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’re soft, pillowy, and oh-so-delicious. The sweet and creamy frosting perfectly complements the warm spices in the cookie, making them a favorite for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, so you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.

These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight treat after dinner or a special dessert to share at gatherings. Trust me; once you try them, they’ll become a regular on your baking list!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of pumpkin and cream cheese, making these cookies a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a fun bake with the kids, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for later. They taste amazing even after a few days!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of pumpkin pie spice and cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible flavor that screams autumn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the simple and wholesome ingredients needed for these delicious pumpkin cookies. You probably have most of them already in your pantry!

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! Here are some fun ideas to customize your pumpkin cookies:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in some chocolate chips if you want a sweet twist!
• Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the dough, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your mixer bowl, beat the unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about three minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which gives your cookies that lovely soft texture.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin Mixture

Add in the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Scraping down the sides ensures everything blends well together for maximum flavor!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your dough soft and slightly sticky.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet—make sure to leave about 2 inches between each one so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes until their edges are set but still soft in the middle. Let them cool on the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

For that dreamy cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth—around 30 seconds should do it! Add vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix just until well combined.

Step 9: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cool, use an offset spatula or knife to spread that luscious frosting on top. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top as the finishing touch!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help ensure your pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth batter and evenly mixed ingredients, leading to fluffier cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined when adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft and pillowy texture we desire.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and makes them easier to scoop.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Since ovens vary, start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. You want them to be set on the edges but still soft in the center.
• Let Them Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allowing your cookies to cool fully prevents the frosting from melting into a gooey mess and helps keep that beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delicious pumpkin cookies are wonderful on their own, but with a few simple additions, you can make them an even more delightful treat for family and friends!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosted cookies adds visual appeal and enhances the fall flavors.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a fun twist, drizzle melted dairy-free chocolate over the frosted cookies to create a beautiful finish that adds richness.

Side Dishes

• Warm Apple Cider: The sweet and spiced notes of apple cider complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully, making it a perfect pairing for your cookies.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside these soft cookies creates a luscious contrast that enhances their flavor.
• Autumn Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like pears, apples, and pomegranate seeds provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Spiced Tea or Coffee: Pairing these delightful treats with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee enhances their comforting flavors while providing a cozy atmosphere.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your homemade pumpkin cookies topped with delicious cream cheese frosting! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment. They stay delicious for days, making them an ideal treat to have on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they will last for about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove from the freezer and let thaw at room temperature.
• If you want to warm them up slightly, use your microwave in short bursts of 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 350° F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that you might find helpful!

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

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The cookies should turn out just as tasty!

How long do Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week in the refrigerator.

Can I use other types of frosting instead of cream cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different frostings like vanilla buttercream or even a simple glaze if you prefer something lighter.

What can I add to my Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting for extra flavor?

Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried cranberries to enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting as much as I do! Their soft texture and rich flavor make them a special treat perfect for sharing with family and friends. So roll up your sleeves and get baking—you’re going to love every bite of these seasonal delights!