Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Creating the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies is a fun and rewarding experience. Imagine the soft, chewy texture of a cookie combined with the wonderful flavors of pumpkin pie, all in one delightful treat! These cookies capture the essence of autumn—spicy, sweet, and oh-so-comforting. You can enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven, with the warm spices filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Plus, being entirely vegan means they can be shared with everyone, making them a hit at gatherings or cozy afternoons at home. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together and whip up a batch of delicious Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies that will leave you craving more!

Why This Recipe Works

Creating the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies is all about balancing the rich, warm flavors of autumn with the soft, chewy texture of a classic cookie. This recipe leverages the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree and a blend of spices to create a filling that’s both creamy and satisfying. The cookie maintains its delightful integrity, thanks to the careful selection of plant-based ingredients. Effective chilling and baking techniques ensure these cookies are not only tasty but also visually appealing. You’ll love the way they meld the best features of cookies and pie, bringing warmth and joy with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies

These Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies are a must-try for anyone who adores the flavors of fall. Imagine enjoying the comforting essence of pumpkin pie in the convenient format of a cookie. Each bite delivers a burst of warm spices combined with a soft, chewy texture, instantly reminding you of cozy afternoons spent with loved ones. Not to forget, they are entirely vegan, making them suitable for a wider audience. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply treating yourself, these cookies will surely impress everyone! The balance of flavors and textures makes them absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

• ½ cup vegan butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (½ cup for dough, 2 tablespoons for rolling)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1 ½ cups + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons oat milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Vegan whipped cream (for topping)
• Additional pumpkin pie spice (for sprinkling)

Making the Cookie Dough

Creaming Vegan Butter and Sugars

Start by adding room temperature vegan butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to cream together until fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. This process is key to achieving a light and airy texture.

Adding Flax Egg and Vanilla

Now, incorporate the prepared flax egg and vanilla bean paste into the mixture. Mix for another 30 seconds until everything appears well combined. The flax egg acts as a binding agent, giving your cookies their delightful chew.

Combining Dry Ingredients

Next, add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a thick cookie dough forms. While the dough will initially be crumbly, continue mixing until it becomes soft and cohesive.

Chilling the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling the dough is crucial; it enhances the flavors and helps the cookies maintain their shape when baking. If you’d like, you could refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours for an even more developed flavor.

Preparing the Pumpkin Pie Filling

Mixing Filling Ingredients

While the cookie dough is chilling, use this time to prepare the pumpkin pie filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, oat milk, cornstarch, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Setting this mixture aside will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Assembling and Baking Cookies

Preheating the Oven

About 10 minutes before the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly without sticking!

Forming Cookie Balls

Once the dough is ready to go, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop, make about 10 to 11 evenly sized cookie balls. Roll each ball gently between your palms and coat them in the reserved granulated sugar for an extra sweet crunch.

Creating Cookie Indents

Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the lined baking sheet. Slightly press each ball down to flatten, then use your thumb to create an indent in the center. Be careful not to press too hard, as you want to maintain that lovely round shape.

Filling Cookies

Now, it’s time for the fun part! Spoon about 1.5 tablespoons of pumpkin pie filling into the center of each cookie, making sure the filling doesn’t reach the edges. Leave at least 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.

Baking the Cookies

Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are crisp and the filling starts to crinkle slightly. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.

Final Touches

While the cookies cool a bit, use a spoon to carefully reshape the edges if necessary. After they cool on the sheet, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Top each cookie with a small dollop of vegan whipped cream and sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice before serving. The finishing touches make them even more inviting!

Serving Suggestions

These Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai, pumpkin spice latte, or even a simple glass of almond milk. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or as a festive dessert during holiday gatherings. Imagine serving these to friends and family, warmly reminding everyone of the beautiful flavors of fall.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your vegan butter is at room temperature for easier creaming—this step is crucial for a fluffy texture.
• For a more intense flavor, consider letting the cookie dough chill overnight. The flavors will deepen and become even more delightful.
• Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to your personal taste. Everyone’s spice tolerance is different, so feel free to experiment!

Variations

• If you’re looking to change things up, consider substituting pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree for a different flavor profile.
• You can also use gluten-free flour blends if you need to cater to gluten-free diets.
• For some added crunch, incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough. They’ll offer a lovely texture contrast to the soft cookies.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before enjoying again. You might consider making a double batch, as they tend to disappear quickly!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

How do I store the cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, it’s best to use plain pumpkin puree to ensure the cookies have the right flavor and texture.

Can I skip the vegan whipped cream topping?

Absolutely! You can omit the whipped cream or use any non-dairy topping of your choice if you prefer.

How can I make these cookies sweeter?

If you crave a sweeter cookie, feel free to increase the sugar amount by a few tablespoons in the dough. Adjust to your taste.

These Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies not only make for an indulgent treat but also serve as a reminder of the comforting flavors of fall. With their chewy texture and rich pumpkin spice essence, they’re bound to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. So, embrace the cozy vibes of the season, and enjoy these cookies with a loved one, or treat yourself to a delightful dessert that warms the heart and soul.

Print