why make this recipe
Pumpkin Delight Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the warm flavors of fall right into your kitchen. These cookies are not just delicious; they offer a wonderful balance of sweetness and spice, making them perfect for any gathering. They are soft and chewy, filled with a creamy pumpkin filling that will please anyone who takes a bite. Plus, they are easy to make, so you can enjoy your time in the kitchen!
how to make Pumpkin Delight Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 can pure pumpkin
- 1½ cups sugar (divided)
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Cinnamon
- Cornstarch
- Apple juice
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Flour (as needed)
Directions
Make the pumpkin filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pumpkin purée, 1½ cups of sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until well mixed. In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and apple juice until the cornstarch dissolves. Pour this mixture into the saucepan and whisk everything together. Cook over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
Make the cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the melted butter and 1 cup of sugar together until thickened. Add the molasses and egg, mixing until smooth. Then mix in baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and flour until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll the chilled dough out to about ¼ inch thick and cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Cut out faces for half of the cookies.
Assemble the cookies: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cooled pumpkin filling onto each bottom cookie, then place a face cookie on top and press gently to seal.
Bake for 10-13 minutes, watching for doneness in the center. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
how to serve Pumpkin Delight Cookies
Serve these flavorful cookies warm or at room temperature. They make a great dessert for family meals, parties, or even as a sweet snack with tea or coffee. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a decorative touch!
how to store Pumpkin Delight Cookies
To keep the cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container.
tips to make Pumpkin Delight Cookies
- Make sure the pumpkin filling is completely cool before assembling the cookies to avoid soggy dough.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to personalize the flavor.
- Use cookie cutters in fun shapes, especially if you’re making these for a holiday or special occasion.
variation
You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor. You may also use cream cheese frosting instead of pumpkin filling for a different twist!
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure it is cooked and puréed to match the consistency of canned pumpkin.
Q: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version of these cookies.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, the pumpkin filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
