Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are just what you need! This recipe is not only easy to whip up but also brings such warmth and comfort to your kitchen. The moment they come out of the oven, you’ll be enveloped in the cozy aroma of pumpkin and spices, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust me, once you take a bite of these pillowy soft cookies topped with creamy frosting, they’ll become a cherished favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavors and soft texture—perfect for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container; they stay fresh for days!
• Autumn Vibes: Infused with pumpkin pie spice, these cookies bring a taste of fall to every bite.
• Deliciously Frosted: The cream cheese frosting adds that extra touch of indulgence that makes these cookies truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful cookies! Most likely, you’ll find them all in your pantry or local grocery store.

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 (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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few ways to make these cookies your own:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Nuts Galore: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for a little kick!
• Different Frosting: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk if you want something lighter.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While that’s warming up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes for easy cleanup later!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough.

Step 3: Mix 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 process incorporates air into the mixture, which gives your cookies that lovely soft texture. Then add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined well.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Next, slowly add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything comes together; it’s okay if there are still some lumps. Remember not to overmix! The dough will be slightly sticky—that’s exactly what we want.

Step 5: Scoop Your Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space each cookie about two inches apart so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 6: Bake Away!

Pop those cookie-filled sheets into your preheated oven and bake at 350° F for about 13 to 15 minutes. Look for edges that are set but still soft in the center—this ensures they remain fluffy! Once done, let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

While your cookies cool down, it’s time to make that dreamy cream cheese frosting! Beat together softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth—this should only take about 30 seconds. Then mix in the vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar until just combined.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, grab an off-set spatula or knife to frost them generously with that luscious cream cheese frosting. For an extra touch, sprinkle some cinnamon on top before serving!

Enjoy these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting as they melt in your mouth—they’re perfect for sharing with friends or simply indulging yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll create the perfect pumpkin cookies that everyone will love!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and egg to room temperature ensures they blend smoothly with the other ingredients, resulting in a more consistent cookie dough.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined will keep your cookies soft and pillowy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies that lose their tender texture.

• Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape, ensuring perfectly round cookies when baked.

• Adjust baking time for your oven: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be soft in the center but set around the edges. Adjusting baking time by a minute or two can make all the difference.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Presenting your delicious pumpkin cookies can turn a simple dessert into a delightful centerpiece for any occasion! Here are some fun ideas on how you can serve them.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds warmth and enhances the fall flavor profile of the cookies.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts over the frosting for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Mini chocolate chips: For an extra touch of sweetness, scatter mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting before serving.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: This warm drink pairs perfectly with pumpkin flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere — ideal for fall gatherings.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold, making every bite irresistible.
• Coffee or chai tea: The spices in coffee or chai tea complement the pumpkin pie spice in your cookies, providing a wonderfully aromatic pairing.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pears and apples offers a light balance to the richness of the cookies without overwhelming their flavors.

Enjoy making and sharing these irresistible pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting! They’re sure to bring joy to any gathering or simply sweeten up your day.

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re preparing for a gathering or just want to enjoy these treats throughout the week, they hold up wonderfully. Here’s how to store them and keep them fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for up to a week; just be sure they are well-covered.
• For best texture, let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving after refrigeration.

Freezing

• Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying!

Reheating

• To reheat, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies whenever you want!

How should I store my Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They can also be refrigerated or frozen if you want to keep them longer.

Can I use other types of frosting on these pumpkin cookies?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different frostings! A simple vanilla or maple frosting would complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using a vegan cream cheese alternative. It works well and maintains that creamy texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has brought to mine! These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Enjoy making them, sharing them with friends and family, or simply savoring them yourself. Happy baking!