Name: Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies for Cozy Autumn Moments
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Sugar (This adds sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter; 1 large Egg (Helps bind the ingredients for a soft, tender cookie.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Enhances flavor and complements the pumpkin beautifully.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (The main structure ingredient; sift for a lighter texture.); 1 tsp Baking Powder (Ensures a light and fluffy cookie that's not dense.); 1 cup Pumpkin Purée (Pure pumpkin purée, not a pre-spiced filling.); 2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (A blend that adds warmth.); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (A deeper sweetness that pairs well with the spices.); 2 large Egg Whites (Essential for making the icing thick.); 3 cups Powdered Sugar (Creates a sweet finish for your cookies.); 2 tbsp Water (Adjusts the icing consistency.); 1 bottle Food Coloring (Use warm tones like orange.); 1 tbsp Edible Glitter (Optional for festive sparkle.); 1 cup Sprinkles (Choose seasonal or themed sprinkles.)

As the leaves begin to turn and the air crispens, the anticipation for autumn flavors grows. These Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies not only capture the cozy essence of the season but also bring a delightful twist to a classic favorite. Fun to create and even more charming in their petite pie slice shape, these cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or gifting to loved ones. Plus, they come together quickly, making them ideal for those of us who love to whip up seasonal treats without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine serving these little bites of joy alongside warm drinks on a chilly day—how could you resist? Curious to find out how to make your own batch? Let’s dive in!

Why are these cookies a must-try?

Delightful, these Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies are the ultimate seasonal treat, perfect for cozy gatherings. Flavorful, the warm spices and rich pumpkin purée deliver that beloved autumn taste in every bite. Easy to make, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re great for both novice and experienced bakers. Versatile too, you can easily swap ingredients for gluten-free options or customize the spices to your liking. Plus, they make fantastic gifts, beautifully decorated and ready to impress your friends and family. Best served alongside a hot cup of chai tea or spiced apple cider, these cookies will leave everyone craving more! Don’t forget to check out my Mini Oreo Cheesecakes for another delightful treat!

Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies Ingredients

• Here’s what you need to bake these delightful autumn treats:

For the Cookie Base

Sugar – This adds sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.
Butter – Use unsalted for better control over overall saltiness.
Egg – Helps bind the ingredients for a soft, tender cookie.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor and complements the pumpkin beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour – The main structure ingredient; sift for a lighter texture.
Baking Powder – Ensures a light and fluffy cookie that’s not dense.

For the Pumpkin Filling

Pumpkin Purée – Provides the classic pumpkin flavor; make sure it’s pure pumpkin purée, not a pre-spiced filling.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – A blend that adds warmth; use store-bought or make your own mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Brown Sugar – A deeper sweetness that pairs well with the spices.

For the Royal Icing

Egg Whites or Meringue Powder – Essential for making the icing thick and moldable.
Powdered Sugar – Creates a sweet and shiny finish for your cookies.
Water – Adjusts the icing consistency; add until you reach the desired thickness.

For Decoration

Food Coloring – Use warm tones like orange for an authentic pumpkin appearance.
Edible Glitter (optional) – Adds a festive sparkle to your finished cookies.
Sprinkles (optional) – Choose seasonal or themed sprinkles to enhance the visual appeal.

These Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies are sure to bring the essence of autumn to your kitchen and delight everyone who tries them!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies

Step 1: Prep Cookie Dough
Begin by creaming together sugar and softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Next, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well-combined. Gradually add in all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin purée, and pumpkin pie spice until a smooth dough forms. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up, enabling easier handling during shaping.

Step 2: Cut & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles, then slice each circle into wedges to resemble mini pie slices. Arrange the pieces on lined baking sheets, ensuring there’s space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Flood with Icing
Once your Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies have cooled, prepare the royal icing to a flooding consistency (similar to thick syrup). Fill a piping bag with the icing and flood the curved sides of the cookies with a thin layer, ensuring even coverage. Let the icing dry completely for about 1-2 hours, allowing a smooth base for additional decorations.

Step 4: Pipe Crust
Using a #101 piping tip, carefully pipe a decorative crust along the edges of each cookie in a loose “M” shape. Keep the piping consistent and avoid sharp points for a more inviting look. Once all cookies have their crusts, take a moment to smooth out any irregularities for that perfect finish, and set them aside to dry for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Add Whipped Cream
For the finishing touch on your Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies, switch to a star tip (#16 or #18) and pipe a dollop of royal icing on the top center of each cookie to represent whipped cream. This final detail adds charm and enhances the overall presentation, making them irresistibly adorable. Allow this layer to dry for about an hour.

Step 6: Optional Decoration
If you desire extra flair, sprinkle a bit of edible glitter or seasonal sprinkle decorations over the top of the whipped cream. This not only adds a festive touch but also makes your Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies visually stunning. Let the cookies sit for another 15 minutes to ensure everything is set before displaying or serving.

