Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches: The Ultimate Fall Dessert You Need to Try

Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches bring together the cozy essence of autumn in every bite. These chewy spiced cookies with rich cream cheese filling are a must-have for the season—whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, hosting a fall brunch, or simply craving a pumpkin treat. In this article, you’ll learn why these cookie sandwiches are stealing the fall dessert spotlight, how to make them at home with step-by-step instructions, and clever variations to suit every dietary need. Looking for more cozy desserts? Try our Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Apple Cookies.

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Why Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches Are the Perfect Fall Treat

What Makes Them Different from Traditional Cookies

Unlike standard cookies, pumpkin pie cookie sandwiches are a hybrid between a chewy cookie and a whoopie pie. They deliver that nostalgic pumpkin pie flavor, but in a portable, snackable format. The key difference lies in the sandwich construction: soft pumpkin cookies hug a silky layer of cream cheese frosting, offering a perfect balance of spice and sweetness.

Flavor Profile: Warm Spices, Creamy Filling, and Chewy Texture

Each bite blends cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with velvety pumpkin and a tangy-sweet filling. The cookies themselves are tender and moist thanks to the pumpkin puree, while the filling adds a luscious texture contrast. The result? A dessert that’s flavorful, aromatic, and completely satisfying.

Best Occasions to Serve These Cookie Sandwiches

Pumpkin pie cookie sandwiches shine at fall festivals, Halloween parties, Friendsgiving gatherings, and cozy evenings with a cup of cider. They’re easy to make ahead, pack well for sharing, and pair beautifully with warm drinks. Check out our favorite Fall Cookie Box Ideas for inspiration.

Key Ingredients for Making Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches

The Role of Pure Pumpkin and Pumpkin Pie Spice

The heart of this recipe is 100% pure pumpkin—not the pre-sweetened pie mix. Pure pumpkin brings moisture and earthy depth, while a blend of spices (typically cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger) creates that signature pumpkin pie flavor. Want your cookies even more fragrant? Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice.

Best Types of Butter, Sugar, and Flour to Use

Use unsalted butter for control over salt levels, and brown sugar for its molasses-rich softness that enhances chewiness. All-purpose flour gives structure, but for a cakier result, you can try half cake flour. Don’t forget a little baking soda and baking powder to keep the cookies tender and light.

Ingredient	Best Type	Why It Works
Pumpkin Puree	100% Pure Canned	Adds moisture & flavor
Sugar	Brown Sugar	Enhances chew & spice
Butter	Unsalted, Softened	Controls salt and blends well
Flour	All-Purpose	Holds shape but stays soft
Spices	Pumpkin Pie Blend	Essential fall flavor

Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions

Want to mix it up? Add chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, or a dash of maple extract. For a lighter filling, try whipped mascarpone instead of cream cheese. Vegan or dairy-free? Don’t worry—we’ll cover that in an upcoming section. Don’t miss our guide to Baking with Fall Spices.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches at Home

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. In one bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add an egg, a splash of vanilla extract, and your pure pumpkin puree—mix until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and a generous amount of pumpkin pie spice. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—it can make the cookies tough. Use a cookie scoop to drop evenly sized dollops onto your baking sheets.

Bake for about 11–13 minutes, until the edges are just set and the tops look dry. Let the cookies cool completely before filling.

Preparing the Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Filling

For the filling, beat together softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar until creamy. Add a pinch of cinnamon and a drop of vanilla extract. You can also blend in a spoonful of pumpkin puree for extra flavor and color, but go easy—too much liquid can make the filling runny.

Transfer the frosting to a piping bag (or zip bag with the corner snipped) for easy assembly.

Assembling the Cookie Sandwiches Perfectly

Match up cookies in pairs of similar size. Pipe the filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press another on top to create a sandwich. Don’t overfill—it should just reach the edges without oozing. For a bakery-style finish, roll the edges in chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles.

Let the sandwiches chill for 20 minutes before serving to firm up the filling. Want more dessert inspiration? Check out our Easy Cookie Sandwich Recipes collection.

