As the air turns crisp and the leaves change color, Trader Joe’s brings back one of its beloved seasonal treats—Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies. These bite-sized shortbread cookies are coated in a sweet pumpkin spice-flavored yogurt icing and adorned with festive sprinkles, capturing the essence of fall in every bite. But how do they stack up in terms of flavor, texture, and overall value?
What Are Trader Joe’s Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies?
Trader Joe’s Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a seasonal variation of their popular Pinks and Whites, featuring the same shortbread base but with a fall-inspired twist. Shaped like mini pumpkins, these cookies are covered in a pumpkin spice-flavored yogurt coating and sprinkled with colorful nonpareils. They are perfect for those who love pumpkin spice but prefer a treat that’s not overly sweet or overwhelming in flavor.
Taste and Texture
The taste of these cookies is a delightful balance of warm pumpkin spice and buttery shortbread. The yogurt coating adds a layer of sweetness, but it’s not overly sugary, making the cookies enjoyable without being too rich. The pumpkin spice flavor is subtle, with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, offering a cozy, familiar taste that’s perfect for the season.
Texture-wise, the shortbread base is crisp and slightly crumbly, providing a satisfying bite. The yogurt coating is smooth and creamy, complementing the crunch of the nonpareils. Overall, these cookies offer a pleasant contrast in textures, making them an enjoyable snack or dessert.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
Ingredients:
- Primary Ingredients: Enriched flour, sugar, palm oil, yogurt powder, pumpkin powder.
- Flavor Enhancers: Spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice), vanilla extract, and natural flavors.
- Coloring and Toppings: Nonpareils (sugar, cornstarch, carnauba wax) and natural coloring agents.
Nutritional Information (per 4 cookies):
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are a sweet treat, so they do contain a moderate amount of sugar and fat. However, they’re also a satisfying snack when enjoyed in moderation.
How to Enjoy Trader Joe’s Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of them:
- On Their Own:
Enjoy these cookies straight out of the box as a snack or dessert. Their perfect balance of spice and sweetness makes them a delightful treat any time of day. - With Coffee or Tea:
Pair the cookies with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea. The warm spices in the cookies complement the flavors of these beverages, making for a cozy fall pairing. - As a Dessert Topping:
Crumble the cookies over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pumpkin-flavored frozen yogurt for a crunchy, flavorful topping. - On a Dessert Platter:
Include these cookies on a fall-themed dessert platter along with other seasonal treats like caramel apples, pumpkin pie, or spiced nuts. - In Lunchboxes:
Pack a few of these cookies in lunchboxes for a sweet, seasonal surprise. They’re just the right size for a small treat that won’t overload on sugar.
Pairing Suggestions
Beverage Pairings:
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Double down on the pumpkin spice flavor by enjoying these cookies with a PSL.
- Hot Chocolate: The creamy sweetness of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the spices in the cookies.
- Apple Cider: For a non-coffee option, try pairing the cookies with a warm cup of apple cider, which complements the spice blend perfectly.
Food Pairings:
- Pumpkin Pie: Serve the cookies alongside a slice of pumpkin pie for a dessert that’s both decadent and playful.
- Cheese Plate: Surprisingly, these cookies can also be a fun addition to a cheese plate. Their sweetness contrasts nicely with sharp cheddar or creamy Brie.
For $2.99 you are getting a box of tasty seasonal pumpkin-shaped (and flavored) cookies. If you can't get enough of the season, then yes, this is worth a try. If you like the Pinks and Whites then this might be a nice choice to reach for.
FAQs About Trader Joe’s Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
No, these cookies contain wheat and are not suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
Once opened, the cookies should remain fresh for about 7-10 days if stored in an airtight container.
Yes, you can freeze these cookies to extend their shelf life. Just make sure they’re stored in a freezer-safe, airtight container.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a delightful seasonal treat that embodies the flavors of fall. With their subtle spice, perfect sweetness, and satisfying texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any autumn gathering or simply enjoyed with a cozy beverage. While they’re only available for a limited time, they’re definitely worth picking up when you see them on the shelves. Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or even as a topping for your favorite desserts. These are a fun purchase every year, but if you aren't a fan of the coating, then these are ok to pass too. The box is reasonably priced as well making it a decent value compared to grocery store snacks.
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Trader Joe's Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Product Name: Trader Joe's Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Product Description: Trader Joe's Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies are Fall seasonal cookies.
Price: $2.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a returning cookie with a subtle hint of pumpkin spice.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Festive Flavor: Captures the essence of fall with subtle pumpkin spice flavors.
- Great Texture: The balance of crisp shortbread, smooth coating, and crunchy sprinkles creates an enjoyable eating experience.
- Perfect Size: These bite-sized cookies are great for snacking or sharing.
Cons
- Seasonal Availability: Only available during the fall, so you’ll need to stock up if you love them.
- Moderate Sugar Content: So best enjoyed in moderation.
judilyn says
These look good . . . and I looked at the macarons from last September - they also look yummy! It is a very good thing I live so far away from Trader Joe's !!!
Virtual hugs,
Judie