Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Soft, chewy pumpkin sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting dance between comforting autumn memories and sweet indulgence.

Seasonal spices weave magic through every tender bite.

Fall’s warmth fills your kitchen with incredible aromas that promise delightful moments.

Bakery-style treats rarely come this simple or delectable.

Childhood nostalgia blends perfectly with sophisticated flavor combinations.

Comfort meets elegance in these irresistible cookies that will become your new seasonal favorite.

You cannot wait to share these delightful treats with everyone around your table.

Sugar Cookies That Taste Like Fall and Frosting

• Effortless Baking Adventure: These pumpkin sugar cookies offer a simple, stress-free baking experience perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Autumn Delight: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies capture the cozy essence of fall, making them a hit at gatherings, potlucks, and family dessert nights.
• Versatile Treat for Any Occasion: Whether you're craving a sweet snack, need a dessert for a potluck, or want to impress guests with a homemade treat, these cookies fit the bill with their irresistible flavor and creamy frosting.
• Quick and Convenient Baking: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumb Cake What Goes In

Main Ingredients:

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a soft texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture and signature autumn taste.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the cookie's structure.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy autumn flavor.
• Nutmeg: Complements pumpkin with subtle warmth.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base for smooth frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps set frosting.
• Vanilla: Adds depth to frosting flavor.

Baking Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Softened butter
• Pumpkin puree
• Granulated sugar

Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla extract. Whip everything until the mixture becomes silky smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Freshly grated nutmeg

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft cookie dough forms.

Step 4: Shape Cookie Drops

Scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookie drops about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove and transfer to a wire cooling rack.

Step 6: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Softened butter

Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Once cookies have completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top. For an extra touch, sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon over the frosted cookies.

Frosting Tips for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

• Optimize Pumpkin Moisture: Use fresh, well-drained pumpkin puree to prevent excess liquid that could make cookies soggy or spread too thin.
• Chill Dough for Better Shape: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their round shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Control Sweetness Levels: Adjust powdered sugar in frosting to match personal taste preferences, adding gradually for perfect creamy consistency.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
• Spice Balance Matters: Experiment with spice ratios, using fresh ground cinnamon and nutmeg for more vibrant, complex flavor profile in the cookies.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Frosting Storage Made Simple

• Seal cooled, frosted cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and creamy frosting.
• Arrange unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Store frozen cookies for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding cream cheese frosting.
• Store unfrosted cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight and humidity to prevent softening.
• Warm refrigerated cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore their original soft, tender texture before serving.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Side Picks

• Pair Spiced Autumn Cider: Warm, mulled apple cider with cinnamon sticks perfectly complements the pumpkin cookie's sweet spices.
• Elevate with Caramel Macchiato: Rich espresso-based drink balances the cookie's soft texture and enhances its warm flavor profile.
• Match Creamy Chai Latte: Spiced tea with milk creates a harmonious blend that echoes the cookie's subtle pumpkin and cream cheese notes.
• Complement with Butterscotch Toddy: Smooth, buttery hot beverage highlights the cookie's warmth and provides a cozy autumn drinking experience.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Recipe Spins

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pumpkin Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and replace cream cheese frosting with cashew-based vegan frosting.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Cookies: Use almond flour, swap sugar with erythritol or stevia, and create a low-carb cream cheese frosting using sugar-free sweetener.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter alternatives and coconut cream cheese for the frosting, perfect for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a slightly set center. They might seem soft when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool on the wire rack.

• Is it possible to make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. The chilled dough might need an extra minute or two in the oven.

• Can I freeze these pumpkin sugar cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies without frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and add cream cheese frosting just before serving.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Seasonal pumpkin sugar cookies blend warm autumn spices with luxurious cream cheese frosting for an irresistible sweet treat. Delicate and perfectly balanced, these cookies promise to delight your taste buds with their rich, comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1 large egg

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Additional Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by setting the oven temperature to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
2. Create a smooth base mixture by thoroughly blending softened butter, pumpkin puree, and sugar until fully incorporated. Introduce egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the texture becomes uniform and silky.
3. Separately combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg – using a whisk to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agent.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
5. Portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between each cookie to prevent spreading and touching during baking.
6. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of doneness.
7. Remove cookies from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely before frosting.
8. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base.
9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
10. Once cookies are entirely cooled, generously apply the cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag for even coverage.
11. Optional: Enhance the presentation by dusting the frosted cookies with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon for additional flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect texture by ensuring butter and pumpkin puree are at room temperature before mixing, creating a smoother, more uniform dough.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the cookie’s soft, cake-like consistency.
• Control cookie thickness by chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, which prevents excessive spreading and maintains a more uniform shape.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the spice mixture, creating a more nuanced autumn-inspired cookie profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 115
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg