Jack-O'-Lantern Sandwich Cookies

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg and beat until combined. Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, beating just until incorporated. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap, and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
3. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Working with one disc at a time on a floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out cookies using a pumpkin-shaped cutter and place them on the prepared sheets. Gather and reroll scraps to cut more cookies. Freeze the cookies for 15 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Using a paring knife, cut jack-o'-lantern faces into half of the cookies. If the dough becomes too soft, freeze again to firm up before baking to help them keep their shape.
5. Bake until the cookies are set, 8 to 10 minutes. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets.
6. Meanwhile, make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the vanilla and a pinch of salt, and mix to combine.
7. Flip the cookies without faces over and spread a layer of frosting on each. Top with a cookie that has a face cut out, pressing gently to sandwich.