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
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and molasses until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are slightly crisp and golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
3. Prepare the Fillings
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Divide the filling into two bowls.
- Add orange food coloring to one bowl and brown to the other, adjusting to desired shades.
4. Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
- Once cookies are completely cool, match them in pairs of similar size.
- Spread orange filling on half of the cookies and brown on the other half.
- 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! 🎃👻