Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall and want a dessert that feels like a warm hug, then these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are exactly what you need. Soft, tender pumpkin-spiced cookies topped lovingly with silky, tangy cream cheese frosting create a perfect balance of sweet and spice. Every bite bursts with autumn magic, making it a delightful treat for any occasion or just because you deserve a little seasonal joy in your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and exactly what you need to create that irresistible texture and flavor. Each one plays its role: from the warm spices that bring autumn to your palate, to the cream cheese frosting that adds a luscious finish.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, giving structure without heaviness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic pumpkin to create a tender crumb.
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: This signature blend delivers autumn’s cozy essence perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances the spices.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and moistness to the cookie base.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Introduces a subtle molasses note and moisture for softness.
• 1 ¼ cups canned pumpkin puree: Gives the cookies their classic pumpkin flavor and tender texture.
• 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds everything together and helps create that perfect chew.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened but still cool: Essential for that tangy, creamy frosting that complements the spice.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool: Creates a smooth, velvety frosting base.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the frosting’s richness.
• 1 ¾ cups sifted confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting to spreadable perfection.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is crucial for consistent flavor and texture in every cookie.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. This step is key for creating that fluffy cookie base, so don’t rush it — the sugar crystals help aerate the butter, giving you a light, tender cookie crumb.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Next, mix in the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth. The pumpkin adds not just flavor but delightful moisture, which will keep your cookies soft for days.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will turn soft and slightly sticky — don’t overmix here, as that can lead to tougher cookies.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Drop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 13 to 15 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the sifted confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is luscious and spreadable. This frosting is the perfect partner to your pumpkin cookies, balancing sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.

Step 7: Frost the Cookies

Finally, once your cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each one using an offset spatula. This finishing touch elevates the cookies, making them look as inviting as they taste.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg atop the frosting just before serving. You can also add chopped toasted pecans for crunch or a drizzle of caramel sauce if you want to indulge a bit more.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or rich coffee, as the warmth of the drink complements the spices in the cookie. A glass of cold milk is also a classic, especially if you serve these to kids or anyone who loves a nostalgic treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting on a decorative platter, garnished with small pumpkin-shaped candies or autumn leaves for a festive look. For a party, stack them in a tiered dessert stand for eye-catching appeal. You could even sandwich frosting between two cookies to make pumpkin cookie sandwiches — utterly irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for a midweek treat.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and then frost as usual. Alternatively, freeze frosted cookies on a parchment-lined tray and then wrap individually in plastic wrap before storing in a freezer container.

Reheating

For a warm bite, allow the cookies to come to room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds. This softens both cookie and frosting, bringing out those pumpkin spice aromas beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can roast and puree fresh pumpkin at home, but make sure it’s well drained so your dough doesn’t get too wet. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and consistent in moisture and texture, so many prefer sticking with it.

Is it necessary to use pumpkin pie spice, or can I use individual spices?

You can absolutely blend your own spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Pumpkin pie spice is just a handy shortcut, but making your own mix lets you customize the warmth and intensity perfectly.

How soft are these pumpkin cookies supposed to be?

This recipe yields soft, fluffy cookies with slightly crisp edges. They’re tender without being cakey, offering a delightful, chewy bite that’s full of fall flavor.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting vegan, substitute dairy butter with vegan margarine and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg. Use a vegan cream cheese for the frosting. The texture and flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can deepen the flavors and make the dough easier to handle, so it’s a great step if you want to plan ahead.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magically comforting about Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that makes them worth making again and again. Whether you bake them for the holidays or to brighten an ordinary day, they never fail to put a smile on your face. So go ahead, get baking, and treat yourself to a delicious taste of autumn — you won’t regret it!

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