Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting offer a delightful blend of warm spices and creamy sweetness. Perfect for autumn treats or holiday gatherings, they’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined; avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake for 13–15 minutes, or slightly longer if making larger cookies. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Step 8: To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
9. Step 9: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fluffy.
10. Step 10: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice or chopped nuts on top for added flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense pumpkin flavor, add an extra 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree, but reduce flour slightly to maintain dough consistency.
• Use homemade pumpkin pie spice or adjust the spice levels to your preference for a custom flavor.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies hold their shape better if desired.
• Swap cream cheese frosting for a simple vanilla glaze to lighten the topping.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the frosting fresh. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months; thaw fully and frost just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too soft?

Keep the cream cheese and butter well chilled before making the frosting, and store frosted cookies in the refrigerator to maintain firmness.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are delightfully chewy and moist, featuring warm pumpkin pie spices in a tender cookie paired perfectly with a rich, creamy frosting. Ideal for fall gatherings or holiday treats, these cookies combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice with a luscious cream cheese topping.

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Ingredients

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For the Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined for a moist and flavorful base.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed in the dough.
4. Form the Cookie Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredient bowl, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
5. Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow spreading. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, with slightly longer time for larger cookies, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
6. Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack to ensure the cream cheese frosting does not melt when applied.
7. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and spreadable.
8. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over each cookie. Optionally, sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the frosting.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a nice crunch and extra spice.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pumpkin cookies, cream cheese frosting, soft pumpkin cookies, fall cookies, pumpkin spice cookies, chewy cookies, holiday treats