Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are just what you need! They’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with that delightful pumpkin flavor we all adore. Every bite melts in your mouth, making them perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive family gatherings. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your home.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. Whether you’re baking for friends or just treating yourself, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids love these pumpkin cookies! They’re perfect for sharing at school events or family get-togethers.
• Make-ahead convenience: These cookies stay fresh for days, so you can bake them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese frosting creates a heavenly taste that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful cookies, you only need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need!

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

One of the best things about these pumpkin cookies is their flexibility! You can easily customize them to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Add nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate chips: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to give your cookies a sweet twist.
• Dried fruit: Incorporate raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture and fruity sweetness.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to change up the flavor profile.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream the Butters 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 it’s light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, helping create light cookies. Next, add in the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it! The dough will be sticky but shouldn’t be too wet.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Be sure to space them about 2 inches apart; they will spread slightly while baking. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Step 6: Cool Down

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their soft texture!

Step 7: Make the Frosting

For that creamy topping, beat together softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth—about 30 seconds should do it. Then add vanilla extract along with sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix again just until combined.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, use an offset spatula or knife to frost each one generously with that luscious cream cheese frosting. If you’d like, sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for an added dash of flavor!

Now you have delicious Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting ready to savor! Enjoy sharing them with loved ones—or keep them all for yourself; I won’t tell!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making the perfect pumpkin cookies is a breeze with these helpful tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter, egg, and cream cheese allows for a smoother batter and better incorporation, leading to fluffier cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined will keep your cookies soft and tender. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.

• Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough feels too sticky to scoop, chilling it for about 30 minutes can help make it easier to handle and will result in a more uniform cookie shape.

• Adjust baking time based on your oven: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies and check for doneness at the lower end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the pumpkin pie spice for an extra layer of flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some creative ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds an aromatic touch that enhances the fall flavors.
• Chopped nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top can add a delightful crunch and elevate the texture of each bite.
• Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of vegan caramel sauce can add a sweet touch that pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese frosting.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: Nothing says fall quite like a glass of warm apple cider. Its sweet and spiced notes complement the pumpkin cookies perfectly.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast that balances the sweetness.
• Fresh fruit salad: A bright fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or pomegranates offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Cheesecake bars: These creamy treats provide another layer of indulgence. Their tanginess pairs well with the sweetness of your pumpkin cookies.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to bake up some delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting! Enjoy sharing (or indulging) in this cozy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance and enjoy their delightful flavor throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for a longer shelf life of up to 1 week.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment paper between them, and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, place frozen cookies on a baking sheet and thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions? No problem! Here are some common inquiries about this delicious recipe:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! Just ensure that the fresh pumpkin is cooked and mashed thoroughly. It should have a similar consistency to canned pumpkin puree for the best results.

How do I make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting vegan-friendly?

You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water), use plant-based butter, and choose vegan cream cheese for the frosting.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can create your own blend by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in equal parts. This will give your cookies that lovely spiced flavor.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

If stored properly, the pumpkin cookies will last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. You can also freeze them for longer storage!

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are truly special! Their soft texture combined with the creamy frosting makes them an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making these delightful cookies as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your baking experience or any variations you try—I love hearing from fellow bakers!