Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! Perfectly soft and bursting with pumpkin flavor, these cookies are a family favorite that never fails to bring smiles. Whether you’re baking for a cozy evening with loved ones or a festive gathering, they are sure to be a hit!
What makes these cookies special is not just their melt-in-your-mouth texture but also how simple they are to whip up. You’ll find that they require easy-to-find ingredients and minimal effort, making them ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: These cookies come together in just a few simple steps, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet pumpkin flavor and creamy frosting!
- Make-ahead bliss: Bake them in advance and frost them just before serving for a fresh taste.
- Versatile treat: Enjoy them as dessert or as an afternoon snack with your favorite hot drink.
- Festive flair: The warm spices and creamy frosting make these cookies an excellent choice for fall celebrations.
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
- 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)
- 1/4 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, allowing you to easily customize your cookies. Here are some fun ideas:
- Add chocolate chips: Stir in some mini chocolate chips into the dough for an extra sweet surprise!
- Try different spices: Swap out the pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.
- Mix in nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch to each bite.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the egg with flaxseed meal and use plant-based butter and cream cheese.
How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect fluffy texture. Don’t forget to line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Doing this step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour, which is crucial for fluffy cookies.
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 on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful rise!
Step 4: Add Pumpkin Mixture
Next, add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Scraping down the sides of your bowl ensures that no ingredients are left behind!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; overmixing can result in tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—just what we want!
Step 6: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet
Using a medium cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread while baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop those beauties in the oven! Bake at 350° F for about 13-15 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and pillowy. Afterward, let them cool on the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies cool down, it’s time to whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting! Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth—the key here is not overmixing after adding confectioners’ sugar.
Step 9: Frost Your Cookies
Once cooled completely, use an off-set spatula or knife to generously frost each cookie. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon if desired for an added touch of warmth.
And there you have it! A batch of delightful Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that will surely brighten any day! Enjoy sharing them with family or savoring them all on your own—either way is perfectly fine!
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Creating the perfect pumpkin cookies is all about technique and a little love! Here are some handy tips to ensure your cookies turn out deliciously every time.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter, egg, and cream cheese to come to room temperature ensures they mix together smoothly, creating a light and fluffy texture in your cookies.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until the ingredients are combined helps keep these cookies soft and tender. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies—nobody wants that!
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Chill the dough if necessary: If you find your dough too sticky to handle, chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can make scooping easier and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
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Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. You want them to be set around the edges but still soft in the center.
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Experiment with spices: While pumpkin pie spice is delightful, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an extra layer of flavor. This can really enhance the autumn vibes of your cookies!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only scrumptious but also visually appealing. Present them beautifully to impress your family and friends!
Garnishes
- Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting adds warmth and visual appeal.
- Chopped nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans provide a lovely crunch that contrasts with the soft cookie texture.
- Mini chocolate chips: For a sweet twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting before it sets.
Side Dishes
- Hot cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider complements the flavors of these pumpkin cookies perfectly, making it an ideal fall pairing.
- Vanilla ice cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. The creamy ice cream balances nicely with the soft cookie.
- Autumn salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and feta cheese provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese platter: An assortment of cheeses paired with fruit adds sophistication and variety. Choose softer cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant touch.
By following these tips and presenting your pumpkin cookies thoughtfully, you’ll create an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for sharing this delectable treat! Enjoy every bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance, ensuring you have a delicious treat ready when those cravings hit.
Storing Leftovers
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer them chilled, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week.
- To keep the frosting fresh, it’s best to store it separately and frost just before serving.
Freezing
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
- Place unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- For a warm treat, place thawed cookies in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Got questions? Here are some common ones about pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting!
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree for pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, just cook it down until soft, then puree it. Make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid overly wet dough.
How long do pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting last?
When stored properly, these delightful cookies stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container!
Can I make these pumpkin cookies without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or applesauce (1/4 cup) as an alternative binding agent.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making these delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting! They’re not just treats; they’re bites of warmth that remind us of cozy fall days. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself, I know you’ll love every mouthful. Happy baking!
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Cookies topped with creamy frosting. Soft, tender, and bursting with pumpkin goodness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. With their easy-to-follow recipe, you can whip up a batch that will surely impress family and friends alike. The warm spices combined with the luscious cream cheese frosting create a treat that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead dessert to savor throughout the week!
Ingredients
- 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
- 8 ounces (226 g) block-style cream cheese (softened but still cool)
- 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups (210 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In another bowl, beat room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined; do not overmix.
- Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool before frosting with cream cheese mixture (butter, cream cheese, vanilla, confectioners’ sugar).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
