Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you are searching for a cozy, moist, and utterly scrumptious treat to brighten up your day, this Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has you covered. These cookies perfectly capture the rich, autumnal flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, all topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just looking for a delightful twist on your cookie routine, these gems offer a wonderful balance of spice and sweetness that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each component is simple and familiar but together they create an irresistible flavor and texture that’s truly special.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
- Baking soda (1 tsp) and baking powder (1/2 tsp): These leavening agents help the cookies rise and stay light.
- Salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp), nutmeg (1/2 tsp), ginger (1/2 tsp), cloves (1/8 tsp): A spice blend that creates that warm, true pumpkin pie essence.
- Unsalted butter (10 Tbsp for cookies, 5 Tbsp for frosting): Adds richness and moisture to both dough and frosting.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup) and light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brown sugar gives a subtle molasses flavor while granulated sugar adds sweetness and crunch.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp for dough, 1/2 tsp for frosting): Brings depth and enhances all flavors.
- Canned pumpkin (1 cup): The star ingredient that keeps cookies moist and flavorful.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, for frosting): The tangy, creamy contrast that makes the frosting irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups, for frosting): Adds sweetness and smooth texture to the frosting.
How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make clean-up a breeze. Setting up your baking space in advance helps keep things smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This blend is what infuses the cookies with that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a cookie that’s tender yet chewy and sweet.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, canned pumpkin, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth. The pumpkin adds moisture and a beautiful earthy hue, giving these cookies their signature look and taste.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so keep it light and easy to maintain softness.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop balls of dough about 2 inches apart onto your prepared baking sheets. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. Perfect timing is everything for a tender bite.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks before frosting. For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Spread generously over each cookie for that ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans on top of the frosting to add a bit of crunch and a lovely visual appeal. A tiny pinch of nutmeg can also elevate the flavor and make the presentation pop even more.
Side Dishes
These pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a creamy latte, adding to that cozy autumn vibe. For a fun treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-rich dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden platter with small pumpkins and fall leaves for a festive touch. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting for a delightful cookie sandwich that’s impossible to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to five days, and chilling helps keep the frosting firm and deliciously smooth.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place unfrosted cookies between sheets of parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You can freeze frosting separately or add it fresh after thawing.
Reheating
When ready to eat, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature and warm them briefly (10-15 seconds) in the microwave for a soft, freshly-baked feeling. If already frosted, keep frosting chilled or at cool room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but be sure it’s cooked and well-puréed first. Fresh pumpkin might add more moisture, so reduce other liquids slightly to keep the cookie texture balanced.
Is this recipe dairy-free friendly?
This particular recipe relies on butter and cream cheese for flavor and texture, so it is not dairy-free. However, you can try substituting plant-based butters and cream cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version, though texture and taste may vary.
How do I make the cookies more soft or cakey?
For softer, cakier cookies, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mix and avoid overbaking. Also, ensure you don’t overmix the batter once combined to keep them tender.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Doubling this Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe works great. Just be sure to mix ingredients thoroughly and watch the baking time as it may vary slightly with larger batches.
What’s the best way to get frosting smooth and fluffy?
Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. Beat them long enough to become airy and smooth before adding powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer can make this process easier and quicker.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about whipping up a batch of these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe and sharing them with loved ones. They bring together the best flavors of fall in a soft, sweet, and tangy bundle of joy. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these cookies become your go-to treat for any cozy day!
Print
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Description
Deliciously soft and spiced pumpkin cookies topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for autumn or anytime you crave a cozy, sweet treat with autumnal flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cookies
- 2 cups (284g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 10 Tbsp (140g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (160g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (243g) canned pumpkin
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 5 Tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, nearly at room temperature
- 4 oz. cream cheese, nearly at room temperature
- 2 cups (248g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, canned pumpkin, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly just until combined. Do not overmix to maintain cookie tenderness.
- Scoop and Bake Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breaking or crumbling during frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the nearly room temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese together until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating. Finally, mix in vanilla extract until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cookie evenly. Serve immediately or chill briefly to set the frosting.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese for the frosting are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Do not overmix the cookie batter to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- You can store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For easier frosting, chill the cookies before applying the cream cheese frosting to prevent melting.
- If you prefer a spicier cookie, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch more ground cloves.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
