Pumpkin Cake Cookies {with Sweet Bourbon Glaze}

Quick and easy soft pumpkin cake cookies! NO CHILL TIME is needed for this from scratch cookie recipe that uses melted butter, pumpkin puree and pumpkin spices. Drizzled with a sweet bourbon icing, they are an irresistible fall dessert cookie!

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I hope you aren't tiring of pumpkin dessert recipes! Truth be told, this flavor is one that has grown on me a lot over these last years. I usually reach for something gingerbread, apple or cookie butter in these cooler months, but Big E LOVES pumpkin spice so I've been baking with these flavors a lot more.

This quick and easy cookie recipe creates thick, soft and cake like pumpkin spice cookies. You will love this recipe because ~

• The cookie dough comes together in one bowl with a spatula.
• The recipe uses melted butter {no planning ahead!}.
• No chill time required.
• A super easy sweet bourbon glaze gives the cookies a delicious finishing touch.

ingredients needed for these cake like cookies

• Unsalted butter ~ the butter gets melted, so no need to wait for it to warm up.
• Dark brown sugar ~ adds moisture and flavor. I prefer dark, but light brown also works.
• Confectioners' sugar ~ adds sweetness.
• Pumpkin puree ~ for that pumpkin flavor. Be sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
• Pure vanilla extract ~ adds flavor.
• Egg yolks ~ two large egg yolks add structure and chewiness. Save the whites to make meringues, a Swiss meringue buttercream {I adore my white chocolate version!!} or an egg white scramble.
• Baking soda ~ helps give the cookies the cake like texture.
• Kosher salt ~ to balance all the flavors.
• Pumpkin pie spice ~ for that pumpkin spice flavor.
• Ground cinnamon ~ compliments the pumpkin.
• Ground nutmeg ~ compliments the pumpkin.
• All-purpose flour ~ for structure.
• Bourbon and milk {not pictured} for the sweet bourbon glaze icing drizzle.

how to make pumpkin cake cookies without a cake mix

Start by melting the butter. Then add both sugars and mix until fully combined. This may take a few minutes. Next add the egg yolks, pumpkin puree and vanilla; again mixing until combined.

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Then mix in the baking soda, kosher salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and nutmeg. Once fully incorporated stir in the flour until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. The cookie dough is more like a thick cake batter than traditional cookie dough.

Now let the cookie dough batter rest for 10 minutes while you prepare two baking pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

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Once the dough has rested, use about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it in a ball to form each cookie. I use my trusty size 30 scoop. Then roll the cookie dough ball into a bowl of granulated sugar until it's fully coated. Then re-roll the ball between your hands and roll in the granulated sugar a second time and place on the prepared pans.

Bake the cookies; at the 10 minute mark, pull the cookies from the oven and lightly press them down with the flat bottom of a measuring cup {use caution as the pan is hot!}, then place back in the oven for 2-3 more minutes.

Please remember your oven is different from mine and baking times may vary slightly.

sweet bourbon glaze icing recipe

Once the cookies have cooled completely, make the icing.

Simply add bourbon and milk to confectioners' sugar and stir until a smooth glaze forms, then drizzle the icing glaze over the cooled cookies. See the recipe card notes for alternatives to the bourbon.

how to make pumpkin pie spice mix

If you don't have pumpkin pie spice you can make your own! Use ¼ teaspoon each of ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground all-spice and ground ginger.

what is the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?

Pumpkin puree should only have one ingredient listed on the can, pumpkin. Pumpkin pie filling has already been flavored with spices and usually has other sweeteners included. Both are typically found next to each other on the grocery shelf, so just make sure you are picking up the right one for your recipe.

tips for making pumpkin cake cookies

You will love this homemade pumpkin cookie recipe because the cookies are soft, thick and cake like and come together in one bowl.

• Make sure the butter and sugars are fully combined before adding the rest of the ingredients.
• Double check and make sure you are using 100% pumpkin puree.
• Allow the cookie dough batter to rest about 10 minutes so it's easier to work with.
• Drizzle the sweet bourbon glaze over the cookies only once completely cool. Otherwise the icing will melt into the cookies.

Remember to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram if you make these Pumpkin Cake Cookies {with Sweet Bourbon Glaze}. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

more fall dessert recipes to make

• White Chocolate Pecan Pie
• Pumpkin Snack Cake
• White Chocolate Chai Brownies
• Biscoff Caramel Tart
• Frangipane Tart Recipe
• Banana Pecan Bars
• Apple Cider Banana Bread

If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!