Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Picture this: soft, pillowy cookies topped with creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

I absolutely love making these pumpkin cookies during the autumn months when pumpkin-flavored treats are in full swing. The warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor make them irresistible. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-friendly: Kids adore these cookies! They’re soft, sweet, and fun to decorate.
• Perfect for sharing: With 30 cookies in one batch, they’re great for parties, potlucks, or just sharing with friends and neighbors.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can bake these cookies in advance and freeze them. Just frost them when you’re ready to enjoy!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create these delightful pumpkin cookies! You probably have most of them already in your pantry.

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)
• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty variations you might enjoy:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Mix in chocolate chips: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich twist on your classic cookie.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor even more.
• Use alternative frosting: If cream cheese isn’t your thing, try a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk instead!

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. While waiting for the oven to heat up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout your flour mixture.

Step 3: Cream the 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 incorporates air into your mixture giving those cookies their fluffy texture. Then add in the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently add the flour mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix! The dough will be sticky and soft—that’s exactly what we want for those tender cookies.

Step 5: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread as they bake.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Soft

Bake your cookies at 350° F for about 13 to 15 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. After baking, let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make Your Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth—this takes about 30 seconds. Then add in vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix again until well combined.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, use an off-set spatula or knife to frost each cookie generously with that delicious cream cheese frosting. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for an extra touch before serving!

And there you have it! These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking these delightful pumpkin cookies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure your treats turn out perfectly!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter, egg, and cream cheese to come to room temperature helps them blend smoothly, resulting in a lighter texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents your cookies from becoming tough. A soft dough leads to those pillowy cookies we all love!

• Chill the dough if necessary: If you find your dough too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and shape while maintaining that perfect cookie consistency.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since these cookies are soft, they can be tricky to tell when they’re done. Look for edges that are set but the centers should appear slightly underdone; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

• Be generous with the frosting: Cream cheese frosting is decadent and delicious! A generous layer not only enhances flavor but also adds an appealing look to each cookie.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies are great on their own, but with a little extra flair, they can be transformed into a show-stopping dessert! Here are some fun ways to serve them.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosted cookies adds warmth and enhances their fall flavor.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted dairy-free chocolate over the cookies gives them an irresistible touch of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Chai tea: The spices in chai complement the pumpkin flavors beautifully, making it a cozy pairing for these cookies.
• Apple cider: A warm mug of apple cider brings out the autumn essence and balances the sweetness of your cookies perfectly.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that everyone will adore!
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like pears and apples provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pumpkin flavors.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to bake up a storm! Enjoy every bite of your homemade pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting!

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can bake them ahead of time and store or freeze for later enjoyment. They maintain their delightful texture and flavor, making them a great treat for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, where they can last about a week.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, simply microwave one cookie for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350° F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious pumpkin cookies!

Can I make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

How do I store Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store your pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. To freeze, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container.

What can I use instead of pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can create a mix using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in equal parts.

Can I add chocolate chips to Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can provide a delicious twist. Simply fold in about one cup of semisweet or dark chocolate chips into the dough before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting! They embody the warmth and comfort of fall flavors while being wonderfully soft and sweet. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon treat or sharing them at gatherings, they are sure to impress. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and delicious aromas!