Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite, these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are exactly what you need. Soft, tender cookies infused with warm spices and real pumpkin puree come together with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s perfectly sweet and tangy. This recipe is a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, delivering all the seasonal flavors and a creamy finish that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving an autumn-inspired dessert, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous pumpkin hue. From the rich butter and pumpkin puree to the fragrant spices, every element contributes to making these cookies truly special.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a soft, tender texture to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps the cookie maintain structure while baking.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the flavor.
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree: Provides natural moisture and imparts that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- 1 egg yolk: Acts as a binder and contributes to a tender, crumbly cookie.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth to the profile.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base of the cookie dough.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Adds a slight lift so the cookies stay light, not dense.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Provides that signature warm, spicy note pumpkin lovers adore.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Compliments the pumpkin’s earthiness with subtle sweetness.
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves: Deepens the spice profile with a hint of boldness.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Forms a creamy, tangy base for the frosting that pairs perfectly with the cookies.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting smooth and rich.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadable consistency.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a gentle floral note to the frosting’s flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the frosting’s depth.
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
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 takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Creaming these ingredients well creates the perfect base for soft, tender cookies.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. These liquids bring together moisture and flavor, making your dough vibrant and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend of spices is what gives these cookies their signature autumn warmth.
Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to shape the dough into evenly sized mounds and place them onto your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set and tops no longer look wet. Let the cookies rest on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until it’s light and fluffy. If it’s too thick, a drop of milk will help; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. The creamy frosting contrasts beautifully with the spiced pumpkin cookie, making each bite a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
Want to take your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting up a notch? Sprinkle a little cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans on top for added crunch and aroma. A light dusting of edible gold dust or a few pumpkin seeds can also add festive flair, perfect for sharing at autumn gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine on their own, but pairing them with a warm cup of chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or even hot apple cider brings out their cozy autumn characteristics beautifully. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can transform these cookies into a delightful dessert treat as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, stack the cookies with a dollop of frosting between each, turning them into mini pumpkin cookie sandwiches. Wrap them individually in wax paper tied with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also decorate the frosting with edible fall-themed sprinkles or drizzle a light caramel sauce over the top for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your freshly baked cookies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days. Keep the frosting covered or stored separately to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Frosting can be frozen separately in an airtight container—just thaw and re-whip before spreading.
Reheating
If you want to revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens them nicely without melting the frosting. Reheated cookies offer a fresh and comforting experience, almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and maintains consistent moisture and flavor, making the baking process simple and reliable.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and chill your dough briefly if it’s very soft. Proper measurement of flour also helps keep your cookies from spreading too thin.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with vanilla buttercream?
You can, though the cream cheese frosting adds a wonderful tang that pairs uniquely well with pumpkin and spices. A vanilla buttercream will be sweeter but still delicious.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after frosting?
It’s best to freeze the cookies unfrosted to keep their texture and freshness optimal. Frosting can be stored separately and added after thawing.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even white chocolate chips add lovely texture and flavor, complementing the pumpkin and spices beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting bring together the magic of fall in a truly unforgettable way. The tender, spiced cookies paired with a creamy, tangy frosting create a treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Grab your ingredients, invite some friends, and dive into this warm, cozy recipe that’s sure to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen!
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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 are soft, tender, and full of warm autumn spices. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a subtle depth of flavor, while the luscious cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the lightly spiced cookies, making them an irresistible fall treat.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air to create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and fully combined, ensuring the pumpkin evenly flavors the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, blending the spices evenly throughout the flour mixture.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb in the cookies.
- Portion the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each scoop evenly to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear no longer wet. Remove from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust frosting consistency as needed with more powdered sugar or a small amount of milk.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on each cookie.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the frosted pumpkin sugar cookies immediately to enjoy their perfect texture and flavor, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best results.
- Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator to keep cream cheese frosting fresh.
- Can be frozen unbaked or frozen frosted for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Pumpkin sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, fall cookies, autumn desserts, spiced cookies, pumpkin recipes
