Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to celebrate pumpkin season, you’ve come to the right place! This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is not just any cookie; it’s a warm hug in dessert form. With their soft texture and rich pumpkin flavor, these cookies are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Kids and adults alike will find it hard to resist the sweet aroma filling your kitchen as they bake.

These cookies are special to me because they remind me of cozy autumn afternoons spent with loved ones. Imagine gathering around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying these delicious treats together—what could be better?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for even the busiest schedules.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the soft texture and delightful flavor, making them a hit at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake when you’re ready!
• Irresistibly Delicious: The blend of spices and pumpkin makes each bite a flavorful experience that captures the essence of fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that this Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need for this tasty treat!

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ⅓ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

For Rolling:

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

Variations

This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist that everyone loves.
• Make Them Spicy: Increase the amount of ginger and cinnamon for an extra kick.
• Swap the Frosting: Try a simple glaze instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter option.
• Decorate with Nuts: Add chopped nuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and gives them that lovely golden color we all crave.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until creamy. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the mixture, creating a light texture.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin Puree and Egg

Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is combined at a low speed. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor, making these cookies irresistible!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Combining dry ingredients separately helps ensure an even distribution throughout your cookie dough.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Beat after each addition on low speed while scraping down the sides of the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes—this helps chill the dough so your cookies hold their shape when baking.

Step 6: Prepare Sugar Mixture for Rolling

While your dough chills, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will give your cookies an extra layer of sweetness!

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Then roll each ball in your sugar/cinnamon mixture before placing them on lined baking sheets.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Press each cookie down slightly using your palm or spoon—this helps them spread evenly while baking. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the edges start to brown ever so slightly.

Step 9: Cool Down & Prepare Frosting

Once baked, let your cookies cool completely before making the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Step 10: Frost Your Cookies

Gradually add powdered sugar to your cream cheese mixture until smooth. Spread this delicious frosting on top of each cooled cookie and sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired.

Enjoy every last bite of these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! They are sure to bring warmth and joy to any gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baking is all about finding joy in the process, and these tips will help you create the softest and most delicious pumpkin sugar cookies!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother dough and cream cheese frosting.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes not only enhances the flavors but also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies! They should be just slightly browned at the edges. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so take them out when they still look soft.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding a bit more cinnamon or a pinch of clove can give your cookies that extra fall flavor.

• Store properly: To keep your pumpkin sugar cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Presenting your delicious pumpkin sugar cookies can make all the difference! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of each cookie adds a lovely touch and enhances flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the softness of the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider: A warm cup of apple cider pairs beautifully with these cookies, creating a cozy autumn experience.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream served alongside these cookies creates an indulgent dessert perfect for sharing.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a healthy touch to your dessert spread.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the fall spirit by serving your cookies with this classic beverage—a match made in heaven!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy every bite of your Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough in advance, store it, and bake these delightful cookies whenever you’re ready to enjoy them. Here are some tips on how to keep your cookies fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• You can freeze the cookie dough before baking.
• Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat leftover cookies, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a slightly crispier texture, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) for a vegan alternative.

How do I achieve soft pumpkin sugar cookies?

To ensure your Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe comes out soft, be careful not to overbake them. The edges should be just lightly browned, and they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition while still maintaining a soft texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also bring that warm, cozy feeling that autumn is famous for. Share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here! Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with delightful scents and smiles!