Welcome to your new favorite fall dessert! These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies are the ultimate seasonal treat that perfectly combines the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin with a decadent cream cheese filling. As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a sweet treat that captures the essence of autumn. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice lover or a cookie enthusiast, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for something sweet, soft, and perfectly spiced.
Bite into a soft, chewy pumpkin cookie, and you’ll discover a delightful surprise inside: creamy, tangy cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth. These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are ideal for sharing with friends, serving at parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee on a chilly autumn day. Let’s dive into the recipe and make these delightful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies together!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies
- Decadent Flavor: A perfect blend of warm spices and creaminess makes every bite heavenly.
- Easy to Make: This simple recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Perfect for Fall: Celebrate the season with a cookie that embodies autumn flavors.
- Impressive Treat: These cookies look and taste like they came from a gourmet bakery.
- Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you get started on your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies, it’s important to set up your kitchen workspace. Begin by gathering all the necessary tools and ingredients to streamline your cooking process. You will need the following:
- A large mixing bowl and a medium mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
- A hand mixer or a stand mixer to cream your butter and sugars.
- A measuring cup and spoons for precise ingredient measurements.
- Parchment paper to line your baking sheets.
- An oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for perfect baking.
Before mixing your ingredients, make sure to soften your butter and cream cheese at room temperature. This step is crucial, as it helps achieve the right creamy texture for your fillings and a smooth dough. Lastly, preheat your oven to ensure it’s warm enough to create golden, fluffy cookies when they bake.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- For the Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Add-Ins: Add chocolate chips or chopped pecans for added crunch!
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices in a medium bowl. This step not only helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents but also incorporates those warm spices that give the cookies their signature flavor. Once thoroughly mixed, set the bowl aside so you can focus on the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. With a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is vital as it allows air to be incorporated, which results in soft and tender cookies. Remember, it’s important not to overmix at this stage—just mix until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Pumpkin
Once your butter and sugars are ready, it’s time to introduce the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree to the mix. Beat them in one by one, ensuring they are well blended. The addition of pumpkin is the secret ingredient that brings moisture and flavor, helping create a chewy cookie with the perfect texture!
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to combine the wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add your flour mixture into the pumpkin batter, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix during this process; we want to keep our cookies soft and chewy!
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is the star of the cookie, providing a delightful contrast to the spiced pumpkin flavor.
Step 6: Assemble the Cookies
Time to assemble! Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and flatten each ball slightly in your hand. Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center, then carefully encase the filling with the dough, rolling it back into a ball. It’s essential to seal the filling completely within the dough to avoid leaks during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Arrange cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers feel set. Allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
- Protein: For an added protein boost, consider incorporating protein powder into the cookie dough—about 1/4 cup should do the trick.
- Vegetables: Substitute half the pumpkin puree with mashed sweet potato for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices for convenience.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure your butter is truly softened—this will yield the best results when creaming.
- If you prefer a thinner cookie, you can add a touch more pumpkin puree to the dough.
- Cooling the cookies on a wire rack helps them maintain their perfect texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an even more indulgent treat.
- Pair with a hot cup of spiced chai or apple cider for a perfect autumn combo.
Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the best mixing—they blend more smoothly.
- Consider chilling your cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies retain their shape.
- For a fun twist, sprinkle some sea salt or cinnamon sugar on top just before baking.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150 per cookie
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the fresh pumpkin is cooked, pureed, and well-drained for the best results.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage!
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a lovely addition to the cookie dough if you enjoy a little crunch.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies are often a sign that the butter was too warm or that the dough was overmixed. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and mix until just combined.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies are not just fall treats; they are a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. With their soft pumpkin base and luscious cream cheese filling, they’re sure to please anyone who takes a bite. Don’t hesitate to try out variations and adapt this recipe to suit your taste! Share your creations with friends and family, and inspire them to enjoy the magic of pumpkin in their desserts. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious morsel!
Print
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies are the ultimate seasonal treat!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- For the Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Add-Ins: Add chocolate chips or chopped pecans for added crunch!
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: Combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Pumpkin: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree one by one.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the pumpkin batter, stirring gently.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Mix together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble the Cookies: Scoop out portions of cookie dough, place cream cheese filling, and seal them.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Notes
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Protein: 2 g