Pumpkin Filled Cookies aka Pumpkindoodles

Make the cookie dough: Cream together the butter, vanilla and powdered sugar. Add the flour and salt. Mix until blended. The dough will be stiff. Set aside.

Make the filling: Cream together the cream cheese, pumpkin, 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Set aside.

Make the sugar mixture: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.

Roll the cookie dough into balls about the size of a walnut (1″ to 1-1/4″), flatten slightly. Roll the dough in the sugar mixture and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Make a well in the center of the cookie dough and fill with pumpkin filling (spoon it or pipe it into the well).

Bake at 375°F for 11-13 minutes or until lightly golden on edges of the cookie. Cool completely. Makes about 36 cookies.