Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies will delight your taste buds. Soft and pillowy, each bite melts in your mouth, while the cream cheese frosting adds a rich and creamy finish that complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Deliciously Soft: The cookies are incredibly soft and fluffy, making them a delightful treat with every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an everyday dessert, these cookies fit right in.
• Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a deliciously creamy touch that elevates these cookies to the next level.
• Customizable: Feel free to sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice or even chocolate chips for added flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Medium cookie scoop
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming butter and sugars.
• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking, ensuring easy removal after baking.

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Ingredients

For these delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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)

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a mixing bowl. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

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 three minutes. Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix as you want your dough to remain soft and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space each cookie about two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven at 350° F for 13 to 15 minutes. Look for edges that are set while keeping the centers soft and fluffy. Once done, let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth—about thirty seconds. Add in vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar. Mix just until combined again—another thirty seconds should do it!

Step 8: Frost Cookies

Once cooled completely, use an off-set spatula or knife to spread cream cheese frosting over each pumpkin cookie. If desired, garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

Enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting at any time!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting is a delightful experience that can be enhanced in many ways. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or dessert, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy your pumpkin cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee for a cozy treat. The rich flavors of the coffee complement the sweet and spiced cookies perfectly.

Serve with Tea

• A nice herbal or chai tea pairs wonderfully with these cookies. The warmth from the tea enhances the spices in the pumpkin cookies.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two pumpkin cookies. This makes for a fun and indulgent dessert.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a festive platter for holiday gatherings. Add some seasonal decorations like small pumpkins or fall leaves to enhance the presentation.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cookies. This adds a lovely contrast to the creamy frosting.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor. This creates an appealing texture combination.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your pumpkin cookies turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind. They will help you achieve soft, delicious cookies that everyone will love.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.

• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to wet ones. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies instead of soft ones.

• Scoop Even Portions: Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes. This ensures even baking and consistent results across all your cookies.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before applying frosting. This prevents melting and maintains the integrity of the frosting.

• Add Extra Spice: For more flavor, consider adding an extra pinch of pumpkin pie spice to both the cookie dough and frosting.

• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with pumpkin cookies enhances your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Chai Spiced Tea: A warm chai tea complements the spices in your pumpkin cookies beautifully, creating a cozy pairing.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: Lightly coated popcorn adds a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft cookies.

3. Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: Fresh apple slices provide crispness and balance out the sweetness of the cookies when dipped in caramel.

4. Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses can provide an interesting contrast to the sweet flavors of your dessert.

5. Pumpkin Soup: Start off your meal with a light pumpkin soup to maintain that comforting fall theme before enjoying your sweet treat.

6. Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet sides offer a savory-sweet element that pairs well alongside your frosted pumpkin delights.

7. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels covered in chocolate can create an enticing flavor combination when enjoyed after your dessert.

8. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts brings crunchiness and warmth that harmonizes nicely with the flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are a few mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Always start with room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth batter. This ensures the ingredients blend well and helps create fluffy cookies.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right texture.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet prevents them from breaking apart when transferring. Patience pays off!
• Neglecting to Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can help ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. Baking at the wrong temperature affects cookie texture.
• Forgetting Toppings: A sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice adds visual appeal and extra flavor. Don’t skip this step!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze un-frosted pumpkin cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container after they are frozen solid.
• For best quality, enjoy within 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for 10-15 seconds; avoid overheating as it may make them tough.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s well-cooked and blended until smooth before using it in the recipe.

How do I store leftover cream cheese frosting?

Store leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months.

What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?

You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour as alternatives, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.

Are these pumpkin cookies suitable for making ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze the cookie dough or bake them ahead of time. Just frost before serving for freshness!

How do I customize my pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit into your dough for added texture and flavor variations!

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for any occasion, offering a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. They can be easily customized with different mix-ins or toppings, making them versatile treats that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!