Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to celebrate the pumpkin season, you’ve come to the right place! This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is a favorite in my home, and I’m excited to share it with you. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the warm flavors of fall. They’re perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or even as a sweet surprise for your kids’ lunchboxes.

What makes these cookies even more special is their wonderful cream cheese frosting. It adds that extra touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin. Trust me; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these soft pumpkin sugar cookies. They’re perfect for sharing!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a treat for yourself, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can whip up the dough ahead of time and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies.
• Deliciously spiced flavor: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates a cozy taste that screams fall!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe are simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ⅓ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

For the Sugar Coating

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add chocolate chips: Fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
• Include nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and additional flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
• Switch up the spices: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine your softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until creamy! This step is crucial as it introduces air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely light texture.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Egg

Next, add in the pumpkin puree, room temperature egg, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together at low speed until well combined. The pumpkin not only adds moisture but also infuses those delicious fall flavors into your dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. It’s important to blend these dry ingredients separately so they distribute evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture in a few additions. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition—this helps ensure every bite is as tasty as possible! Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This chilling step helps your cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 6: Prepare Sugar Mixture

While your dough chills, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This will be used to roll your cookie balls later on.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Then roll this ball in your sugar-cinnamon mixture before placing it onto lined baking sheets. Leave about an inch of space between each cookie to allow them to spread.

Step 8: Bake

Gently press down on each cookie ball using your palm or a spoon—this helps them flatten slightly during baking. Pop them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until just lightly browned around the edges.

Step 9: Cool Your Cookies

After baking, let your pumpkin sugar cookies cool completely on wire racks before frosting them.

Step 10: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and salt before gradually mixing in powdered sugar until creamy.

Step 11: Frost & Enjoy

Spread that luscious cream cheese frosting generously over each cooled cookie. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon if desired—and there you have it! A batch of warm-hearted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies ready to be enjoyed by all.

And there you have it—a recipe that’s sure to warm hearts and fill kitchens with delightful aromas! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you know some handy tips to make your cookies even better!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother dough and an even texture in your cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps to solidify the fat, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This keeps them soft and fluffy!

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be just lightly golden around the edges. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, while slightly underbaking will keep them soft and chewy.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding a pinch of allspice or cloves can enhance the pumpkin flavor and provide a warm, cozy aroma.

• Store Properly: To maintain their softness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These pumpkin sugar cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some fun ideas.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of Cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting adds a beautiful touch and enhances the flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans can provide a lovely crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Warm Apple Cider: This classic fall beverage pairs wonderfully with pumpkin cookies, bringing out their cozy flavors.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices in these cookies and creates a delightful contrast in temperatures.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies while adding a burst of color to your dessert spread.
• Hot Chocolate: Especially during chilly days, serving these cookies alongside a mug of rich hot chocolate makes for an inviting treat that everyone will love.

Enjoy these scrumptious Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with friends and family this season; they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough in advance or store the baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• For optimal freshness, consume within 5-7 days.
• If you prefer a chilled treat, store them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen! Just ensure they are completely cooled and stored in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper.

Reheating

• If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you as you prepare this delightful recipe!

Can I make the Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, and then add it to your mixture.

How should I store my Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

What makes these pumpkin sugar cookies soft?

The combination of pumpkin puree and butter creates moisture within the cookies, keeping them soft and tender even after baking.

Can I use other spices instead of cinnamon and nutmeg in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just delicious; they bring warmth and joy during the pumpkin season. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them yourself, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking, and may every bite be filled with love and sweetness!