Tips for Storage and Freezing

Store the assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To prevent them from getting soggy, place a layer of parchment between them. For freezing, wrap individually in plastic and store for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before enjoying. Discover great ideas like our Holiday Freezer Cookie Tips.

Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Cookie Sandwiches Every Time

Preventing Flat or Puffy Cookies

Flat cookies often mean your dough is too warm or too wet. Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it seems soft. Puffy cookies? You may be using too much flour or baking soda. Spoon and level your flour properly and measure leaveners with care.

Getting the Cream Cheese Filling Just Right

Cream cheese must be room temperature—cold cheese creates lumps, while overbeaten filling turns runny. For a thicker, pipeable filling, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Need a dairy-free tip? We’ll get to that next.

Make-Ahead and Batch Tips for Holiday Prep

You can bake the cookies ahead and freeze them unfrosted. On baking day, whip up the filling and assemble. This strategy is a game-changer for holiday prep and cookie exchanges. Make a double batch to share or gift. Looking for inspiration? Try our Make-Ahead Dessert Ideas.

Easy Ingredient Swaps for Gluten-Free or Vegan Variations

Using Gluten-Free Flour Blends

Want to go gluten-free? Swap out regular all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. This ensures your cookies hold together without crumbling. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur Baking make excellent options. Avoid almond or coconut flour on their own—they won’t deliver the same chewy texture.

Dairy-Free Cream Cheese and Butter Alternatives

For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter sticks (not spreads) and dairy-free cream cheese made from cashew or almond bases. Look for brands like Miyoko’s or Kite Hill for best results. Keep in mind that vegan cream cheese tends to be softer, so chill the filling longer before assembling.

Egg Substitutes That Actually Work

Replace each egg with one of the following:

• 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water (let sit for 5 minutes)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup plain dairy-free yogurt
  These subs keep the dough moist without sacrificing structure. Don’t miss our Ultimate Vegan Cookie Baking Guide.

Fun Ways to Decorate and Customize Your Pumpkin Cookie Sandwiches

Seasonal Shapes and Festive Sprinkles

Use a round cookie cutter for consistent sandwich size, or try pumpkin-shaped cutters for a seasonal twist. Before baking, press in a few orange or brown sprinkles for a subtle sparkle.

Drizzles, Dips, and Flavor Twists

Take things further by drizzling the tops with white chocolate or dipping them halfway in melted dark chocolate. You can also flavor the filling with maple extract, espresso powder, or even a touch of bourbon for a grown-up twist.

Kid-Friendly Decorating Ideas

Let kids join the fun by setting up a decorating station with mini chocolate chips, colored sugar, and candy eyeballs. These cookie sandwiches are perfect for Halloween parties or fall-themed school treats. Learn more about making Kid-Friendly Fall Desserts.

Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve With Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches

Hot Drinks That Complement the Spices

Pair your sandwiches with warm drinks like:

• Spiced chai or cinnamon tea
• Pumpkin spice latte
• Classic hot cocoa with marshmallows
  These bring out the warm spice notes and add a comforting balance to the richness of the cookies.

How to Turn These Into a Dessert Platter

Arrange pumpkin pie cookie sandwiches with small apple crisps, candied pecans, and caramel squares on a wooden board for a stunning Thanksgiving dessert platter. Add dried oranges or cinnamon sticks for decoration. This turns simple cookies into an elegant holiday centerpiece.

FAQs About Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches

Final Thoughts: Why These Cookie Sandwiches Are a Must-Try This Fall

Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches aren’t just cookies—they’re a cozy, nostalgic experience in every bite. With their chewy spiced exterior and creamy filling, they rival even traditional pumpkin pie for fall dessert fame. Whether you’re looking for a fun baking project, an autumn party treat, or a creative twist on a holiday classic, these cookie sandwiches deliver big-time flavor and versatility.

Don’t miss our collection of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies to round out your seasonal table.

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