Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are just what you need! They’re not only easy to whip up, but they also bring a warm, cozy flavor that makes them perfect for everything from family gatherings to busy weeknights. The combination of pumpkin and creamy frosting creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe is special to me because it combines simple ingredients with a bit of love and care. Plus, the cookies are soft and fluffy, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves these soft pumpkin cookies, making them great for gatherings or school events.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for when sweet cravings strike.
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices combined with cream cheese frosting create an irresistible treat.
• Perfect for Fall: Embrace the flavors of the season with these delightful cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to make your pumpkin cookies shine. Gather these items before we start baking:

For the Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (305 g) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces (1 brick or 226 g) block-style cream cheese (softened but still cool)
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (210 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise!
• Nuts for Crunch: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delicious crunch.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize the flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if desired.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. This step is crucial as it ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This mix creates a flavorful base that gives your cookies their delightful taste.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy—about three minutes. This step adds air into the mixture, which helps achieve that soft cookie texture. Next, add in the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Carefully add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it! The dough will be slightly sticky; that’s exactly what you want for those perfect fluffy cookies.

Step 5: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about two inches apart so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Soft

Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 13 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are set while ensuring the centers remain soft and fluffy. After baking, let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth—this should take about 30 seconds. Then add in your vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar until fully combined. This frosting is creamy and adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out those warm spices.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, use an offset spatula or knife to generously frost each one. A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds an extra touch!

And there you have it—delicious Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting ready to enjoy! Whether you’re sharing them at home or keeping them all for yourself (I won’t tell!), these treats are sure to delight!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making the perfect pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve cookie perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter, egg, and cream cheese to reach room temperature will create a smoother batter and ensure an even mix. This helps the cookies rise beautifully and results in a soft texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies rather than soft and pillowy ones.

• Chill the dough if necessary: If your kitchen is warm or if you find your dough is too sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes can make it easier to scoop and shape. This step helps prevent spreading during baking.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since these cookies are soft, they may look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground pumpkin pie spice can enhance the flavor of your cookies immensely. If possible, grind your spices just before using them for maximum aroma and taste!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies not only taste fantastic but also look inviting! Here are some fun ways to present this delightful treat at your next gathering or cozy night in.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosted cookies adds warmth and enhances visual appeal.
• Chopped nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and contrast in texture against the soft cookie.
• Mini chocolate chips: For a sweet twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting before it sets.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider complement pumpkin flavors perfectly, making it an ideal beverage pairing for your cookies.
• Creamy vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside warm pumpkin cookies creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and tastes.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies with its natural tartness.
• Coffee or chai tea: Both beverages provide a cozy touch that pairs beautifully with dessert, enhancing the overall experience of enjoying these delightful cookies.

Enjoy your baking adventure with these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting! They are sure to impress friends and family alike while bringing warmth to any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making them a convenient treat for busy days or festive gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• For the frosting, store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about a week.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• If they’re frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature before reheating.

FAQs

Have questions about making these delicious pumpkin cookies? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use unsweetened applesauce.

How do I get my Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting fluffy?

Ensure you measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Also, remember not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients; this keeps them light and fluffy.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just ensure it’s properly cooked and pureed until smooth before adding it to the dough.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting as much as I do! They are soft, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or treating yourself at home, these cookies surely bring warmth and joy. Happy baking!