Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that embodies the cozy vibes of fall, look no further than these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. They are not only soft and pillowy but also bursting with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice. This recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With their irresistible cream cheese frosting, these cookies are sure to make everyone smile!

I love how easy they are to whip up, making them an ideal choice when you need something sweet without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up that can of pumpkin puree sitting in your pantry!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults alike—everyone will want to come back for seconds.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake a batch during the weekend and enjoy fresh cookies throughout the week!
• Deliciously Soft: Each bite is soft and tender, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday parties to casual get-togethers, these cookies fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s gather everything we need to make these scrumptious Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!

• 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)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize these pumpkin cookies to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for an extra crunch.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give them a unique twist.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg and use plant-based butter and cream cheese.
• Change Up the Frosting: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden color. While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This step is important as it evenly distributes all those wonderful dry ingredients, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of your 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 three minutes. This creaming process incorporates air into the butter, making your cookies light as air!

Step 4: Add Pumpkin Mixture

Next, add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed! Now it’s time to incorporate our dry ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your flour mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—a sign that they’ll be wonderfully chewy once baked.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about two inches apart; they will spread out while baking.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake the cookies at 350° F for about 13 to 15 minutes or until their edges are set but they remain soft in the center. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—this helps them retain their fluffiness!

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies cool down completely, let’s whip up that dreamy cream cheese frosting! Beat together softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth—about thirty seconds will do. Then add vanilla extract along with sifted confectioners’ sugar. Mix until combined for another thirty seconds—easy peasy!

Step 9: Frost Your Cookies

Once cooled, use an offset spatula or knife to frost each cookie generously with that luscious cream cheese frosting. If you’d like an extra touch of warmth, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure your cookies come out perfect every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring that your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature helps them mix more smoothly, resulting in a better texture for your cookies and frosting.

• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until combined keeps the cookies soft and pillowy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so take care not to overdo it!

• Measure flour accurately – Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing too much flour, which can make the cookies dense.

• Cool the cookies completely before frosting – Allowing the cookies to cool fully ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt into a gooey mess. This way, you achieve a lovely presentation with beautifully frosted cookies.

• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for a personalized touch! This enhances the flavor profile and makes them unique to your taste.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Presenting your delicious pumpkin cookies can be just as enjoyable as baking them! Here are some creative ideas on how to serve them that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon – A light dusting of cinnamon adds warmth and visual appeal, enhancing the overall flavor experience of your pumpkin cookies.

• Chopped nuts – Finely chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top can add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor that complements the soft cookie texture.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider – The sweet and spicy notes of warm apple cider make it a perfect companion for these pumpkin cookies, enhancing the fall flavors in each bite.

• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside brings together contrasting temperatures—warm cookie meets cold ice cream—for a delightful treat.

• Spiced chai tea – The aromatic spices in chai tea pair beautifully with pumpkin flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying these cookies during cooler months.

• Fresh fruit salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness to your dessert table while complementing the richness of the pumpkin cookies perfectly.

These serving suggestions will take your pumpkin cookie experience to another level, making them not just treats but delightful moments to share! Enjoy baking and savoring every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them to enjoy later, making them a delightful treat that’s easy to grab on busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If frosted, keep them refrigerated for up to a week to preserve the cream cheese frosting’s freshness.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the un-frosted cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before frosting them.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 5 minutes until they are just warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. This will give you that delicious pumpkin flavor!

How do I make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

You can bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer. Just ensure it has a similar texture so your frosting turns out creamy and smooth.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should be set, and the center will look soft but not wet. They will continue to firm up as they cool!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up these delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting! They’re not only easy to make but also bring a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy sharing these delightful treats with family and friends—I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you!