Thanksgiving Cookies With Pumpkin Pie Filling And Fall Shortbread Base

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Celebrate the flavors of fall with these delightful Thanksgiving cookies featuring a creamy pumpkin pie filling nestled between a buttery shortbread base. Perfectly spiced and irresistibly sweet, these treats are sure to bring joy to your holiday gatherings and make for a festive addition to your dessert table. Kids will love helping to decorate these delicious cookies, making them a fun family activity to share during the Thanksgiving season.

Ruby Lawson

Created by

Ruby Lawson

Last updated on 2025-11-26T06:19:18.344Z

Bring the joy of Thanksgiving to your kitchen with these scrumptious cookies filled with pumpkin pie goodness. Perfect for holiday gatherings and family fun!

Taste the Autumn Spirit

These Thanksgiving cookies encapsulate the essence of fall with their delightful combination of flavors. The creamy pumpkin pie filling, rich with spices, harmonizes perfectly with the buttery shortbread base. Each bite serves as a delicious reminder of cozy gatherings, warm kitchens, and the changing leaves of the season. It’s a treat that will appeal to everyone, from kids to adults, making them an ideal addition to any Thanksgiving celebration.

In addition to their incredible taste, these cookies are visually appealing. The vibrant orange of the pumpkin filling against the golden-brown shortbread creates a festive look that's sure to delight. Whether presented on a holiday dessert table or packed as a sweet treat for guests, these cookies are as attractive as they are delicious. It’s a perfect blend of aesthetics and flavor, setting them apart from typical holiday desserts.

Perfect for Family Fun

Baking these cookies isn’t just about the end results; it’s an experience that can be enjoyed together. Involving the whole family in the baking process can make for treasured memories. Kids can help with mixing ingredients, rolling out dough, and, of course, decorating the finished cookies with icing and sprinkles. This recipe provides the perfect opportunity to teach children not just about cooking, but also about the joy of sharing treats during special occasions.

Celebrating Thanksgiving with these cookies also opens the door for family traditions to form. Each year, you can gather around the kitchen, re-visiting this fun activity. Over time, you can even experiment with variations, such as using different spices or trying various types of fillings. The memories created through baking will last much longer than the cookies themselves!

Versatility and Storage

One of the best aspects of these Thanksgiving cookies is their versatility. While they are indeed perfect for Thanksgiving, they can also be enjoyed year-round. You can adjust the spices to suit any season or event, making them a go-to recipe in your collection. Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to surprise your family with new flavors. The possibilities are endless, keeping your baking routine exciting and fresh.

Storing these cookies is easy and convenient, ensuring they remain a sweet treat for days after baking. Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them even longer, consider freezing them. Simply layer the cut cookies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can always have a taste of Thanksgiving at your fingertips, no matter the season!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you begin!

Shortbread Base

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Pumpkin Pie Filling

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Ensure everything is measured before proceeding with the recipe!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for best results.

Prepare the Shortbread Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add the flour, and mix until a dough forms. Press the dough into a greased baking dish, covering the bottom evenly.

Make the Pumpkin Pie Filling

In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, egg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk until well mixed and smooth. Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the shortbread base.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges of the shortbread start to turn golden. Allow to cool completely.

Cut and Decorate

Once cooled, cut into squares or desired shapes. Decorate as desired with icing or sprinkles. Enjoy!

Your cookies are now ready to be served or shared with loved ones!

Extra Tips for Success

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, measure your ingredients accurately. Spoon and level flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag to avoid packing, which can lead to dry cookies. Also, make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as the texture of the dough depends on it. Following these small yet essential tips can make a world of difference in your baking experience.

When preparing the pumpkin pie filling, whisk it thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. This step is crucial for achieving that smooth, creamy flavor that complements the shortbread base beautifully. If desired, adjust the spices according to your taste preference for extra warmth or a spicier kick!

Pairing Suggestions

While these cookies are delightful on their own, they pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. Consider serving them alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea or pumpkin latte to enhance the autumn flavors. The combination of sweet and spiced notes creates a comforting experience, perfect for chilly evenings spent with family.

Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies can elevate them to a whole new dessert level. Delighting in the warm cookie with a cold scoop of ice cream will satisfy any sweet cravings and bring a delightful contrast to every bite.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works well, but ensure it’s not too watery.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Thanksgiving Cookies With Pumpkin Pie Filling And Fall Shortbread Base

Celebrate the flavors of fall with these delightful Thanksgiving cookies featuring a creamy pumpkin pie filling nestled between a buttery shortbread base. Perfectly spiced and irresistibly sweet, these treats are sure to bring joy to your holiday gatherings and make for a festive addition to your dessert table. Kids will love helping to decorate these delicious cookies, making them a fun family activity to share during the Thanksgiving season.

Prep Time30.0
Cooking Duration15.0
Overall Time45.0

Created by: Ruby Lawson

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 24.0

What You'll Need

Shortbread Base

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt

Pumpkin Pie Filling

  1. 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  2. 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  3. 1 large egg
  4. 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  5. 1/4 teaspoon salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add the flour, and mix until a dough forms. Press the dough into a greased baking dish, covering the bottom evenly.

Step 02

In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, egg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk until well mixed and smooth. Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the shortbread base.

Step 03

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges of the shortbread start to turn golden. Allow to cool completely.

Step 04

Once cooled, cut into squares or desired shapes. Decorate as desired with icing or sprinkles. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 1g