Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, irresistibly soft treat that captures the spirit of fall in every bite, you’ve got to try this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cookies are the perfect marriage of tender pumpkin-spiced dough and luscious cream cheese frosting that’s just sweet enough to balance the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a homemade dessert to brighten your day, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these pumpkin sugar cookies comes from a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role. From the soft buttery base to the creamy frosting, every component is key to achieving those tender, flavorful cookies with a luscious finish.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates the perfect richness without overpowering other flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s tender texture.
- Brown Sugar: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and moisture to keep cookies soft.
- Canned Pumpkin Purée: The star ingredient, it adds moisture, subtle sweetness, and that irresistible fall charm.
- Egg Yolk: Provides richness and helps bind the dough together perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and gives a warm aromatic depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie structure, giving it the right chewiness.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure a soft, just-risen texture.
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic fall spices that bring warmth and complexity.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Softened for the frosting, it adds tangy creaminess for the perfect finish.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
- Milk: Added gradually to adjust frosting texture, making it smooth and easy to spread.
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy—that fluffy texture is key to soft cookies. Then stir in the pumpkin purée, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually incorporate this into your wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so be gentle!
Step 2: Shaping and Baking
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Give each ball a gentle flattening with your fingers or the base of a glass—this helps them bake evenly and develop that classic sugar cookie shape. Pop them into the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges nicely set, but the centers should still look a bit soft, as they continue to set while cooling. Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to avoid soggy bottoms.
Step 3: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until you have a smooth, creamy base. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and blend well until fluffy. Depending on your preferred frosting consistency, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk gradually until it spreads nicely but isn’t runny. The tang of the cream cheese perfectly complements the spices in the pumpkin sugar cookies, creating a frosting you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
Step 4: Frosting the Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to frost! Use a knife or an offset spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting generously over each cookie. Don’t be shy—this frosting adds a luscious final touch that makes this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few finely chopped pecans, or even a dusting of pumpkin pie spice atop your frosted cookies to boost aroma and add a little texture. These tiny touches elevate the presentation and flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside warm beverages like spiced chai tea, pumpkin latte, or classic hot chocolate for an inviting fall dessert spread. Their soft texture and sweet-spicy flavors soar when paired with a comforting drink, perfect for cozy afternoons.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack frosted cookies on a tiered plate for an elegant dessert display or use them as edible garnishes on a pumpkin bundt cake. You can also sandwich the frosting between two cookies for delicious pumpkin cookie sandwiches that impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover pumpkin sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They maintain their softness and flavor beautifully for up to five days, making for convenient snacks or dessert treats later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies beyond the initial baking day, you can freeze unfrosted cookies. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw completely before frosting to maintain that ideal texture and ensure the frosting doesn’t melt off.
Reheating
Warm cookies slightly before serving by placing them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwaving them for 10 seconds. Avoid overheating or the cream cheese frosting may soften too much, but a gentle warm-up revives their soft, tender texture exquisitely.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée?
Fresh pumpkin can work, but you’ll want to roast and purée it until smooth and drain any excess moisture to match the consistency of canned pumpkin. This ensures your dough isn’t too wet and keeps the cookies soft but not soggy.
What makes these cookies stay soft instead of crunchy?
The pumpkin purée adds moisture and tenderizes the crumb, while the balance of baking powder and baking soda produces the perfect lift without crisping the edges too much, keeping these cookies delightfully soft and cake-like.
Can I refrigerate the dough before baking?
Yes! Chilling your dough for 30 minutes up to overnight can help develop the flavors more deeply and make the dough easier to handle for shaping. Just let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it’s too firm.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the frosting?
Absolutely. You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives to make a vegan-friendly version. Just be sure to choose powdered sugar that is also vegan to keep it consistent with your dietary needs.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe yields about 24 medium-sized cookies, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or enjoying as an indulgent treat over several days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade cookie that wraps you in the flavors of fall, and this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fits that description perfectly. It’s simple to make, deeply comforting to eat, and versatile enough to be your go-to for autumn festivities or whenever a cozy dessert mood strikes. Give it a whirl—you might just find your new favorite seasonal sweet!
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Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a soft, cake-like texture thanks to the addition of pumpkin purée. Perfect for fall and holiday baking, these cookies strike a delicious balance of warm spices and creamy frosting for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the canned pumpkin purée, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully smooth and well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring just until combined to form your cookie dough without overmixing.
- Portion Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet, flattening each slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly underbaked to retain softness.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, prepping them for frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Adjust consistency by adding milk one teaspoon at a time.
- Frost and Serve: Once cookies are fully cooled, frost generously with the cream cheese mixture and serve for a delightful treat.
Notes
- These cookies remain soft and cake-like due to the inclusion of pumpkin purée.
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For extra flair, sprinkle cinnamon or chopped pecans on top of the frosting before it sets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
