Vanilla Bean Pumpkin Thumbprint Cookies

If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving dessert that goes beyond the usual pie lineup but still brings all the cozy, feel-good seasonal flavors, these Pumpkin Spice Thumbprint Cookies are exactly what you need.

Think of them as a cross between a classic thumbprint cookie and a mini pumpkin pie: soft, warmly spiced, and finished with a creamy, custard-like vanilla center. They're familiar and festive, but with a fun, bite-sized twist.

The base starts with our Amoretti® Natural Pumpkin Spice Artisan Flavor. Instead of relying on canned pumpkin or heavy spice blends, this adds a clean, concentrated pumpkin pie flavor that’s both warm and bright. Real pumpkin and a balanced blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove give the cookies that unmistakable Thanksgiving comfort, without making the dough dense or overly sweet. It’s the easiest way to build that cozy, pumpkin-pie-fresh-from-the-oven aroma right into the cookie itself.

Each thumbprint is finished with a silky vanilla bean glaze made with our Amoretti® Vanilla Bean Paste, bringing a creamy richness reminiscent of a dollop of fresh vanilla bean whipped cream on top of your holiday pie. Since the paste uses the whole vanilla bean  (specks and all) you get deep, aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice.

Pumpkin Spice Thumbprint Cookies with Vanilla Bean
Glaze

Yields: 12-15 cookies
Prep Time: 20 min | Bake Time: 10–12 min | Total Time: ~35 min

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  
• 1 egg yolk
  
• 2 tablespoons Amoretti® Natural Pumpkin Spice Artisan Flavor
  
• 1 teaspoon Amoretti® Vanilla Bean Paste
  
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 

For the Vanilla Bean Glaze:

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  
• 1 1/2 tablespoons milk (more as needed for consistency)
  
• 1 teaspoon Amoretti® Vanilla Bean Paste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3mins).
   
3. Beat in the egg yolk, Pumpkin Spice Syrup, and vanilla extract (or extra vanilla paste).
   
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cinnamon.
   
5. Add dry ingredients to the wet and mix until a soft dough forms.
   
6. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place 1–2 inches apart.
   
7. Gently press your thumb (or the back of a spoon) into the center of each to make an
   indent.
   
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.
   
9. Remove and let cool completely on a rack.
   
10. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and Amoretti Vanilla Bean Paste until
    smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk in 1 tsp at a time.
    
11. Once cookies are fully cool, spoon or pipe the glaze into the thumbprint centers.
    
12. Let set for 15–20 minutes at room temperature until the glaze firms up.
    
13. Sprinkle with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg before the glaze sets.
14. Enjoy!