These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth with each bite. Perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies bring together the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice. The creamy frosting adds a rich touch that elevates this dessert, making it suitable for any occasion. Easy to prepare and irresistibly soft, these pumpkin cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip up these delicious cookies.
- Deliciously Soft: The texture is pillowy soft, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert or a sweet snack throughout the day.
- Perfectly Spiced: The addition of pumpkin pie spice brings out the warm flavors of fall.
- Frosting Delight: The cream cheese frosting enhances the cookie’s flavor and adds a creamy finish.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful pumpkin cookies, you will need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium cookie scoop or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help achieve a light and fluffy texture when mixing butter and sugars.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for baking cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Ingredients
To make these delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, gather the following ingredients:
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 (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 to ensure easy removal of the cookies once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Pumpkin pie spice
Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Prepare Cookie Dough
In the bowl of your stand mixer:
1. Beat together unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.
2. Add canned pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
3. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; the dough should be sticky and soft.
Step 4: Scoop and Bake Cookies
Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon:
1. Place heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are set but cookies remain soft.
3. Allow cooling on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
In your stand mixer:
1. Beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter on medium-high speed until smooth—about 30 seconds.
2. Add vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix again until just combined—approximately another 30 seconds.
Step 6: Frosting Your Cookies
Once cooled:
1. Use an off-set spatula or knife to frost each cookie generously with cream cheese frosting.
2. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice on top before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! They are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a perfect addition to your dessert table or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. The spices in the cookies complement the rich flavors of both beverages perfectly.
Dessert Buffet
- Add these cookies to your next dessert buffet. Their vibrant color and creamy frosting will attract attention and delight guests of all ages.
Gift Them
- Package a dozen cookies in a decorative box or tin to share with friends and family. A homemade gift always brings warmth and joy!
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two pumpkin cookies for an indulgent treat. This combination creates a deliciously creamy bite!
Fall-Themed Parties
- Serve these cookies at fall-themed gatherings. Their seasonal flavor makes them an ideal choice for Halloween parties or Thanksgiving celebrations.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
To achieve the ultimate pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, follow these helpful tips for perfect results every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and fluffy. Overmixing can cause them to become dense.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky, chill it for about 30 minutes before scooping. This will help shape perfect cookie rounds.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
- Check for Doneness Early: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove the cookies when they are just set around the edges for soft centers.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves along with pumpkin pie spice to enhance flavor depth.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
When serving pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, consider pairing them with delightful side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some suggestions:
- Spiced Chai Latte: This warm drink combines milk and spiced tea, enhancing the cozy flavors of the pumpkin cookies.
- Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy nuts provide a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor alongside your soft cookies.
- Apple Cider: A chilled glass of apple cider adds refreshing acidity that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin treats.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over your pumpkin cookies for added decadence when serving.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can lighten up dessert time while adding vibrant colors to your table setting.
- Pumpkin Spice Granola: Sprinkle some granola on top of your frosted cookie for additional crunch and flavor infusion during snack time.
- Cheese Platter: Offer mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside your cookies for an unexpected savory twist.
- Vanilla Yogurt: Serve alongside vanilla yogurt as a dip for an easy yet elegant addition that enhances each bite!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement. Packing flour can lead to dry cookies.
- Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and fluffy cookies.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix only until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of soft pumpkin delights.
- Not cooling cookies properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart.
- Using warm cream cheese for frosting: Make sure the cream cheese is softened but cool. Warm cream cheese won’t achieve the desired creamy texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Freeze cookies individually by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until just warm.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting that you might find helpful.
How do I make pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting?
To make pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, follow the recipe instructions carefully, ensuring all ingredients are measured correctly and mixed well.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! You can use homemade pumpkin puree from roasted pumpkins. Just ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
How should I store my pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting?
Store your cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
What can I substitute for white sugar?
You may substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or another sweetener of your choice while keeping sweetness levels similar.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your pumpkin cookies by adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the dough before baking.
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be customized by adding various spices or mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Try this recipe for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the warmth of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Each cookie is soft, pillowy, and infused with the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Topped with creamy, smooth frosting, these cookies melt in your mouth and are ideal for cozy gatherings or as an afternoon snack. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they will quickly become a favorite in your household.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
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 (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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice; set aside.
- Using a stand mixer, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy. Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; dough should be sticky.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool on the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth; add vanilla and sifted confectioners’ sugar until combined.
- Once cookies are cooled, frost generously and sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. Dough can be chilled if too sticky before scooping. Customize by incorporating nuts or chocolate chips into the dough.