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 are soft, pillowy, and filled with warm spices that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. I love making these cookies during family gatherings or cozy weekends at home. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or indulging with a warm cup of tea on a chilly evening.

What makes this recipe even more special is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, the creamy frosting adds an irresistible touch that takes these cookies to the next level!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The prep time is only 10 minutes, so you can have fresh cookies in no time!
• Family Favorite: These cookies are sure to please everyone, from kids to grown-ups.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special celebration, these cookies fit right in.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them later!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese makes every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these scrumptious pumpkin cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 versatile, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch to your cookies.
• Spice it Up: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different extracts like almond or maple in your frosting.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect soft texture.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Cream 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 until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful softness. Then add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix! The dough should be sticky and soft—this will give you those melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes until the edges are set but they remain soft in the center.

Step 6: Cool Your Cookies

Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly without losing their fluffiness.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth—about 30 seconds will do! Add in vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix just until combined for that creamy texture we all love.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cool, use an off-set spatula or knife to frost them generously with your cream cheese frosting. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some extra cinnamon for that beautiful finish!

Now you have delicious Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting ready to enjoy! They’re sure to become one of your go-to recipes this season!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the fluffiest, tastiest pumpkin cookies possible!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother batter and creamier frosting.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps the cookies tender and soft. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies, so be gentle!

• Chill your dough if needed: If your dough feels too sticky to scoop, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough and makes it easier to work with.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since every oven varies, keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking. They should have set edges while remaining soft in the center.

• Make ahead for convenience: These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies (frosted or unfrosted) to enjoy later.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Presentation is key when serving these delectable pumpkin cookies! Here are some ideas to make them truly shine.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of your frosted cookies adds a warm touch and hints at the flavors within.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top give a lovely crunch and complement the softness of the cookie perfectly.
• Chocolate drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle some melted dairy-free dark chocolate over the frosted cookies for added richness.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: This warm beverage perfectly complements the flavors of pumpkin and spices in your cookies, creating a cozy pairing that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
• Vanilla coconut ice cream: A scoop of this creamy dessert enhances the sweetness of the pumpkin cookies and provides a lovely contrast in temperature.
• Spiced chai tea: The warming spices in chai tea harmonize beautifully with your pumpkin cookies, making it an excellent choice for an afternoon treat.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cookies, creating a delightful plate.

Now that you’re equipped with tips for success and ways to present these scrumptious treats, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy every bite of these delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, arrange cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these scrumptious pumpkin cookies!

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

These pumpkin cookies are pillowy soft and packed with flavor from the pumpkin puree and spices. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the warm spices, making each bite irresistible.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which could affect the cookie texture.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are done baking?

The cookies should have set edges but remain soft in the center. A light golden color around the edges indicates that they’re ready. Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to these cookies?

Yes! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or chocolate chips into the dough before baking. This adds extra texture and flavor to your delightful treats.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them a fantastic treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging by yourself, these soft and flavorful cookies are sure to bring comfort and joy. Happy baking!