Pumpkin Cookie Dough Balls are perfect for busy families who want adorable Halloween treats without any baking required. These no-bake pumpkin treats come together in just 10 minutes and look absolutely festive on any Halloween party table or fall gathering.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it really is, but the kids get so excited about rolling the cookie dough and creating those perfect pumpkin ridges. Plus, since there’s no baking involved, it’s the perfect last-minute treat when you need something cute for school parties or trick-or-treat night. You will want to make sure you use cookie do
Ingredients & Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookie dough pumpkins:
- Safe to eat cookie dough
- Orange sanding sugar
- Pretzel sticks
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen:
- Baking sheet or platter
- Plastic gloves
- Toothpick
Step By Step Directions
This recipe makes 12 servings. It takes 10 minutes of prep time and 0 minutes of cook time.
Step 1. Using gloved hands, roll each cookie dough piece into balls.
Step 2. Use a toothpick and press into the balls in 4-6 areas to create the “pumpkin” ridges.
Step 3. Roll some of the pumpkins in sanding sugar for extra sparkle.
Step 4. Break the pretzels in half and stick half in the center of each pumpkin to create the stem.
Step 5. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Variations
- Try using different colored sanding sugar like green or gold for variety
- Use mini chocolate chips instead of sanding sugar for a different texture
- Make them into Halloween truffles by dipping in melted orange chocolate
- Create pumpkin cookie balls by mixing in pumpkin spice to the cookie dough
- Use candy corn pieces as stems instead of pretzels for extra Halloween fun
- Roll some in crushed graham crackers for a different coating option
Leftovers & Storage
Store your cookie dough pumpkins covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These pumpkin no bake balls actually taste better after sitting for a few hours because the flavors have time to set. Just make sure to keep them covered so they don’t dry out or pick up any refrigerator odors.
Tips & Tricks
- Use gloves to prevent the cookie dough from sticking to your hands and warming up too much.
- Don’t press too deep with the toothpick or the pumpkin might crack.
- Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before rolling if it’s too soft to work with.
- Make the pumpkin ridges before rolling in sanding sugar for the best coverage.
- Break pretzels right before using so they stay fresh and crispy.
- Work quickly since cookie dough can get soft at room temperature.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use homemade cookie dough instead?
Yes, but make sure it’s an egg-free recipe that’s safe to eat raw or use a specifically designed edible cookie dough recipe.
What if I can’t find orange sanding sugar?
You can make your own by mixing regular granulated sugar with a few drops of orange food coloring or skip it entirely for plain pumpkin truffles.
How far ahead can I make these?
These cookie dough balls can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze these pumpkin treats?
Yes! Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month and thaw quickly at room temperature.
What other toppings can I use?
Try mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even crushed cookies for different textures and flavors.
Do these need to stay cold?
They’re best served chilled, but they can sit at room temperature for about an hour during parties before they start to get too soft.
More Easy Halloween Recipes
- Ghost Cinnamon Rolls
- Halloween Bark
- Nutter Butter Mummies
- Halloween Oreos
- Halloween Snack Mix
- Halloween Pinwheel Cookies
- Frankenstein Cakes
- Easy Mummy Cake Pops
- Halloween Worms in Dirt
- Pumpkin Fluff Dip
- Witches Hat Cookies
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