Name: Pumpkin Swirl Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup (1.5 sticks; 170g) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons (86g) pumpkin puree (moisture blotted); 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled; 1 ¾ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; ⅔ cup (135g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 ¾ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 4 ounces (113g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar; ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Optional: Pinch of salt

These Pumpkin Swirl Cookies are a delightful fall treat with a beautiful swirl of pumpkin spice filling. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with warm pumpkin spice flavor, making them perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea on a crisp autumn day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Festive: These cookies are bursting with the warm flavors of pumpkin spice, thanks to the combination of pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and a blend of spices in both the dough and the filling.
Beautiful Swirl: The stunning swirl of pumpkin spice filling adds a visual appeal that’s perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Easy to Make: While the recipe involves a few steps, the instructions are clear and easy to follow, making these cookies achievable for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Pumpkin Swirl Cookies:

For the Cookies:

Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, adds richness and a tender texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
Pumpkin puree: Moisture blotted, adds pumpkin flavor and moisture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
All-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient, provides structure.
Pumpkin pie spice: Adds a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Ground cinnamon: Adds extra warmth and cinnamon flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become soft.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

For the Filling:

Unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled, binds the filling ingredients together.
Brown sugar: Packed, adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Pumpkin pie spice: Adds warm spice notes to the filling.
Ground cinnamon: Enhances the cinnamon flavor in the filling.

For the Cream Cheese Icing (Optional):

Full-fat brick cream cheese: Softened to room temperature, creates a creamy and tangy icing.
Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, adds richness to the icing.
Confectioners’ sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet icing.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor.
Optional: Pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Pumpkin Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Make sure to blot excess moisture from the pumpkin puree using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving the right cookie dough consistency.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or a stand mixer until light and creamy. Beat in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling and Shape the Dough

Divide the dough in half. On a floured surface, roll out each portion into a 10×8 inch rectangle. Brush each rectangle with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Tightly roll up each rectangle into a log and chill for at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Slice the chilled dough logs into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick cookies and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until lightly browned around the bottoms. Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Icing (Optional)

While the cookies are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing (or use the maple icing alternative in the notes). Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting (or drizzle with maple icing) on the warm or cooled cookies. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough and icing.
Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry and crumbly cookies. Bake just until the edges are set and lightly golden.

How to Serve

Fall Treat: These Pumpkin Swirl Cookies are perfect for enjoying on a crisp autumn day with a cup of coffee or tea.
Holiday Dessert: Serve them at your Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings for a festive treat.
Gift Idea: Package them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover and store plain or iced cookies at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing

Baked cookies (with or without icing) freeze well for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the rolled cookie dough logs or the unshaped dough for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?

No, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sweeteners.

Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

Yes, you can mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon or spatula, but it will require more effort.

Can I use a different type of icing?

Yes, you can use your favorite frosting or icing recipe, or try the maple icing alternative provided in the notes.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives, and substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.