Expert Tips for Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies

Chill the Dough: Ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. This helps maintain the cookie shape during baking and prevents spreading.
Quality Ingredients: Use pure pumpkin purée instead of pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor in your Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies. It makes all the difference!
Royal Icing Consistency: Aim for a flooding consistency with your royal icing. If it’s too runny, your designs will bleed; if too thick, it won’t spread well.
Piping Practice: Before decorating, practice your piping techniques on parchment paper. It boosts your confidence and ensures neat designs on the cookies.
Store Properly: Once decorated, store your cookies in a cool, dry place to help the royal icing harden. This keeps the cookies fresh and visually appealing!

Storage Tips for Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Fridge: If you’re in a warmer climate, store the cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring they’re in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Freeze the uniced cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before icing to preserve their flavor and texture.

Reheating: For best results, enjoy them at room temperature. If you prefer warm cookies, microwave for 5-10 seconds, but avoid overheating to maintain their delightful texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy days! You can prepare the sugar cookie dough and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, after baking, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days before decorating, helping maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply coat the cooled cookies with royal icing and let them dry completely (about 1-2 hours), followed by piping the crust and whipped cream on top. This method not only speeds up your baking process but ensures your cookies remain just as delightful and flavorful!

What to Serve with Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies?

Imagine the aroma of pumpkin spice mingling with warm, spiced beverages as you create a cozy autumn atmosphere with these delightful cookies.

Chai Tea: The spiced notes in chai complement the pumpkin perfectly, enhancing the cozy autumn flavors.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm and sweet, this beverage pairs beautifully with the cookies, creating a comforting flavor experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla contrasts the soft texture of the cookies, delighting your palate with every bite.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Drizzle or dip your cookies in a rich cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor that matches the pumpkin pie essence.
Pecan Tarts: These nutty treats bring crunch and a different sweet profile that contrasts nicely with the cookies. The combination makes for a charming dessert platter!
Chocolate Milk: A fun, nostalgic pairing for both kids and adults; the richness of chocolate contrasts with the spices.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle can add sweetness and enhance the autumn vibe, reminding you of cozy pancakes.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your cookies brings a touch of indulgence. It not only looks enticing but adds a buttery sweetness.
Pumpkin Spice Lattes: Embrace the season fully! The warm flavors meld seamlessly with the cookies, making for a comforting snack.

Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies Variations

Feel free to customize these delectable cookies to suit your taste and occasion for an exciting twist!

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version that retains flavor.
Sweet Potato Twist: Replace pumpkin purée with sweet potato purée for a different, equally sweet and delightful variation.
Spiced Up: Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or allspice in the dough for a unique flavor profile that elevates the warmth of autumn.
Seasonal Shapes: Use different cookie cutters shaped like leaves or acorns for a fun fall presentation that adds festive flair.
Pumpkin Spice Variation: For an intense pumpkin spice flavor, increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add a touch of molasses for depth in flavor.
Zesty Citrus: Add a hint of orange or lemon zest to the sugar cookie base to brighten up the flavor profile and enhance the autumn vibe.
Icing Colors: Try using different food colors for the royal icing or mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate variant that captures attention.
Spicy Touch: Crank up the heat by incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper into the pumpkin filling for a delightful and unexpected warm kick.

Pair these variations with festive beverages like spiced apple cider or consider whipping up a batch of delicious Kitchen Sink Cookies for a sweet contrast!

Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of pumpkin purée should I use?
Absolutely, using pure pumpkin purée is key to achieving the ideal flavor in your Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-spiced and sweetened, as it won’t yield the authentic taste or texture you’re looking for.

How should I store my cookies?
For optimal freshness, keep your decorated Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If the weather is particularly warm, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 5 days to maintain their quality.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Very! You can freeze the uniced cookies for up to 3 months. To do so, layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and ice them as desired for a fresh treat!

What are some common problems when making royal icing?
If you’re new to royal icing, you might encounter some issues. One common problem is the consistency—if it’s too runny, your designs will bleed, while if it’s too thick, you won’t get the smooth finish. For flooding, aim for a consistency similar to thick syrup. I suggest practicing your piping on parchment paper until you feel comfortable before decorating your cookies!

Are these cookies safe for those with food allergies?
It’s super important to consider allergies when making your Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies. Ensure you check your ingredient labels and use allergy-friendly options. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and be cautious of cross-contamination if you’re serving individuals with specific allergies. Always feel free to ask guests about their dietary restrictions to keep everyone safe!

Can I customize the spices in the recipe?
Certainly! If you want to play around with flavors, consider adding a touch of ginger or clove to your pumpkin pie spice mix. Alternatively, if you prefer a different spice profile altogether, a dash of cardamom or allspice could work beautifully to create your unique twist on these Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies!