Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! They are soft, pillowy, and melt in your mouth with each bite. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped up a batch for family gatherings or simply to enjoy during a quiet afternoon at home. The warm spices and creamy frosting make them feel like a warm hug on a plate.

These cookies are perfect for all kinds of occasions—whether it’s a busy weeknight dessert or a sweet surprise for friends. Trust me; once you try these cookies, they will become a staple in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute baking!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents loves these soft pumpkin cookies. They’re sure to be a hit!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready.
• Perfect for Sharing: With about 30 cookies from one batch, there’s plenty to share (or keep all to yourself!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! No fancy items here—just good old pantry staples that come together beautifully.

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 (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! Feel free to get creative with your cookies.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Swap the Frosting: Try using a maple glaze instead of cream cheese frosting for a twist.
• Make Them Spicy: Add more pumpkin pie spice or even a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick!
• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dark chocolate chips before baking for a delightful surprise.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy!

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This step is important because it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer bowl or using a hand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter along with granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about three minutes. This process adds air into the mixture, which helps create soft cookies. Then add in the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla; mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add that flour mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it! The dough will be slightly sticky; that’s exactly what you want!

Step 5: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, drop 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 the Cookies

Pop those delicious dollops into your preheated oven! Bake them for about 13 to 15 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. After baking, let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While those heavenly cookies cool down, beat together softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth—about thirty seconds. Then mix in vanilla and sifted confectioners’ sugar until well blended.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cool, use an off-set spatula or knife to frost each one generously with that creamy frosting. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle on some cinnamon before serving!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! They’re sure to bring warmth and joy wherever you share them. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, egg, and cream cheese to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, creating a consistent texture in your dough and frosting.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. Aim for a soft, sticky dough that will bake into pillowy cookies.

• Adjust baking time for your oven: Ovens can vary in temperature accuracy, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be set at the edges but still soft in the center when pulled out.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the cookies to cool fully prevents the frosting from melting off. This way, you’ll have beautifully frosted cookies that look as good as they taste!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cookie dough for an extra flavor boost. These spices complement pumpkin beautifully and add depth to your cookies.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Presenting these pumpkin cookies can make them even more enticing! Here are some fun ideas to serve them up.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosted cookies adds an aromatic touch and enhances the visual appeal.
• Chopped nuts: Consider garnishing with finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the softness of the cookie.
• Candied pumpkin seeds: Sprinkling some candied pumpkin seeds on top gives an added layer of sweetness and a seasonal flair.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: This warm beverage pairs perfectly with pumpkin flavors, making it an ideal companion for your cookies during chilly fall evenings.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside your warm cookie creates a delightful contrast and makes for a comforting dessert experience.
• Caramel dip: Serve a small dish of caramel sauce on the side for dipping. The rich sweetness complements the spiced pumpkin beautifully!
• Hot chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate is always a hit during cooler months, and it balances well with the flavors of pumpkin spice.

Now that you have all these serving suggestions and pro tips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy every bite of these delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent treat to enjoy throughout the week or to share with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once frozen.
• For frosted cookies, freeze them on a baking sheet until the frosting is firm before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350° F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about these delightful treats!

Can I make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime!

What makes these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting so soft?

The combination of pumpkin puree and butter creates a moist and tender texture in these cookies. Plus, they bake quickly, which helps retain their softness!

Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting?

Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use plant-based cream cheese alternatives that have a similar consistency.

How do I know when my pumpkin cookies are done baking?

The edges of the cookies should be set while the centers remain soft. A light golden color around the edges indicates they are ready to come out of the oven.

What other spices can I add to my Pumpkin Cookies?

Feel free to experiment! Adding nutmeg or ginger can enhance the flavor profile and give your cookies an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you find joy in making these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting! Their soft texture and delightful flavors are sure to bring smiles all around. Whether you’re enjoying them as a cozy dessert or sharing with loved ones, these treats are bound to make any day feel special. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and sweetness!