Name: Cookie Dough Pumpkins
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups heat-treated all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp milk or cream; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips (optional); Orange food coloring (gel or liquid); Pretzel sticks, chocolate chips, or green candy (for stems and leaves)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookie dough pumpkins are completely safe to eat (no eggs or raw flour!), and they look as cute as they taste delicious. The pumpkin shape adds a festive touch to dessert platters, and the recipe is simple enough for kids to help with. Plus, they’re customizable with different flavors, coatings, and decorations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Heat-treated all-purpose flour
Unsalted butter (softened)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk or cream
Salt
Mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips (optional)
Orange food coloring (gel or liquid)
Pretzel sticks, chocolate chips, or green candy (for stems and leaves)

Directions

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and milk. Mix until combined.
Gradually stir in the heat-treated flour until the dough forms a smooth consistency.
Fold in mini chocolate chips if desired.
Add a few drops of orange food coloring and mix until the dough is evenly colored.
Scoop and roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
Use a toothpick, knife, or skewer to create ridges around the sides to mimic a pumpkin shape.
Press a small piece of pretzel stick or a chocolate chip into the top as the pumpkin “stem.”
Optional: Use a green candy or icing to add a leaf.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 cookie dough pumpkins.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Pumpkin Spice Flavor: Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the dough for extra seasonal flavor.
Chocolate Dough: Use cocoa powder to create chocolate cookie dough pumpkins.
Dipped Version: Dip the pumpkins in melted chocolate or candy coating for a firm shell.
Stuffed: Add a caramel or nut butter center for a fun surprise.
Mini Version: Make tiny pumpkins for a poppable party platter treat.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookie dough pumpkins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
These treats are best served chilled and do not require reheating.

FAQs

Is it safe to eat raw cookie dough?

Yes, this recipe uses heat-treated flour and contains no eggs, making it completely safe to eat.

How do I heat-treat flour?

Spread flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave in a bowl for 1 minute 15 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds.

Can I use store-bought edible cookie dough?

Yes, but you may need to knead in food coloring and reshape it into pumpkins.

What’s the best food coloring to use?

Gel food coloring works best for vibrant orange without altering the texture of the dough.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Definitely! Shaping, decorating, and adding stems make this a fun hands-on activity for kids.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, they store well in the fridge and can be made 1–2 days in advance.

What can I use instead of pretzel sticks?

Chocolate chips, licorice bits, or small pieces of Tootsie Rolls make great alternatives.

Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely. Mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or crushed nuts work well.

Are these good for parties?

Yes! They’re bite-sized, festive, and easy to serve, making them perfect for fall or Halloween parties.

Can I freeze these?

Yes, freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion

Cookie Dough Pumpkins are the ultimate no-bake fall treat—sweet, soft, and irresistibly cute. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they’re perfect for everything from school parties to holiday dessert tables. Make a batch, get creative with your decorations, and enjoy a festive bite of edible cookie dough magic.