Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are just what you need! They are soft, pillowy, and incredibly flavorful, making them perfect for any occasion—be it busy weeknights or family gatherings. Every bite melts in your mouth, and the delightful cream cheese frosting adds a touch of sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly. Trust me, once you make these cookies, they’ll become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, these cookies can be whipped up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the soft texture and sweet flavor—perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week; they stay fresh for days.
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices combined with creamy frosting create an irresistible taste that screams comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make our delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting. You might already have many of these staples in your kitchen!

For the Pumpkin 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 (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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to add a delightful crunch to your cookies.
• Spiced Up Version: Increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice for an even more aromatic cookie.
• Frosting Alternatives: Try using a maple frosting instead of cream cheese for a different twist!

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy. While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so that your cookies won’t stick.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This step is crucial as it ensures that all those lovely spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Beat Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about three minutes. This process adds air into the mixture, creating tender cookies. Next, mix in the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla until everything is combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now it’s time to add your dry ingredients to the wet ones! Gently mix them together just until combined. Don’t overmix; we want our dough to remain soft and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about two inches apart; they will spread slightly while baking!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies at 350° F for 13 to 15 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just right!

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies cool down, let’s whip up that heavenly cream cheese frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth—about 30 seconds. Then add vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix again until well combined.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, use an offset spatula or knife to generously frost each cookie with that luscious cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired for an extra touch!

Enjoy every delightful bite of these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! They’re sure to warm hearts as much as they do taste buds!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking can be a delightful journey, especially when you have some handy tips to ensure your pumpkin cookies turn out perfect every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing butter, eggs, and cream cheese to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother dough and frosting.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies soft and tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies that lose that delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality.

• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too sticky or warm, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and helps maintain the cookie shape while baking.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since ovens vary, start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time. Look for lightly golden edges; they should still look soft in the center, as they’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to your pumpkin cookies for an extra layer of flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds warmth and enhances the cozy flavors of the cookies.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Adding a few crushed nuts on top provides a lovely crunch and a hint of nuttiness that pairs well with pumpkin.
• Orange zest: A sprinkle of fresh orange zest adds brightness and a refreshing citrus note that cuts through the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider complement the flavors in pumpkin cookies perfectly, making this an inviting pairing for fall gatherings.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast against the soft texture of these cookies—perfect for those who love a sweet treat!
• Spiced chai tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea resonate beautifully with pumpkin, making it an ideal drink choice that enhances your dessert experience.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cookies, creating a well-rounded dessert table.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, get ready to impress your friends and family with your delicious homemade pumpkin cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy their delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the cookies cool completely before storing.
• Place cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool fully before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to an airtight freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) and warm cookies for 5-10 minutes until soft.
• Enjoy warm or frost after reheating if desired!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious pumpkin cookies!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree for the Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. Drain excess moisture for the best texture.

How should I store Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting?

Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer a non-dairy option.

How long do these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting last?

When stored properly, they will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting as I do! Their soft texture combined with creamy frosting makes them a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to share these sweet delights with friends and family. Happy baking!