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! Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy cookie that’s bursting with warm pumpkin flavors and topped with creamy frosting. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or simply craving something sweet after dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss!

These cookies are more than just delicious; they also have a way of bringing people together. Picture the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they savor each bite of these scrumptious treats. Trust me, once you try these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll want to make them over and over again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These will be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them whenever you’re ready.
• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of pumpkin spice and creamy frosting creates a heavenly flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these delightful cookies, you’ll only need simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather everything before you start baking for a smooth experience!

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise!
• Nuts for Crunch: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Spice It Up: If you love spices, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough.
• Cream Cheese Swirls: Instead of frosting, swirl softened cream cheese into the cookie dough before baking for a fun twist.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This is important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so that your cookies don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour so your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of your 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. This should take about three minutes. The fluffy texture helps create soft cookies by incorporating air into the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until well combined. Scraping down the sides ensures everything is blended perfectly.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined; it’s okay if there are some small lumps as overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about two inches apart as they will spread slightly while baking. Bake them for about 13-15 minutes until their edges are set but still soft in the center.

Step 7: Cool Your Cookies

Let your freshly baked cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up so they won’t break apart when frosting.

Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies cool down, prepare the cream cheese frosting! Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth—about 30 seconds will do. Then mix in vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar until everything is well combined.

Step 9: Frost Away!

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

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them solo, each bite will remind you of cozy autumn days filled with warmth and sweetness. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking is all about the little details, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect batch of pumpkin cookies!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, egg, and cream cheese to room temperature ensures a smoother batter and better texture in your cookies and frosting.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, pillowy ones.

• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too sticky to scoop, chilling it for about 30 minutes can make it easier to handle and helps create a better shape while baking.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens vary, so start checking your cookies at 13 minutes. They should look set but still soft in the center; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

• Frost after cooling completely: To prevent the frosting from melting into your cookies, make sure they are completely cooled before spreading on that delicious cream cheese frosting.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own, but with a touch of creativity in presentation, they can be a showstopper at any gathering!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds warmth and color, enhancing both flavor and aesthetics.
• Chopped nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled atop each cookie gives a delightful crunch and complements the soft texture beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Spiced chai tea: This warm beverage pairs perfectly with pumpkin flavors, enhancing the cozy feel of your dessert.
• Apple cider: Whether served hot or cold, apple cider brings a refreshing yet autumnal taste that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the soft pumpkin cookies—perfect for those who love a sweet treat!
• Fruit salad: A simple mix of seasonal fruits like apples and pears adds brightness and freshness alongside your rich pumpkin cookies.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to wow your family and friends with these delectable pumpkin cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can bake them ahead of time and have a delicious treat ready whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• If you prefer, you can also freeze the unfrosted cookies and add the cream cheese frosting after thawing.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a slightly crispy texture, warm them in the oven at 350° F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! If you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast it and blend it into a puree. Just make sure it’s well-drained so your cookies don’t turn out too wet.

How should I frost my Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Use an offset spatula or a knife to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over cooled cookies. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a nice touch!

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels overly sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help make it easier to scoop and shape.

Can I make these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting! They’re not just tasty; they bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Enjoy making them for yourself or sharing them with friends and family. Happy baking!