When autumn arrives, pumpkin treats take over kitchens, coffee shops, and grocery store shelves. Among the season’s many favorites, Pumpkin Delight Cookies stand out as a nostalgic and cozy indulgence. Whether you’ve grown up with the store-bought version or want to try a homemade copycat recipe, these cookies capture the essence of fall in every bite. Soft, spiced, and often shaped like little pumpkins, they’re the perfect seasonal snack for parties, school lunches, or evenings by the fire.
Pumpkin Delight Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter
- parchment-lined baking sheet
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter or dairy-free alternative
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg (or flax egg)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup pumpkin butter (for filling)
Instructions
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. In another, cream butter, brown sugar, and molasses. Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla, then gradually fold in the dry mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Roll the dough on a floured surface. Use a pumpkin-shaped cutter to make cookies. For half of the cutouts, carve jack-o’-lantern faces.
- Place a spoonful of pumpkin butter in the center of a solid cookie, then top with a “face” cookie. Seal edges lightly.
- Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool before serving so the filling sets.
Notes
What Are Pumpkin Delight Cookies?
Pumpkin Delight Cookies are soft, pumpkin-flavored sandwich cookies filled with a sweet pumpkin butter or pumpkin jam center. Their signature look often features a jack-o’-lantern face cut into the top cookie, giving them a playful and festive appearance. The texture is tender and cake-like, infused with warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
The most famous version is the Little Debbie Pumpkin Delights, which are released every fall. These individually wrapped treats are beloved for their chewy cookie exterior, spiced filling, and nostalgic design. Over the years, they’ve become a fall tradition, sparking excitement whenever they return to store shelves.
History & Store-Bought Versions
The store-bought Little Debbie Pumpkin Delights have been around for decades, creating a wave of nostalgia for those who grew up enjoying them in lunchboxes. Sold in boxes of eight, each cookie resembles a smiling pumpkin face, filled with spiced pumpkin filling.
These seasonal snacks typically hit shelves in late summer or early fall and are available through Thanksgiving. Because they’re only released once a year, many fans stock up, and they often sell out quickly. You can find them at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Online reviews frequently describe them as the “best Little Debbie snack of all time,” with people praising their unique flavor, texture, and seasonal appeal.
Homemade & Copycat Recipe Overview
While store-bought Pumpkin Delight Cookies are delicious, many home bakers recreate them at home with their own spin. Copycat recipes capture the signature look and flavor while allowing for customizations such as gluten-free or vegan versions.
The homemade version usually features:
- A soft pumpkin-spiced dough made with pumpkin puree, butter (or a vegan substitute), brown sugar, and molasses.
- Classic pumpkin pie spices for that warm, cozy taste.
- A sweet pumpkin butter filling sandwiched between two cookie cutouts.
Homemade cookies allow for creative variations—like drizzling icing, dusting with powdered sugar, or even adding chocolate chips. Plus, baking them at home fills the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice.
Step-by-Step Homemade Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter or dairy-free alternative
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan version)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup pumpkin butter (for filling)
Method
- Prepare the dough: In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. In another, cream butter, brown sugar, and molasses. Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla, then gradually fold in the dry mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Cut shapes: Roll the dough on a floured surface. Use a pumpkin-shaped cutter to make cookies. For half of the cutouts, carve jack-o’-lantern faces.
- Assemble: Place a spoonful of pumpkin butter in the center of a solid cookie, then top with a “face” cookie. Seal edges lightly.
- Bake: Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool & enjoy: Allow cookies to cool before serving so the filling sets.
This recipe makes about 12–15 cookies, depending on size.
Fun Variations & Flavor Ideas
One of the best things about Pumpkin Delight Cookies is how versatile they can be:
- Two-ingredient version: Mix one box of spice cake mix with one can of pumpkin puree. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, bake, and you’ve got quick pumpkin cookies in minutes.
- Gluten-free & vegan: Use gluten-free flour blends, dairy-free butter, and flax or chia eggs. Many bakers find these versions just as tasty as the original.
- Extra indulgence: Add chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle baked cookies with vanilla glaze.
- Decorative flair: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking or dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
These variations allow bakers to tailor the cookies for different dietary needs and creative presentations.
Storage, Shelf Life & Serving Tips
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Serving ideas: Pair with hot apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or a cozy cup of tea for the perfect fall afternoon treat.
FAQs
Are Pumpkin Delight Cookies available year-round?
No, the store-bought Little Debbie version is only released seasonally in the fall.
Can I make them gluten-free or vegan?
Yes! Substitute with gluten-free flour, dairy-free butter, and a flax egg for vegan versions.
What if I don’t have pumpkin butter for the filling?
You can substitute with spiced apple butter, jam, or even a sweetened pumpkin puree.
Why Pumpkin Delight Cookies Are a Fall Staple
Pumpkin Delight Cookies represent everything we love about autumn—warm spices, nostalgic memories, and festive shapes. The combination of chewy, spiced dough with pumpkin filling makes them unlike any other cookie. Whether you grab a box of Little Debbie’s or bake your own, they bring comfort, joy, and a touch of whimsy to the season.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Delight Cookies are more than just cookies—they’re a seasonal tradition. With their playful pumpkin faces, soft texture, and cozy pumpkin spice filling, they’ve earned a permanent place in fall celebrations. From nostalgic store-bought boxes to fun homemade recipes, these cookies delight kids and adults alike. Bake a batch, pour a cup of cider, and let the flavors of autumn fill your home.