Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches

Name: Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup pure pumpkin puree; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting), room temperature; 1/4 cup brick-style cream cheese, chilled; 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream; 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for frosting); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

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There’s something about the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and smell of cinnamon that screams pumpkin season—and no dessert captures the fall spirit quite like Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches. These chewy, soft pumpkin cookies are sandwiched with a velvety pumpkin spice cream cheese buttercream, bringing everything you love about pumpkin pie into a fun, hand-held treat.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, seasonal party, or just want to satisfy your autumn cravings, these cookie sandwiches hit the sweet spot. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to make them from scratch, tips to avoid common baking mistakes, and clever ways to serve and store them. Don’t miss our soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting if you’re looking for even more fall-themed inspiration.

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The nostalgic charm of fall flavors

Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches combine two cozy traditions: homemade cookies and classic pumpkin pie. The scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves wafting from your kitchen is the fastest way to trigger warm memories of autumns past. With a soft, cake-like cookie base and creamy filling, this treat brings both texture and taste into the spotlight.

Pumpkin spice and everything nice

The magic of this recipe lies in its bold yet balanced use of pumpkin spice. By blending cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice with smooth pumpkin puree, the cookies offer depth of flavor without overwhelming sweetness. It’s this spice profile that gives the cookie sandwiches their signature fall essence and keeps people coming back for more.

Looking for inspiration? Try our healthy pumpkin brownies for another cozy, spiced treat.

These aren’t your average cookie sandwiches. The texture of the cookies mimics a whoopie pie—soft and pillowy—while the filling adds a tangy twist thanks to cream cheese and heavy cream. The result? A perfectly balanced dessert that’s equal parts comforting and crave-worthy.

Plus, they’re easy to customize. Add chopped pecans, drizzle with caramel, or roll the edges in festive sprinkles to make them holiday-party ready.

Let’s break down exactly what goes into these dreamy little desserts. Quality ingredients make all the difference, so here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter: Helps create a tender crumb.
Brown sugar + granulated sugar: Keeps cookies chewy and flavorful.
Pure pumpkin puree: Not to be confused with pumpkin pie filling.
Egg & vanilla extract: For moisture and flavor balance.
All-purpose flour: Standard base with just the right amount of structure.
Pumpkin pie spice & cinnamon: Signature fall flavor combo.
Baking soda & salt: Ensures a slight rise and balanced taste.

Using both sugars gives these cookies their signature chew, while the pure pumpkin keeps them soft for days.

Creamy pumpkin spice buttercream essentials

The filling is where the magic happens. It’s not just any buttercream—it’s pumpkin spice cream cheese buttercream:

Unsalted butter (room temp): For smooth blending.
Brick-style cream cheese: Adds tang and structure.
Powdered sugar: For sweetness and volume.
Heavy cream: Whips the buttercream light and fluffy.
Pumpkin pie spice & vanilla: Deepens flavor and aroma.

You’ll love how this rich filling contrasts with the soft cookie shells.

Discover great ideas like our pumpkin cheesecake cookies to explore more pumpkin-filled creations.

Gluten-free alternatives to make it inclusive

Want to make these gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill have tested options that retain softness and structure. Just ensure your other ingredients (especially powdered sugar and spices) are also certified gluten-free.

If you’re craving even more gluten-free fall magic, check out our pumpkin oatmeal cream pies, which are naturally gluten-sensitive friendly.

Ready to bake? Here’s a simple, straightforward guide to creating your own batch of Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches at home. No fancy tools required—just pantry basics and a bit of fall magic.

First things first, gather your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Whisk them together in a medium-sized bowl to ensure even distribution. This step is key to avoiding clumps and achieving consistent spice flavor throughout.

In a separate large bowl, cream together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat on high for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Mix on medium until everything is incorporated. Then, slowly add the dry ingredients with the mixer on low speed, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cookies soft and tender.

Once your dough is ready, chill it in the fridge for at least one hour. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Baking for perfect texture

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), form even-sized dough balls and place them 2 inches apart.

Here’s a pro tip: flatten the dough balls gently with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand. This helps them bake evenly into that signature sandwich shape.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. The centers will still look soft—this is perfect! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Don’t miss our pumpkin crisp dessert for another fall-favorite treat that uses similar warm flavors.

Whipping the pumpkin spice buttercream

While the cookies cool, it’s time to whip up that dreamy filling. Beat together the butter and chilled cream cheese until smooth. Using room temperature butter (not melted!) helps the frosting hold its shape better.

Reduce the speed and gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, fully mixing after each addition. Add vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a tablespoon or two of heavy cream. Then crank up the mixer and beat on high for 3 to 5 minutes—this is how you get a light and fluffy buttercream.

Taste and adjust the spice if needed. Want a richer flavor? Add a pinch of salt or a tiny splash of maple extract.

Now comes the fun part: assembly. Flip half the cookies upside down and pipe or spread generous swirls of buttercream onto the flat sides. Top each with another cookie, pressing down gently to secure the sandwich.

Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before serving to let the buttercream firm up. If you’re not serving them right away, pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days (more on that below).

Want to level up your baking game? Here are some tried-and-true tricks to help your Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches come out picture-perfect every time.

How to avoid soggy cookies

Soggy cookies can ruin the experience. The biggest culprit? Overly wet dough or under-baking. Make sure to measure your pumpkin puree accurately and always chill your dough.

Avoid stacking warm cookies or adding buttercream before they’re fully cooled. Moisture trapped between warm cookies can cause sogginess fast.

Looking for inspiration? Try our no-bake pumpkin cheesecake balls—no risk of soggy anything here.

Frosting hacks for silky smooth texture

If your buttercream looks too runny, chill it for 15 minutes before piping. Also, sift your powdered sugar before mixing—this small step makes a big difference in the texture.

Use a star tip for beautiful swirls, or a simple spoon for rustic charm. Either way, consistency matters more than perfection.

If you loved these hacks, you’ll also enjoy our apple cinnamon sheet cake, which uses similar frosting techniques.

Make-ahead and freezer storage tips

Want to get ahead of your holiday baking? These cookie sandwiches freeze beautifully. Simply assemble them, place on a tray in the freezer until firm, then store in airtight containers with parchment between layers. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month.

When you’re ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temp for a couple hours.

You can also make the dough and buttercream in advance. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for later use.

Serving, Pairing, and Storing Ideas

Once your Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches are ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy them in ways that elevate the whole experience. These aren’t just cookies—they’re the highlight of any fall dessert table.

Creative ways to serve for fall parties

Hosting a cozy fall gathering? Stack your cookie sandwiches on a rustic wood board, surround them with cinnamon sticks, mini pumpkins, and dried orange slices for an edible centerpiece. These cookie sandwiches are show-stoppers on their own, but you can also:

Drizzle them with salted caramel sauce
Roll the sides in crushed pecans or mini chocolate chips
Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a bakery-style look

Don’t miss our pumpkin s’mores cookies for another playful fall-themed dessert idea your guests will love.

Delicious drink pairings for a complete treat

The creamy, spiced richness of these cookie sandwiches pairs perfectly with:

Beverage	Flavor Notes	Why It Works
Spiced Chai Latte	Cinnamon, cardamom	Echoes the cookie spices
Cold Brew with Pumpkin Cream	Slightly bitter, creamy	Balances sweetness
Hot Apple Cider	Fruity, tangy	Adds contrast to creamy filling
Dark Roast Coffee	Bold, bitter	Cuts through the richness

For a non-caffeinated option, try a vanilla rooibos tea—its warmth and natural sweetness make it a lovely pairing.

Proper storage to maintain flavor and texture

Here’s how to keep your cookie sandwiches fresh:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours if your kitchen is cool.
Refrigerator: Store for up to 3 days. Bring to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

For more make-ahead magic, discover our pumpkin pie overnight oats—perfect for prepping fall flavors in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the best pumpkin to use for baking?

Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the flavor and texture of your dough.

Can you freeze pumpkin cookie sandwiches?

Absolutely! Freeze fully assembled sandwiches by wrapping them tightly in plastic and storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 1 month.

How do I keep cream cheese frosting from melting?

Use brick-style cream cheese and beat until smooth with room-temperature butter. Chill your buttercream slightly before piping, and avoid serving the cookies in direct sunlight or warm environments.

Is canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie filling the same?

No. Canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin) contains only cooked, pureed pumpkin, while pumpkin pie filling includes added sugar and spices. Always check the label.

Can I make these cookie sandwiches dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Make sure your powdered sugar is certified vegan, and skip the heavy cream or use canned coconut cream instead.

Fall comes and goes quickly, but the flavor of Pumpkin Pie Cookie Sandwiches will stick with you long after the leaves fall. They’re soft, spiced, creamy, and absolutely addictive—the perfect hybrid of classic cookies and beloved pie.

Easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. From Halloween gatherings to Thanksgiving tables, these cookies bring the cozy charm of pumpkin spice into every bite.

Check out our creamy pumpkin pasta if you want to try savory pumpkin dishes too—it’s comfort food at its finest.