Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. They are soft, fluffy, and topped with a creamy frosting that adds an irresistible touch to each bite. These cookies are ideal for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. With their rich flavor and easy preparation, they quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a cozy taste that is hard to resist.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: Each cookie is pillowy soft, ensuring they melt in your mouth with every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: These cookies can be enjoyed as a dessert or paired with coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Great for Sharing: With 30 cookies in one batch, they are perfect for parties or as gifts to friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making these delicious pumpkin cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These make creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy texture for your cookies.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet provides an even surface for baking, which helps achieve perfectly cooked cookies.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: Using a scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes, which promotes even baking.

Ingredients

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting melt in your mouth with each bite. They are easy to make and pillowy soft!

For the Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (305 g) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces (1 brick or 226 g) block-style cream cheese (softened but still cool)
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (210 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
– All-purpose flour
– Baking powder
– Baking soda
– Salt
– Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together:
– Unsalted butter
– Granulated sugar
– Light brown sugar

Mix on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to the butter mixture:
– Canned pumpkin puree
– Egg
– Pure vanilla extract

Mix until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; the dough will be slightly sticky.

Step 6: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop (or spoon), scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 13 to 15 minutes, or until edges are set. The cookies should be soft and fluffy. Let cool on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In another mixing bowl, beat together:
– Cream cheese
– Unsalted butter

Mix on medium-high speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. Then add:
– Pure vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar

Mix again until well combined.

Step 9: Frost Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool, use an off-set spatula or knife to frost them generously with cream cheese frosting. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and serve!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a festive holiday party, here are some delightful ways to serve them.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a robust cup of coffee for a delicious afternoon treat.
• Tea: A warm chai or spiced tea complements the pumpkin flavors beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies with rich hot chocolate for an indulgent dessert.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Desserts: Include your pumpkin cookies on a platter alongside brownies and bars for variety.
• Fruit Slices: Add fresh apple or pear slices for a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
• Cheese Selection: Incorporate some creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese to balance the sweetness.

During Seasonal Celebrations

• Halloween Parties: These cookies make festive treats that kids and adults will love.
• Thanksgiving Desserts: Serve them as an alternative to traditional pumpkin pie, offering something unique yet familiar.
• Christmas Gatherings: Decorate the cookies with holiday-themed sprinkles for a festive touch.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Achieving the perfect pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting is easier than you think. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in softer cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rising and texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, egg, and cream cheese will help create a smooth batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the cookies tender.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allowing the cookies to cool fully prevents the frosting from melting off.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with pumpkin cookies can elevate your dessert spread. Here are some great options that complement their flavors well.

1. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses like cheddar or gouda pairs nicely with sweet desserts.
2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon or nutmeg offer a crunchy contrast to soft cookies.
3. Caramel Dip: A warm caramel dip enhances the sweetness and adds richness when paired with cookies.
4. Apple Crisp: The tartness of apple crisp provides a delightful balance to sugary treats.
5. Pumpkin Pie Parfaits: Layered desserts featuring pumpkin puree and whipped cream echo the cookie’s flavors beautifully.
6. Cinnamon Ice Cream: The creamy, spiced ice cream serves as a perfect scoop alongside warm cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to a less fluffy texture. Always let your butter and eggs reach room temperature before starting.
• Boldly ignore the flour measurement: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Boldly rush the mixing process: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined, ensuring you maintain that soft texture.
• Boldly bake without monitoring: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they’re soft but set at the edges for the best result.
• Boldly skimp on cooling time: Frosting warm cookies can cause the icing to melt and run. Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once frozen.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes. This keeps them soft and fresh.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat them.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid for warmth without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use homemade puree, but ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your batter.

How do I make my Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting even more flavorful?

Try adding chocolate chips or nuts into the dough for an extra treat that complements the pumpkin flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

How long do these cookies last?

Pumpkin cookies stored properly can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for any occasion, bringing warmth and comfort with every bite. They are versatile too; feel free to customize them with nuts or chocolate chips! Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy delightful treats you’ll want to make again and again.