Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their soft, pillowy texture and rich flavor make them a standout dessert for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as a sweet snack at home. The creamy frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence, ensuring each bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, these cookies are easy to make, inviting bakers of all skill levels to enjoy the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese frosting creates a rich and comforting taste that everyone loves.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in just over half an hour.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a festive holiday celebration, these cookies are sure to impress guests.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies come out soft and pillowy, making them irresistible right out of the oven.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as dessert or with coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop (or spoon)
• Offset spatula (for frosting)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These make it easy to achieve the perfect creamy texture for your cookie dough and frosting.
• Parchment paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring they come out perfectly every time.
• Cookie scoop: Helps you achieve uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking results.

Ingredients

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting melt in your mouth with each bite. They are easy to make and pillowy soft!

For the Pumpkin 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 (1 brick or 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)

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a mixing bowl. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer:
1. Beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients:
Mix just until combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but soft.

Step 5: Scoop Out Cookie Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon:
Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Space each cookie about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven at 350° F for about 13 to 15 minutes:
The edges should be set while keeping the centers soft and fluffy.
Allow cooling on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In another bowl:
1. Beat together cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth (about 30 seconds).
2. Add vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix again just until combined (about another 30 seconds).

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once cooled:
Use an offset spatula or knife to frost each cookie generously.
Sprinkle cinnamon on top for added flavor before serving.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your cookie experience.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the flavors of pumpkin perfectly. The spices in the cookies will enhance your beverage’s taste.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delightful dessert that melts in your mouth.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a platter alongside other fall-themed treats, like apple pie or pecan bars, for an inviting presentation at gatherings.

Garnish with Sprinkles

• Add colorful sprinkles on top of the cream cheese frosting for a festive touch, perfect for celebrations or holiday events.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making perfect pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out beautifully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help reduce stickiness and make it easier to scoop.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. This helps achieve perfectly baked cookies.
• Frost When Cooled: Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

When serving pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, consider these tasty side dishes that pair well together. They add variety and balance to your dessert table.

1. Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai complement the pumpkin flavor, making it a cozy pairing.
2. Spiced Apple Cider: Hot apple cider enhances fall flavors, creating a comforting drink alongside your cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: Include cheeses like goat cheese or brie for a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your cookies or serve it as a dip for an indulgent treat.
5. Mixed Nuts: A bowl of spiced mixed nuts provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft pumpkin cookies.
6. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the frosting, making it refreshing.
7. Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: Enhance the autumn vibe by serving this sweet drink alongside your cookies for chocolate lovers.
8. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a healthy option that pairs well with sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be a simple and enjoyable process, but there are common pitfalls that you should watch out for.

• Boldly measure ingredients: Always measure your flour and other dry ingredients accurately. Too much flour can make your cookies dense instead of soft and fluffy.
• Avoid overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than the desired pillowy texture.
• Mind the temperature: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a creamy mixture that incorporates air for lighter cookies.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be soft in the center; overbaking can result in dry cookies.
• Don’t skip the cooling time: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze cookies without frosting for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for best results.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

You can use fresh pumpkin, but ensure it is well-cooked and pureed smoothly to match the consistency of canned pumpkin puree.

How do I make my pumpkin cookies more flavorful?

Adding extra spices like nutmeg or ginger can enhance flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You may use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as alternatives if you’re looking for a different flavor or lower fat option.

How long do these pumpkin cookies stay fresh?

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting last about 5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup as an alternative.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or additional spices. Whether for fall festivities or just because you crave something sweet, give this recipe a try!

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Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Soft, pillowy, and perfectly spiced, these cookies are a delightful addition to any gathering or simply as an afternoon treat. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both comforting and satisfying. Ideal for holiday celebrations or cozy nights at home, this recipe invites bakers of all skill levels to create delicious memories. Plus, they come together in just over half an hour!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 (1 brick or 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy; mix in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until edges are set; cool on a wire rack.
6. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; add sugar and vanilla until combined.
7. Frost cooled cookies generously.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg