Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a standard size muffin tin with cupcake liners. Set aside.

In a medium bowl mix together the cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir to combine. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cookie crumbs into each cupcake liner. Using a small cup, press the crumbs evenly into the bottom. Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment mix the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Add in the vanilla, egg, and pumpkin pie spice and mix for 1 more minute until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Turn the mixer to low and mix in the pumpkin until evenly mixed.

Pour the batter evenly on top of the baked crusts, filling the cups almost to the top. Bake for 11 – 13 minutes, until the cheesecakes are almost set, but slightly jiggly in the center.

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cheesecakes to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Then transfer the cheesecakes to the wire rack to cool completely. Transfer cheesecake to a platter, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until chilled.

Top with whipped cream, if desired.