Fall is the perfect season to indulge in warm, cozy flavors, and what better way to celebrate than with Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies? These delightful cookies capture the essence of a classic pumpkin pie—creamy pumpkin filling, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—all in a handheld, plant-based version. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to share during the holidays or simply want a vegan dessert that’s easy to make, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.
This vegan pumpkin pie cookies recipe combines a soft, chewy cookie base with the rich flavors of pumpkin and warming spices, making it the perfect fall dessert for vegans and non-vegans alike. Plus, these cookies are made without eggs or dairy, so everyone can enjoy them guilt-free.
Let’s dive into this easy recipe and explore how to make these delicious vegan pumpkin pie cookies that will quickly become your new favorite autumn treat!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe
There are many reasons to love this Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe. From the warm spices to the creamy pumpkin flavor, these cookies are the ultimate comfort food. Here’s why you’ll find them irresistible:
1. Plant-Based and Dairy-Free
Because these cookies are entirely plant-based, they’re perfect for vegans or anyone looking for a healthier, dairy-free dessert option. Even though they don’t contain eggs or butter, they still have a rich, delicious flavor that mimics traditional pumpkin pie perfectly.
2. Perfect Fall Flavor
If you love the flavors of pumpkin spice, you’ll adore these cookies. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infused into the dough, each bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The pumpkin flavor shines through, balanced by the perfect amount of sweetness.
3. Great for Sharing
These vegan pumpkin pie cookies are ideal for sharing at family gatherings, holiday parties, or even as a snack with friends. They’re small, portable, and easy to eat, making them perfect for serving at festive occasions or packing as an on-the-go snack.
For a bit more background on the history of pumpkin pie and how it became such a popular fall flavor, check out Wikipedia’s page on pumpkin pie.
Ingredients for Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies
This vegan pumpkin pie cookies recipe is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. You won’t need any complicated substitutes or specialty items to make these cookies—just pantry staples and some fresh pumpkin!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups, to form the base of the cookie dough.
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon, to help the cookies rise.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons, for that classic pumpkin spice flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon, to add warmth and depth.
- Ground cloves: 1/4 teaspoon, to bring an aromatic spice note.
- Vegan butter: 1/2 cup, softened (you can use any plant-based butter alternative).
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed, for sweetness and moisture.
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup, to add sweetness and help with texture.
- Pumpkin puree: 1/2 cup (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling).
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavor.
- Flaxseed meal: 1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons water, to act as a vegan egg substitute (this is also called a “flax egg”).
These ingredients come together to create soft, chewy cookies that are full of pumpkin pie flavor, without any animal products.
How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Making these vegan pumpkin pie cookies is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to create a batch of sweet, spiced cookies that everyone will love, whether they’re vegan or not.
Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg
Before mixing the dough, prepare the flax egg by combining 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken. The flax egg will help bind the dough together, just like a regular egg would in traditional cookies.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These dry ingredients are the foundation of the cookie dough, and the spices will infuse the cookies with that classic pumpkin pie flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Vegan Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. The vegan butter gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor, while the sugars add sweetness and help the cookies spread slightly when baking.
Once the mixture is smooth, add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and flax egg. Mix until everything is well combined. The pumpkin adds moisture to the dough, making the cookies soft and chewy.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not too wet.
Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld together and makes the cookies easier to shape.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
After chilling, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked. The cookies will be soft when they come out of the oven but will firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These vegan pumpkin pie cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature when they’ve had a chance to firm up and develop their full flavor.
Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate fall treat!
Tips for the Best Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies
To ensure your vegan pumpkin pie cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
1. Use Pure Pumpkin Puree
Make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will throw off the balance of flavors in this recipe.
2. Don’t Skip the Flax Egg
The flax egg acts as a binder in these cookies, helping them hold together just like traditional cookies made with eggs. Without it, the dough will be too crumbly.
3. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is crucial for the cookies to hold their shape while baking. If you skip this step, the cookies may spread too much and lose their soft, chewy texture.
4. Adjust the Spice Level
If you love pumpkin spice, feel free to add extra cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for an even more aromatic cookie.
Variations on Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies
While this vegan pumpkin pie cookies recipe is delicious on its own, there are several fun variations you can try to mix things up:
1. Add Vegan Chocolate Chips
For a chocolatey twist, fold in 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips into the dough before baking. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate is surprisingly delightful, and the melty chocolate adds an extra layer of indulgence.
2. Top with a Maple Glaze
For a touch of sweetness, drizzle the cookies with a simple maple glaze. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of maple syrup, and a little almond milk until smooth. The glaze adds a beautiful finish and enhances the fall flavors in the cookies.
3. Add Nuts or Seeds
If you like a bit of crunch in your cookies, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough. You can also sprinkle the tops with pumpkin seeds for a fun, festive touch.
4. Make Sandwich Cookies
Turn these cookies into sandwich cookies by spreading a layer of vegan cream cheese frosting between two cookies. The tangy frosting pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced pumpkin cookies, creating a treat that’s hard to resist.
Serving Suggestions for Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies
These vegan pumpkin pie cookies are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them the perfect fall treat for any occasion. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy them:
- With hot cocoa or spiced tea: These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate cozy experience.
- As a dessert platter: Add these cookies to a fall-themed dessert platter along with other seasonal treats like vegan brownies, apple pie bars, or pumpkin bread.
- Dipped in almond milk: For a simple snack, dip the cookies in a glass of cold almond milk for a classic milk-and-cookie experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies
1. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough and bake as directed.
2. Can I Freeze Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze the cookies, allow them to cool completely after baking, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
3. What’s the Best Way to Store Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a firmer cookie, refrigerate them and enjoy within a week. You can also freeze the dough before baking by rolling it into balls and freezing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and bake them as needed.
Conclusion
These Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies are the perfect fall treat, offering the flavors of pumpkin pie in a soft, chewy cookie form. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a dairy-free dessert, these cookies are sure to become a favorite during the fall season. With warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and a soft texture, they’re the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
For more delicious vegan dessert ideas, check out our Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe for another sweet treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing!