Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies for Halloween

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, it’s time to embrace the cozy flavors of fall with these adorable pumpkin-shaped sandwich cookies. Perfect for Halloween parties or autumn gatherings, these treats combine the warmth of pumpkin spice with the sweetness of cream filling in a delightful bite-sized package.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Spice Cookies:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup molasses

For the Sweet Cream Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Orange and brown food coloring

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg, vanilla, and molasses until well combined.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

2. Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
4. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are slightly crisp and golden.
6. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

3. Prepare the Fillings

1. Beat butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
3. Divide the filling into two bowls.
4. Add orange food coloring to one bowl and brown to the other, adjusting to desired shades.

4. Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

1. Once cookies are completely cool, match them in pairs of similar size.
2. Spread orange filling on half of the cookies and brown on the other half.
3. Gently press the pairs together to create sandwiches.

Serving and Storage

Arrange your pumpkin sandwich cookies on a festive Halloween platter for a spooktacular presentation. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

As you bite into these delightful treats, the slightly crisp edges give way to a soft, pumpkin-spiced interior, perfectly complemented by the creamy filling. Whether you choose the vibrant orange or rich brown filling, each cookie is a little taste of autumn magic.

Happy Halloween baking! 🎃👻