Pumpkin Spice Thumbprint Cookies

Oh wow, have you ever tried pumpkin spice thumbprint cookies? They’re soft, sweet, and have that warm, cozy spice that just feels like fall. I honestly can’t stop smiling when I bake these!

They’re super fun to make, too. I love pressing my thumb in the dough and filling it up with yummy jam or frosting. The smell alone makes me so happy.

If you want a cute little cookie that tastes like a pumpkin spice hug, this is it. I’ll show you how I make them so you can enjoy every sweet bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices gives these cookies the ultimate fall flavor. You’ll feel the autumn vibes with every bite.
• Thumbprint Design: The thumbprint shape adds a unique and festive touch to these cookies, making them perfect for your holiday cookie platter.
• Cinnamon Filling: The smooth cinnamon cream filling is the perfect complement to the soft, pumpkin-spiced cookie base.
• Simple to Make: With only a few ingredients, these cookies come together quickly and easily. No special baking skills are required.
• Great for Gifting: Wrapped up in a cute box or bag, these cookies make a wonderful homemade gift during the holiday season.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get into the details of the recipe, here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Baking Sheet: Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For forming the cookie dough and ensuring uniform portions.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure your ingredients accurately.
• Thumb or Small Spoon: To create the iconic thumbprint indentation in the dough.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies after baking.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these scrumptious cookies:

For the Cookies:

• Unsalted Butter (1 stick, room temperature): Butter adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): The sugar sweetens the dough and helps achieve a perfect texture.
• Egg (1): The egg acts as a binding agent, giving the dough structure.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree (1 cup): This is the star ingredient, providing the rich flavor and texture that defines the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure to the dough while keeping the cookies soft.
• Baking Powder (1¼ tsp): Helps the cookies rise and become tender.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 tsp): A warming blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that embodies the essence of fall.

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• Cool Whip (8 oz): Light and fluffy, Cool Whip creates a smooth, creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the cookies.
• Pumpkin Puree (2 tbsp): Adds a subtle pumpkin flavor to the filling, complementing the pumpkin spice cookie.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): A pinch of cinnamon enhances the flavor and adds a comforting warmth to the filling.
• Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the filling and helps give it a smooth, creamy texture.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice Thumbprint Cookies

If you want to make these cookies your own, there are a few fun ways to switch them up!

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a rich, chocolatey twist.
• Use Cream Cheese: Swap out Cool Whip for a tangy cream cheese filling for a different flavor profile.
• Add Chopped Nuts: For a bit of crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Try Different Spices: If you love a little extra spice, experiment with adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Spice Thumbprint Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This is a key step in getting that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract and continue to beat until everything is fully combined. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree—this is where the flavor magic happens! The pumpkin will give the dough a soft texture and add that delicious autumn flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined. The dough should be soft, but firm enough to hold its shape when formed into balls.

2. Shape the Cookies

Once your dough is ready, scoop out about 1-1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Now, the fun part! Use your thumb (or a spoon) to make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball. This is where your cinnamon filling will go later, so make sure the indentation is deep enough to hold a nice dollop of filling, but not so deep that the cookie crumbles.

3. Bake the Cookies

Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes. The edges should look slightly golden, and the cookies should be set in the center. If you press lightly on the cookie, it should feel firm. Keep an eye on them—oven temperatures can vary, so check at around 12 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.

Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the cookies are cooling, make the cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Cool Whip, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy, and adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking.

Once the cookies have cooled, spoon a dollop of the cinnamon filling into the center of each cookie’s thumbprint indentation. The creamy filling should ooze out slightly, giving each cookie a delectable look and extra flavor.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Thumbprint Cookies

These Pumpkin Spice Thumbprint Cookies are a treat on their own, but they’re also perfect for various occasions and pair beautifully with a variety of beverages.

• With a Hot Beverage: Serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Their spiced flavor pairs wonderfully with these cozy drinks.
• At Fall Parties: These cookies make a stunning addition to any fall dessert table or holiday cookie platter. They’ll be a hit at Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any autumn gathering.
• As a Gift: Pack them up in a cute gift box for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.

Storing Pumpkin Spice Thumbprint Cookies

• Cookie Storage: If you have leftover cookies (though that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them from becoming too soft, add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will absorb moisture and keep the cookies fresh.
• Filling Storage: The cinnamon filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to use it again, give it a quick stir to refresh its texture.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 cookie)
Calories	180-200 kcal
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	55mg
Total Carbs	26g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	17g
Protein	2g

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a festive, flavorful, and easy-to-make fall treat, these Pumpkin Spice Thumbprint Cookies are the way to go! With their soft, spiced cookie base and creamy, cinnamon-kissed filling, they’ll surely become a fall favorite in your home. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Perfect for the holidays, or simply for when you’re craving something warm and comforting, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand year after year.

So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get baking! You won’t regret it.