01 -
Grab a small bowl and blend cream cheese, sugar, pumpkin purée, pumpkin spice, and vanilla together until it all becomes smooth.
02 -
Spoon out 1-teaspoon-sized portions onto a plate or tray lined with parchment. Pop into the freezer and let them firm up for at least half an hour.
03 -
Take a large bowl and beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy and light.
04 -
Throw in the egg and vanilla, mixing everything thoroughly until combined.
05 -
In a new bowl, stir together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and the optional pumpkin spice if you're using it.
06 -
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones until you've got a soft, workable dough.
07 -
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment to stop sticking.
08 -
Scoop 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough, flatten it, and place a frozen filling in the middle. Wrap the dough around the filling and pinch shut.
09 -
In a small dish, mix together sugar and pumpkin spice. Roll each cookie ball in this coating before baking.
10 -
Space the cookies out—about 2 inches apart—on your prepared tray. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden.
11 -
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a bit, then place them on a cooling rack to cool off completely.