If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite, this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend. Soft, tender cookies infused with pumpkin and warm spices, topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, make these cookies irresistible for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet and seasonal, this recipe promises to deliver that perfect balance of flavor and texture with plenty of smiles along the way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one brings something wonderful to the table—from the moist pumpkin purée that keeps the cookies soft and tender, to the perfect blend of spices that adds warm, aromatic depth. The cream cheese frosting, made with just a few staples, adds a luscious, creamy finish that’s absolutely dreamy.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb in the cookies.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cookies a slight crisp edge.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Brings a caramel-like depth and moisture.
- 1 cup pumpkin purée: The star ingredient for flavor, moisture, and that beautiful orange hue.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, familiar note.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the dough with cozy fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookie dough, providing the right texture.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise perfectly.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Adds tenderness and lift.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, tangy frosting that complements the cookies perfectly.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the ideal consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a sweet, fragrant touch to the cream cheese frosting.
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
Before diving into mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and keep your cookies from sticking. Setting the stage right makes the baking process smoother and your cookies turn out flawlessly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is vital because it creates air pockets that contribute to a tender and airy cookie texture. Once fluffy, mix in the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor and texture throughout each cookie.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain a light texture, so stop as soon as the dough forms.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing each scoop about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a delicate golden shade. Cooling the cookies completely before frosting is key to prevent melting and losing that perfect frosting texture.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Frost
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once the cookies have cooled completely, generously spread the frosting on top of each one. For an extra festive touch, add some pumpkin-colored sprinkles or a delicate piped design that showcases your creativity and makes these cookies unforgettable.
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a fun way to amp up their visual appeal and add subtle flavor contrasts. Try a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top, or a few chopped toasted pecans for crunch. Edible gold dust or festive autumn-themed sprinkles also brighten these up beautifully for holidays or parties.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced latte, hot apple cider, or even a glass of cold milk. Serving alongside a light fruit salad or some roasted nuts can balance the sweetness and round out your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board interspersed with mini pumpkins or cinnamon sticks. You can also layer them in a decorative tin or box, separated by parchment paper, for gifting. Want to wow guests? Create a cookie stacking tower or include them in a seasonal dessert platter with other treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting fresh and prevents the cookies from drying out. They’ll usually stay delicious for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked and frosted cookies separately for best results. Freeze the cookies on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Likewise, freeze the frosting in an airtight container. Thaw both at room temperature before assembling for convenient, stress-free treats anytime.
Reheating
To warm cookies without melting the frosting, remove them from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Alternatively, warm unfrosted cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds and then frost. This refreshes the cookies’ soft texture without compromising your beautifully whipped frosting.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is actually the most convenient choice. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help the flavors meld even more! Just bring it back to room temperature before scooping and baking.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
Not a problem! You can mix your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves in small amounts. This DIY approach lets you adjust spices to your preference.
Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be wonderful.
How thick should I frost the cookies?
You want a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, about a quarter-inch thick, so you get that creamy contrast with each bite. Feel free to add more or pipe designs for a show-stopping look.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe—each bite feels like a warm hug from fall itself. The tender pumpkin-infused cookies combined with the rich, tangy frosting make for a sweet experience that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. So gather your ingredients, dust off your mixing bowls, and give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you every time!
