Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, then you absolutely must try this Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are not just any ordinary sweets; they are soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a busy weeknight dessert, these cookies will bring smiles to both kids and adults alike.

The best part? They’re super easy to whip up! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself enjoying the baking process as much as eating the cookies themselves. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of pumpkin and spice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy bakers.
• Family-friendly: Kids love these cookies! They are soft and sweet, making them a hit with everyone.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a truly irresistible flavor profile that screams fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delicious cookies. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

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: Stir in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra sweet touch.
• Include nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch to your cookies.
• Try different spices: Experiment with cardamom or cloves for unique flavor twists.
• Make them mini: Use a smaller scoop for bite-sized cookies that are perfect for sharing.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly right from the start.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat them until creamy—this step is important as it helps incorporate air into the batter, giving your cookies their lovely texture.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Egg

Now, add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together at a low speed until it’s well combined. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor, making these cookies irresistibly soft!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. This mix of dry ingredients will give your cookies that classic pumpkin spice flavor we all love!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture in several additions. After each addition, beat on low speed while scraping down the sides of the bowl. This ensures everything is mixed thoroughly. Once combined, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps improve the cookie’s texture.

Step 6: Prepare Sugar Mixture

While waiting for the dough to chill, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This will be used to coat your cookie dough balls before baking.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Then roll each ball in your sugar-cinnamon mixture for an extra touch of sweetness!

Step 8: Bake

Place your coated dough balls on baking sheets lined with parchment paper—leaving about an inch between each cookie is crucial so they have room to spread while baking. Press them down gently with either your palm or a spoon before popping them into the oven.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until just slightly browned around the edges. Once done, let them cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Step 10: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While cooling down those delightful cookies, prepare your cream cheese frosting by beating together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until creamy.

Step 11: Frost Your Cookies

Once cooled completely, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some additional cinnamon over each frosted cookie!

Enjoy every bite of these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies—they’re sure to become a new favorite in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baking is all about joy and experimentation, so here are some pro tips to ensure your pumpkin sugar cookies turn out perfectly!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter and cream cheese blend smoothly, creating a light and fluffy texture in your cookies and frosting.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes not only makes it easier to handle but also enhances the flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are slightly browned. They will continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in a soft, chewy center.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking! Adding a pinch of cloves or allspice can introduce a delightful warmth that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

• Frosting variations: While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, you can also try a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for a lighter topping if you prefer.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These soft pumpkin sugar cookies are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing! Here are some fun ideas on how to present them for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting adds an aromatic touch and enhances the warm flavors.
• Chopped nuts: Crushed pecans or walnuts can provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie texture.
• Edible flowers: For special occasions, consider adding edible flowers as a garnish to give your cookies an elegant presentation.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: This seasonal beverage pairs perfectly with pumpkin cookies, offering sweet, spiced notes that enhance their flavor.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside warm cookies creates a delightful contrast that everyone will love.
• Caramel dip: A small bowl of caramel sauce for dipping can take your cookies to another level by adding richness and sweetness.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes provides a light balance to the sweet treat.

Enjoy sharing these scrumptious soft pumpkin sugar cookies with friends and family during this cozy season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze the unbaked cookie dough by scooping it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze the baked cookies. Just place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and they will last for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen baked cookies, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries you might have about this delightful recipe.

What is the focus keyphrase of this recipe?

The focus keyphrase is Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe. This ensures that anyone searching for delicious pumpkin-themed treats will find your cookies!

Can I use other types of flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! You can substitute with gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly from the original recipe.

How do I make these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives.

Can I add chocolate chips to the Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition. Just fold in about a cup before chilling your dough!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies as much as I do! They are not only a wonderful treat during pumpkin season but also a great way to share joy with family and friends. Whip up a batch, indulge your taste buds, and savor every fluffy bite. Happy baking!