chocolate for dark chocolate or butterscotch for an exciting flavor variation; you can also explore additional flavors by adding nuts or dried fruit. For more cookie inspiration, check out my Chocolate Chip Cookies or these delicious Lemon Raspberry Cookies. Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Base • Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and structure to the cookie base; can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option. • Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture, contributing to a chewy texture; light or dark both work well. • Large Egg – Binds ingredients together, ensuring cookies hold their shape; consider flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan version. • Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor with sweet notes; try using homemade vanilla extract for a richer taste. • All-Purpose Flour – Forms the bulk of the cookie; whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier texture. • Sea Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor; for lower sodium, consider kosher salt. For the Pumpkin Filling • Pure Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and the distinct pumpkin flavor; feel free to use canned or freshly made puree. • Pumpkin Pie Spice – Adds that spiced warmth we love; a blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and clove can serve if you’re out. • Ground Cinnamon – Sprinkled on top for added aroma; any ground spice can be swapped based on your preference. For the Ganache • White Chocolate Chips – Create a decadent, creamy ganache center; can substitute with dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan option. Embrace the cozy allure of Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies as you gather your ingredients and prepare for a delightful baking experience! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies bake evenly and do not stick. This preparation sets the stage for your delicious creations! Step 2: Prepare the Dough In a medium bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of sea salt until just combined, taking care not to overmix. Step 3: Shape the Cookies Scoop the dough into approximately 2-teaspoon-sized balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, giving each cookie about 2 inches of space (aim for around 12 cookies per sheet). Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each ball, creating the thumbprint that will hold the pumpkin filling. Step 4: Bake the Cookies Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set. Keep an eye on them, as you want those Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies to have a soft, chewy texture without overbaking. Step 5: Prepare the Ganache While the cookies are baking, grab a small saucepan and combine ½ cup of pure pumpkin puree, 1 cup of white chocolate chips, and ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice over low heat. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy; this will create a luscious ganache that perfectly complements your cookies. Step 6: Fill and Cool Once the cookies have baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Afterward, fill each thumbprint indentation with the warm white chocolate ganache you prepared earlier. If desired, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top for added aroma, then let the cookies set completely before transferring them to a wire rack. Step 7: Enjoy the Cookies Once your Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies are fully cooled and the ganache has set, they are ready to be devoured! These delightful treats, with their soft texture and creamy filling, are perfect for sharing at fall gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of cider. How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Fridge: If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, keep cookies in the fridge for up to a week; just be sure to seal them well to avoid absorbing odors. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Reheating: Thaw cookies at room temperature before enjoying, or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the ganache once more. Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies Variations Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own with delightful twists to elevate their flavors! Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free white chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version. Embrace the richness of coconut, which will lend these cookies an exotic flair, perfect for those avoiding dairy. Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a satisfying texture. The nuttiness beautifully complements the pumpkin flavor while providing a nice crunch, making each bite even more delightful. Fruit Addition: Mix in ½ cup of dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist. These additions will not only enhance the cookie’s texture but will also bring a refreshing burst of flavor that screams fall! Spice It Up: Increase the pumpkin pie spice to 1 teaspoon for an extra kick of warmth. This simple adjustment will yield a more aromatic cookie, perfect for those who adore even bolder flavors in their fall baking! Chocolate Twist: Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or butterscotch chips for a richer ganache. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile, allowing you to explore different pandemonium of taste sensations while still enjoying that familiar pumpkin essence. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions. Everyone can partake in the joy of these cookies, ensuring that no one feels left out this holiday season! For more delectable cookie inspirations, take a peek at my recipe for Zucchini Bread Cookies or enjoy the fresh burst of flavors in my Orange Creamsicle Cookies. What to Serve with Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies Fall evenings are perfect for cozy treats, and these delightful cookies will shine even brighter with the right companions. Spiced Apple Cider: The warm, spiced notes in apple cider complement the pumpkin flavors beautifully, creating a nostalgic autumn experience. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream provides a cool and creamy contrast to the warm, spiced cookies, making for a blissful bite. Roasted Pecans: Crunchy roasted pecans bring a delightful texture and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the soft cookies and creamy ganache. Maple Glazed Donuts: These sweet, airy treats echo fall flavors with their maple sweetness, enhancing the overall cozy vibe of your dessert spread. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples and pears provides a light, fruity contrast that balances the richness of the cookies. Chai Latte: The spiced warmth of chai tea offers a comforting drink that harmonizes nicely with the pumpkin and spice notes of the cookies. Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa: Rich hot cocoa with a touch of dark chocolate creates a decadent experience, perfect for dunking your Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies. Make Ahead Options These Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by rolling it into balls and refrigerating them (this helps develop flavor and keeps them fresh). Additionally, you can make the white chocolate ganache and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply take the dough out of the fridge, bake the cookies as directed, and fill them with the warmed ganache once cooled. The result will be just as delicious and fresh, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats without the last-minute rush! Expert Tips for Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies • Prevent Cracks: Make indentations right after rolling the dough to avoid drying and cracking while baking. • Storage Solutions: Place cookies in a single layer to keep the ganache intact and avoid sticking, preserving their delightful texture. • Rotate Trays: For even baking, rotate your baking sheets halfway through to ensure all Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies cook uniformly. • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the pumpkin pie spice to your liking, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. • Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool adequately before filling them with ganache, ensuring they hold their shape and texture beautifully. Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I know if my pumpkin puree is good to use? Absolutely! Look for a vibrant orange color in your pumpkin puree with a thick, creamy texture. If you notice any dark spots or a watery consistency, it’s best to opt for a fresh can or make it yourself. Trust me, quality puree makes a world of difference in flavor! How should I store Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies? Very easy! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you can keep them in a cool, dark place, that’s even better. For longer storage, you may want to place them in the fridge for up to a week – just make sure to seal them well to avoid absorbing any fridge odors. Can I freeze Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies? Absolutely! To freeze your delicious cookies, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer! To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that gooey ganache. What if my cookies come out flat? If your cookies flatten out during baking, it may be due to the butter being too warm or the dough not being chilled. To prevent this in the future, ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. Trust me, this little step can lead to a perfect, thick cookie! Are these cookies safe for pets? It’s best to keep these Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies away from pets, especially since they contain chocolate. While white chocolate is less dangerous than dark chocolate, it can still cause gastrointestinal upset in some pets, so it’s safer just to share some plain pumpkin puree with them instead! Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache? Very much so! If you’re looking for a different taste profile, feel free to swap white chocolate for dark chocolate or even butterscotch chips for a sweeter twist. Each variation brings a delightful new flavor to the table, catering to everyone’s palate! Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies with Rich White Chocolate Bliss No ratings yet Delight in Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies, featuring a buttery base and white chocolate ganache, perfect for fall festivities. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 8 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 28 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 cup Unsalted Butter Can substitute with margarine1 cup Brown Sugar Light or dark both work well1 large Egg For vegan option, use flaxseed meal mixed with water1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Homemade for richer taste2 cups All-Purpose Flour Whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier texture½ teaspoon Sea Salt Use kosher salt for lower sodiumFor the Pumpkin Filling½ cup Pure Pumpkin Puree Canned or freshly made½ teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and clove can serve½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Optional for sprinkling on topFor the Ganache1 cup White Chocolate Chips Can substitute with dairy-free chocolate chips Equipment OvenBaking SheetsParchment Papermedium bowlsaucepan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.Cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy, then mix in the egg and vanilla.Gradually add the all-purpose flour and sea salt until just combined.Scoop the dough into 2-teaspoon-sized balls, arrange on baking sheets, and create a thumbprint in each.Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes until edges are golden and centers set.Combine pumpkin puree, white chocolate chips, and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth.Cool the cookies for 5 minutes, fill thumbprint with ganache, sprinkle cinnamon, and let set.Once cooled, enjoy your Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies! Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; refrigerate for up to a week; freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
