Creamy Pumpkin Pie Crumbl Cookies

Introduction

There’s something magical about the flavors of fall, and these Creamy Pumpkin Pie Crumbl Cookies truly capture the essence of the season. When I first tried this recipe, I was instantly hooked. The combination of soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a rich, creamy pumpkin filling was absolutely divine. The cookies have the perfect balance of spices—warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla—paired with a creamy pumpkin pie-inspired topping. These cookies are the perfect treat for autumn gatherings, and every time I bake them, my family raves about how delicious and festive they are. The cookies bring together the best parts of a pumpkin pie and a cookie, making them a must-try for pumpkin lovers!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 stick butter, softened
• ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 & ⅓ cups flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 5 oz pumpkin puree
• ⅔ cup heavy cream, cold
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• Orange gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
   In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will ensure that the cookies have a soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue to mix until fully combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cookies their soft texture.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients:
   Mix in the flour, salt, and baking powder until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
5. Shape the Cookies:
   Using a large cookie scoop, divide the dough into 9 equal portions. Place each dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each dough ball to about 1 inch thick. Then, press down the center of each cookie with a ¼ measuring cup to create a well for the pumpkin filling.
6. Bake the Cookies:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should still be soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before adding the pumpkin filling.
7. Make the Pumpkin Filling:
   In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, cold heavy cream, white sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. If desired, add a few drops of orange gel food coloring to give the filling a festive color. Mix until smooth and creamy.
8. Fill the Cookies:
   Once the cookies have cooled, spoon the pumpkin filling into the center of each cookie. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly, filling the well created earlier.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once filled, these cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a sweet treat at your next fall gathering or keep them as a delicious snack for yourself.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 9
Calories per Serving: 250

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on specific product choices.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes

How to Serve

These Creamy Pumpkin Pie Crumbl Cookies are perfect for various occasions and pair well with different sides or beverages. Here are some great ways to serve them:

• As a Fall Treat: Serve them at a fall-themed party, Thanksgiving dinner, or Halloween gathering. These cookies will impress guests with their festive flavor and creamy filling.
• With a Hot Beverage: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate autumn experience.
• As a Sweet Snack: These cookies make a delicious snack, especially in the afternoon with a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider.
• For Breakfast: They’re sweet enough to serve for breakfast with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced morning meal.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Dough: If you find that the dough is too soft to handle, chill it for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies to make it easier to work with.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing to create a smooth, creamy texture.
3. Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. You can add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
4. Don’t Overmix: Be sure not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in dense cookies.
5. Use a Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures that the cookies are uniform in size and bake evenly.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Crumbl Cookies: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough or sprinkle some on top of the pumpkin filling for a delicious chocolate twist.
• Nutty Pumpkin Cookies: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough or sprinkle them on top of the pumpkin filling for a crunchy texture.
• Vegan Version: Replace the egg and cream cheese with vegan alternatives like a flax egg and dairy-free cream cheese, and use a plant-based milk in the filling.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
• Mini Version: For bite-sized treats, reduce the size of the cookie dough balls and bake for a shorter amount of time.

Serving Suggestions

• With Whipped Cream: Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra indulgent treat.
• With a Side of Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or pumpkin ice cream for a complete fall dessert experience.
• As a Part of a Dessert Platter: These cookies are perfect for sharing and can be served on a dessert platter with other fall-themed treats like apple cider donuts or caramel apples.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing:
These cookies freeze beautifully! Once the cookies have cooled and are filled with the pumpkin mixture, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Storing Leftovers:
Store the filled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to store them in the refrigerator to keep the filling fresh.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
   Pumpkin puree is best for this recipe as it’s not sweetened or spiced. Pumpkin pie filling already contains spices and sugar, which may affect the texture and flavor.
2. Can I use a different oil?
   Yes, you can use vegetable or canola oil in this recipe. You can also substitute with melted coconut oil for a slight coconut flavor.
3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just make sure it’s at room temperature when you’re ready to spoon it into the cookies.
4. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
5. How can I make the cookies softer?
   To make softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly. Be sure to remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
6. Can I use a different spice in the filling?
   Yes, you can experiment with different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom to personalize the flavor of the pumpkin filling.
7. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
   The cookies are done when they are golden brown on the edges. The centers should still be soft but not doughy.
8. Can I make these cookies without the glaze?
   Yes, the glaze is optional. You can simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar or leave them as is.
9. Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
   Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works perfectly, just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid extra moisture in the filling.
10. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
    These cookies will stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them.

Conclusion

These Creamy Pumpkin Pie Crumbl Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the flavors of fall. With their soft, pillowy texture, warm spices, and rich pumpkin filling, these cookies are sure to impress.

They’re quick to make, customizable, and a great addition to any autumn celebration. Whether you’re sharing them with family or keeping them all to yourself, these cookies are a delicious reminder of why pumpkin-flavored treats are so beloved. Make them today and enjoy the flavors of fall in every bite!

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