Description
These Pumpkin Delight Cookies are packed with irresistible pumpkin flavor and warm spices, making them a delightful treat. With simple prep and delicious filling, they are perfect for gatherings and cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
- 15 oz canned pure pumpkin
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 3/4 cup apple juice
- 12 tbsp butter melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups flour
Instructions
- Prepare the pumpkin filling by whisking together pumpkin purée, 1½ cups sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon in a saucepan.
- Combine cornstarch with apple juice in a separate bowl until dissolved, then add it to the saucepan.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it cool completely after cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the melted butter and 1 cup of sugar with a hand mixer until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Incorporate molasses and egg, mixing until smooth.
- Blend in baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and flour until forming a soft dough, adjusting with flour if needed to prevent stickiness.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness and cut with a pumpkin-shaped cutter.
- Create faces on half of the cookies by cutting out eyes and mouths with a small knife.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cooled filling onto the bottom cookies, then place a face cookie on top and press edges gently to seal.
- Transfer cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-13 minutes, ensuring centers are fully cooked. Cool slightly before transferring to a rack.
Notes
Ensure the filling is completely cooled before assembling; it will thicken further.
If dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour as needed.
For a festive touch, use cookie cutters in different shapes for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg