There’s just something magical about the Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes any fall day instantly cozier. These cookies are soft, pillowy, and bursting with warm pumpkin spice, all topped off with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe never fails to bring smiles and a touch of autumn comfort to every kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is chosen with care to create cookies that are both tender and flavorful. Simple pantry staples combine with pumpkin and spice to create that classic fall flavor, while the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, flour gives them structure without making them heavy.
- Baking powder: This helps the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
- Baking soda: A pinch of baking soda ensures the cookies have the right lift and texture.
- Salt: Just a little salt enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This blend of warming spices makes every bite taste like autumn.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Butter adds richness and helps the cookies bake up tender.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a little crispness around the edges.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brown sugar brings depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Canned pumpkin purée: The star of the show, pumpkin keeps the cookies moist and gives them their signature color and taste.
- Large egg: The egg binds everything together and adds a bit of richness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out all the flavors.
- Cream cheese (softened): For the frosting, cream cheese brings a tangy, creamy element that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Powdered sugar: This gives the frosting its sweet, silky-smooth texture.
- Milk: Just enough to get the frosting to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make sure your cookies bake evenly. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisking not only combines everything evenly but also aerates the mixture, helping your cookies stay light and tender.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key for a soft, airy cookie texture.
Step 4: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
Beat in the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Your kitchen will already start to smell amazing as the pumpkin and spices come together.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Take care not to overmix—stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour for the fluffiest cookies.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one. The dough will be a little sticky, but that’s what makes these cookies so soft! Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look dry.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and prevents breaking. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. If the frosting seems too thick, mix in a tablespoon or two of milk until it’s just right for spreading.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Once the cookies are fully cooled, generously spread each one with the cream cheese frosting. Now comes the best part—enjoying your homemade Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped pecans on top of the frosting adds a lovely finishing touch. If you’re feeling festive, try a little orange zest or a dusting of nutmeg for extra color and aroma. These small details make your Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a mug of hot apple cider, chai latte, or rich coffee to turn snack time into a cozy treat. If you’re planning a fall dessert table, they pair beautifully with other seasonal favorites like spiced nuts or caramel apples.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your frosted cookies on a rustic wooden platter or a tiered cake stand for a beautiful display. Stack a few cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for an irresistible homemade gift. For parties, try making mini versions and serve them on a decorative tray alongside fresh fruit or chocolates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your frosted Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, soft, and delicious for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving for that freshly baked taste.
Reheating
If you want that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie (unfrosted) in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Frosted cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature; simply let them sit out for 10-15 minutes after removing from the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin purée works wonderfully in this Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Just make sure it’s well-drained and similar in thickness to canned pumpkin for best results.
Can I make the cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. The texture may change slightly, but you’ll still get delicious, soft cookies.
How can I make the frosting thicker or thinner?
If your cream cheese frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar a little at a time. If it’s too thick, mix in a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This can even help deepen the flavors in the Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
What’s the best way to transport these cookies?
For easy transport, arrange your cookies in a single layer in a sturdy, airtight container. If stacking, place sheets of parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the frosting looking perfect.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that captures all the best flavors of fall, this Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly delivers. Every bite is soft, spiced, and crowned with creamy goodness. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love to help, and enjoy the sweet rewards of homemade baking!
Print
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful pumpkin cookies topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spice, these autumn-inspired treats are easy to bake and ideal for fall celebrations or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined for balanced flavor and leavening.
- Cream sugars and butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add pumpkin and egg: Beat in the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated, providing moisture and richness.
- Combine dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms, avoiding overmixing to keep cookies soft.
- Shape cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake for 12–14 minutes or until cookie edges are set and tops appear dry, indicating they are perfectly baked without being overdone.
- Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until creamy, then add milk gradually to reach spreadable consistency.
- Frost cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting on top and serve fresh for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon on top of the frosting or add chopped pecans as a garnish.
- You can freeze the unfrosted cookies and frost them just before serving to preserve their texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
