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Soft and chewy pumpkin molasses cookies filled with tangy cream cheese frosting make for the best Pumpkin Molasses Sandwich Cookies.
Well, friends, here we are in the home stretch before Thanksgiving and I’m still coming at ya with pumpkin recipes.
I’m a little behind in my Thanksgiving prep this year due to vacation, but I’ve got a solid week ahead of me to make it all happen.
Luckily, I remembered to order my turkey last week when someone mentioned a Turkey Buzzard on the beach.
Today I’m sharing an oldie but goodie for Pumpkin Molasses Sandwich Cookies.
This recipe has been on my blog for years, but it definitely needed a refresh.
I know so many people think pumpkin recipes shouldn’t stretch beyond Thanksgiving, but I am here to tell you that these Pumpkin Molasses Sandwich Cookies are pretty perfect any time of the year – but especially perfect for the holiday season.
Because they’re rolled in sugar, they have a little glisten to them which will make them a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie tray!
SOFT AND CHEWY PUMPKIN MOLASSES COOKIES
These cookies were inspired by a trip to Target years ago.
I know, I know. I practically live at Target. My Target obsession is as well documented as my obsession with cheesecake and pumpkin recipes.
So how could I possibly remember one specific Target trip?
Because that’s when I discovered a box of pumpkin cheesecake sandwich cookies.
Pumpkin! Cheesecake! Together, in Target!
Fate, I tell ya.
Anyway, I did resist putting the box of store-bought cookies in my cart that day. But I came home and immediately worked on making my own – probably better – version.
I knew they had to have a cream cheese filling, of course. But for the cookies, I decided on pumpkin molasses cookies.
These cookies are soft and on the chewier side, with a rich flavor from the molasses. They are also rolled in sugar before baking, so they get a little bit of texture on the outside.
The cookies are the perfect contrast to the creamy, tangy filling.
If cream cheese frosting isn’t your thing, you could fill these with homemade buttercream frosting instead, but I’ll stick with the cream cheese version, thank you very much.
(Psst! Want to make these but forgot to set out your butter and cream cheese? Learn how to soften butter and how to soften cream cheese quickly with my simple tutorials.)
MORE OF MY FAVORITE SANDWICH COOKIE RECIPES
These Pumpkin Molasses Sandwich Cookies are one of my favorite sandwich cookie recipes, but there are many others I enjoy as well!
After all, sandwich cookies give you an excuse to eat two cookies and call it one serving.
My Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies are one of the most popular recipes on my site for a reason. These are a classic!
I also have a soft spot for Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies and Chocolate Cherry Sandwich Cookies.
It’s hard to beat a classic Raspberry Linzer Cookie, and Espresso and Cream Sandwich Cookies are a coffee lover’s dream.
But for now, I’ll enjoy one more Pumpkin Molasses Sandwich Cookie while eating pumpkin is still socially acceptable.
Pumpkin Molasses Sandwich Cookies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tablespoon homemade pumpkin pie spice
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup molasses
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup granulated sugar for rolling
For the filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3 ½ cups confectioners' sugar sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Cookies
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Working with a stand mixer, preferably fitted with a paddle attachment, or a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree and beat for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the egg and beat for 1 minute more.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients, mixing until the flour and spices disappear. If flour remains in the bottom of the bowl, mix the last of the dry ingredients by hand to avoid over beating. You will have a very soft dough.
- Divide the dough in half and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The dough is sticky, so the longer time it can chill the easier it is to work with.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Put the sugar in a small bowl. Working with one packet of dough at a time, divide it into 24 pieces (or use a small cookie scoop), and roll each piece into a ball. Roll the balls in the sugar, then place dough balls on prepared cookie sheets and use a the bottom of a glass to ever-so-gently press down on the cookies. Do not over crowd.
- Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for 7-9 minutes, or until the top feels set to the touch. Remove baking sheets from the oven. Let cookies cool 5 minutes on the sheets before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Repeat with second batch of dough.
For the Filling
- In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, combine cream cheese and confectioners' sugar. Mix on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, increase speed to medium-high and mix for about one minute. Add in vanilla and continue mixing on low speed until vanilla in fully incorporated.
- To assemble the cookies, pipe or spread the filling on the bottom of one cookie. Top with another cookie and press together gently to create a sandwich cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These have been a staple in our Thanksgivings for over a decade, ever since we found this recipe. Our 30 person crew thanks you so much for making our dessert something to really look foward to! Many friends have adopted this one over time based on trying them here. We don’t change a thing from the recipe.
Hello-
So happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving y our feedback. Have a great day and happy baking!
-Jamie
Made these slightly larger to get about 30 cookies total. They’re really a delicious cookie! Got rave reviews at the holiday party I took them to. Not crisp but not overly moist like some pumpkin cookies can be. The filling I used was my own and it worked great with these: 2 sticks butter, 1 7oz. jar marshmallow fluff, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1 C. powdered sugar & a splash of vanilla (or maple flavoring).
Thanks for sharing a delicious recipe!
So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Carissa. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your feedback.
-Jamie
try these cookies
Love this recipe! Will be linking back to this in my upcoming post :)
Wow! These are beautiful… so simple, yet elegant. I will be sure to add these to my pumpkin repertoire. It reminds me of a version I made myself. Please check them out along with other pumpkin treats! Please enjoy!
Pumpkin Cream Softies
http://ballerinabakes.com/portfolio/cream-filled-pumpkin-softies/
Pumpkin Patch fudge brownies
http://ballerinabakes.com/recipes-ballerina-bakes-the-best-baking-recipe-blog-how-to/
Pumpkin Rice Krispy Treats
http://ballerinabakes.com/recipes-ballerina-bakes-the-best-baking-recipe-blog-how-to/
What kind of molasses do you use? I saw two different kinds at whole foods, but I wasn’t sure if you used a specific kind.
I just made these over the weekend. These.Are.HEAVEN!!! I had to take one and quickly wrap up the rest and put them in the Mr’s car for his co-workers as I could NOT be trusted. YUM!!!