Fluffy Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Fall’s golden embrace brings these irresistible soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting dancing onto your dessert plate.

Autumn spices swirl through tender, pillowy dough that melts in your mouth.

Each bite carries the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, promising pure comfort.

pumpkin adds rich, velvety depth to these delightful treats that everyone adores.

The luxurious cream cheese frosting crowns these cookies with silky smoothness.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet elegant recipe.

These cookies transform ordinary afternoons into sweet, memorable moments.

Why You’ll Love Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Enjoy a cozy, moist cookie that combines the warm, rich flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese frosting, making it an instant hit at gatherings.
• Capture the essence of autumn in a simple recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular dessert everyone will adore.
• Ideal for potlucks, school events, or casual get-togethers, these cookies bring a touch of homemade magic that suits multiple occasions.

Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: The fundamental structure for creating a soft and tender cookie texture.
• Canned Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and authentic pumpkin flavor to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie crumb.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Delivers warm, classic autumn flavor to the cookie.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the cookie.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Ensures the cookies rise and become light and soft.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the overall cookie flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the cookie.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper, creating a perfect non-stick surface for your cookies.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Pumpkin pie spice

Blend these ingredients thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 3: Whip Up Butter Mixture

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become fluffy and light, which typically takes around 3 minutes.

This step introduces air into the dough, promising soft and tender cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Moisture Elements

• Canned pumpkin puree
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Blend until everything is completely combined.

Scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure no ingredient is left behind.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Components

Slowly add flour mixture into wet ingredients, mixing on low speed.

Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.

The dough will feel sticky and soft – this is exactly what you want!

Step 6: Shape Cookie Magic

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

They’ll spread while baking, so give them room to grow.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn slightly golden.

Cookies will look soft and puffy.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting generously on top of each cookie.

Step 9: Create Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until smooth and spreadable.

Use immediately or refrigerate briefly to firm up.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange frosted cookies on a beautiful platter.

These pumpkin delights are perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy afternoons with tea.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Cookies and Cream Cheese Frosting

• Use exact measurements for flour, sugar, and spices to guarantee consistent, soft cookie texture every time.
• Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape.
• Drain excess moisture from canned pumpkin puree to prevent overly wet dough and ensure dense, soft cookies.
• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to achieve the ideal fluffy consistency for your cookie base.
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy cookie removal without sticking or breaking.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting

• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them cool and away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and freeze for 3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Place completely cooled cookies in single layer on baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe container. Store frosted cookies for up to 2 months with wax paper separating layers.
• Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on microwave-safe plate. Check temperature to prevent overcooking and maintain soft texture.

Great Pairings for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting

• Warm Beverage Companion: Brew a spiced chai latte to complement the pumpkin cookie's rich autumn flavors, creating a cozy drinking experience that enhances the dessert's warm spices.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Select a sweet moscato or late-harvest riesling, whose delicate sweetness and light fruit notes perfectly balance the creamy cream cheese frosting and soft pumpkin texture.
• Complementary Cheese Match: Serve alongside a mild mascarpone or whipped cream cheese spread, which echoes the frosting's creamy profile and provides a luxurious tasting experience.
• Flavor-Boosting Sprinkle: Dust the cookies with additional pumpkin pie spice or crushed candied pecans to elevate the existing warm spice notes and add a delightful crunch.

Frosting and Flavor Twists for Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Delight: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using almond or rice flour, ensuring the same soft texture while catering to those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Autumn Treat: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and create a plant-based cream cheese frosting using cashew or vegan cream cheese alternatives.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Option: Swap granulated and brown sugars with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cookies: Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of butter, and create a dairy-free frosting using coconut cream or almond-based cream cheese substitute.

FAQs

• How do I know if my cookies are done baking?

Look for light golden edges and a set center. They should be slightly soft when touched but not wet. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. If you want to freeze the dough, shape it into balls and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.

• What if I don't have pumpkin pie spice?

Make your own by mixing 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. This blend will work perfectly in the recipe.

• How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up and prevents excessive spreading, ensuring your cookies maintain a nice, soft shape.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Irresistible Pumpkin Cookies meld autumn’s warmth with creamy sweetness, creating a delightful seasonal treat. Cream cheese frosting crowns these spiced delicacies, inviting you to savor fall’s most comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

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Cookies Ingredients:

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 0.75 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (100 g) light brown sugar
• 1.25 cups (305 g) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 g) block-style cream cheese, softened
• 0.25 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1.75 cups (210 g) confectioners sugar, sifted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure smooth cookie removal.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl, guaranteeing uniform spice distribution.
3. Utilize a stand mixer to cream butter and sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 3 minutes, creating a light cookie texture.
4. Incorporate pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, thoroughly blending until a smooth, consistent batter forms.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring on low speed to prevent overmixing and maintain the dough’s delicate, soft consistency.
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn slightly golden and the centers appear set but soft.
8. Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.
10. Once cookies are entirely cooled, generously frost the tops with the cream cheese mixture, creating a decadent finishing touch.

Notes

• Select ripe, sugar pumpkins for the most authentic, sweet flavor in homemade puree.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain soft, thick cookie texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and consistent baking results.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing pumpkin pie spice according to personal preference, creating a customized flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg