Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you are looking for an irresistibly soft and flavorful treat that captures the essence of autumn, this Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. Warm spices, rich pumpkin puree, and a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting come together to create cookies that melt in your mouth while offering that cozy fall vibe. Whether you want to serve them at a gathering or just enjoy a sweet moment alone, these pumpkin cookies promise comfort and delight in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

As simple as the ingredients are, each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and that inviting fall color in this Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. From the warmth of pumpkin pie spice to the creamy richness of cream cheese, let’s break down what you need.

• Unsalted butter (¾ cup): Creaming this with sugar helps create a tender, moist cookie base with a subtle buttery flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the perfect cookie structure.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel undertone, enhancing that fall flavor.
• Pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star ingredient adding moistness, vibrant orange color, and a natural sweetness, just make sure to use puree, not pie filling.
• Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and aroma to the cookie dough and frosting alike.
• All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Reacts with acidic ingredients for lift and texture.
• Pumpkin pie spice (1 tablespoon): Adds that comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves essential for autumnal flavor.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces): The base for the frosting, providing creamy tanginess that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
• Butter for frosting (¼ cup): Adds richness and smoothness to the cream cheese frosting.
• Powdered sugar (2½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
• Vanilla extract for frosting (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a subtle floral sweetness.
• Kosher salt for frosting (⅛ teaspoon): Enhances the frosting’s flavor without overpowering.
• Ground cinnamon (optional): A light dusting finishes the cookies with an inviting aroma and a pretty touch.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workspace

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Getting this step right ensures an even bake and easy handling later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into your dough, which will help make those cookies tender and perfectly textured.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The pumpkin puree not only adds moisture but also infuses that gorgeous fall color and rich flavor that makes this recipe so special.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This dry mixture brings structure and spiced warmth to the cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—you want tender cookies, not tough ones. This careful mixing is what keeps your cookies soft and chewy.

Step 6: Portion the Dough

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving at least one inch of space between each cookie because they will spread just slightly. This sizing makes sure you get plenty of soft, pumpkin-y bites from each cookie.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 11 to 13 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but centers are soft. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting—this cool-down is important so the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt using your hand mixer until you get a smooth, luscious frosting. This frosting brings that creamy, tangy sweetness that’s the perfect complement to the spiced pumpkin cookies.

Step 9: Frost the Cookies

Once your cookies are cool, spread a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting on top of each. The frosting should be firm yet creamy, making each bite dreamy and rich.

Step 10: Add the Finishing Touch

Optionally, sift a light dusting of ground cinnamon over the frosted cookies. This adds a lovely aroma and visual appeal that makes the cookies truly stand out.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the cookies and creamy frosting. A dash of cinnamon or a small drizzle of caramel sauce can also add extra layers of fall flavor that make these cookies even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot mug of spiced chai tea or a creamy latte. For a cozy gathering, serve them alongside a bowl of warm apple cider or a splash of cold milk to keep that nostalgic, homey feeling alive.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging these cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of nuts and fresh autumn fruits like sliced apples or figs for a beautiful, seasonal dessert spread. You can also sandwich the frosting between two cookies to create mini pumpkin cookie sandwiches—perfect for bite-sized indulgence at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen over time. If you want to keep the cookies soft, bring them to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw and frost as usual. The cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead and frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months—just thaw and rewhip before spreading.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies fresh again, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This melts the frosting slightly and makes the cookie tender and irresistible, just like they were fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree because pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Can I make my own?

Absolutely! Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves or allspice to create your own blend. This will give you fresh and customizable spice flavor in your Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

How should I store these cookies if I’m not frosting them right away?

Keep unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage until you’re ready to frost and enjoy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for better texture and be cautious to not overmix.

Is this recipe suitable for making mini cupcakes as an alternative?

The batter works beautifully for mini cupcakes too! Just adjust baking times down to around 9–10 minutes and frost once cooled for a delightful twist on this Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together the best of fall flavors in a soft, frosted treat that’s easy to share and even easier to love. Whether for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you won’t regret the warm smiles and happy bellies that follow!

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