Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies are pillowy soft and bursting with flavor. The creamy frosting adds an extra touch of sweetness that makes them irresistible. Enjoy these cookies as a special dessert or share them with friends and family—they’re sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The combination of pumpkin puree and the right baking techniques creates cookies that are tender and fluffy.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, these cookies can be enjoyed during holidays or as an everyday snack.
• Delicious Cream Cheese Frosting: The rich frosting complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully, making each bite a delight.
• Great for Sharing: With 30 servings in this recipe, they’re perfect for parties or bake sales.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather the essential tools before starting on your pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop (or spoon)
• Off-set spatula (for frosting)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures even mixing for a light and fluffy dough.
• Baking sheet: Allows even baking of the cookies while preventing sticking when lined with parchment paper.
• Cookie scoop: Helps achieve uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking results.

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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 (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: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat together:
1. Butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy for about 3 minutes.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; expect a sticky dough.

Step 5: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, place heaping tablespoons of dough on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure you space them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes until edges are set but cookies remain soft. Cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together:
1. Cream cheese and softened butter on medium-high speed until smooth (about 30 seconds).
2. Add vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix briefly until well combined.

Step 8: Frost Cookies

Once cooled, use an off-set spatula or knife to spread cream cheese frosting over each cookie. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Enjoy your homemade pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can elevate any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Here are some delightful ways to present these delicious treats.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair your cookies with a steaming cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon snack. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other baked goods for a visually appealing display at parties or potlucks.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons. These make excellent party favors that guests can take home and enjoy later.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve pumpkin cookies alongside fresh fruit slices like apples or pears. The fruity freshness balances the richness of the cookies perfectly.

As a Holiday Treat

• Present these cookies during holidays like Thanksgiving or Halloween. Their festive flavor makes them a seasonal favorite that everyone will love.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the best results with your pumpkin cookies, follow these simple tips for perfecting this delightful recipe.

• Measure ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring tools to ensure you get the right proportions for the best texture and flavor.
• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough is too sticky, chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can make it easier to scoop and shape.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter, cream cheese, and egg to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter.
• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies. A tender crumb is what you want!
• Check baking time carefully: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be soft but set around the edges when done.
• Customize frosting flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cookies well.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

While pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea pair wonderfully with pumpkin flavors, making for a cozy treat.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over pumpkins cookies adds an indulgent touch that enhances their flavor.
4. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can be served on the side or dolloped on top of the cookies for added texture.
5. Chocolate Milk: The rich taste of chocolate milk creates a fun contrast and is perfect for dunking your pumpkin cookie.
6. Spiced Nuts: A small bowl of spiced nuts provides crunch and savory elements that balance the sweetness of frosted cookies.
7. Cranberry Sauce: A spoonful of tart cranberry sauce adds brightness and freshness that pairs nicely with the sweet flavors.
8. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These add warmth and depth to your dessert spread while echoing the autumnal flavors found in pumpkin recipes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting is a delightful experience, but it’s easy to stumble along the way. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly ignore room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing and a dense cookie. Always let your butter and eggs sit out until they reach room temperature.

• Boldly skip sifting dry ingredients: Not sifting flour and confectioners’ sugar can result in clumps in your dough or frosting. Sift to ensure smooth, consistent results.

• Boldly overmix the dough: Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and pillowy. Mix just until combined for the best texture.

• Boldly neglect baking times: Each oven is different; relying solely on time can lead to undercooked or overcooked cookies. Keep an eye on your cookies and check for doneness by looking at their edges.

• Boldly frost too soon: Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Always allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting them.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or wrap them individually.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a single cookie on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, placing cookies inside for about 1-2 minutes, covered, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it is well-cooked and blended smoothly before adding it to the dough.

How do I make my pumpkin cookies more flavorful?

Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. You can also adjust the spices according to your preference.

Can I make these pumpkin cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

How do I store leftover cream cheese frosting?

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months!

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. They’re perfect for fall gatherings or any dessert table. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even experimenting with different spices. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!