Name: Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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)

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their soft texture and rich flavor, they melt in your mouth with every bite. Ideal for gatherings, festive celebrations, or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to impress. The delicious cream cheese frosting adds a creamy contrast that enhances the natural sweetness of pumpkin.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting flavor profile that is perfect for fall.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or during holiday gatherings; they fit in perfectly anywhere.
Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds richness and balance to the cookies, elevating the taste experience.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are pillowy soft, providing the perfect bite every time.

Tools and Preparation

To make these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Medium cookie scoop or spoon
Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: These mixers make it easy to achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming butter and sugar.
Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to keep dry and wet ingredients separate until it’s time to combine them.
Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents warping in high temperatures.

Ingredients

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

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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 dry ingredients:
* All-purpose flour
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Salt
* Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat together these ingredients on medium-high speed:
* Unsalted butter
* Granulated sugar
* Light brown sugar

Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Next, add:
* Canned pumpkin puree
* Large egg
* Pure vanilla extract

Mix until everything is combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix. The dough will be slightly sticky.

Step 5: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet

Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space each cookie about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

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

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, beat together these ingredients on medium-high speed until smooth:
* Cream cheese
* Unsalted butter

This should take about 30 seconds. Then add:
* Pure vanilla extract
* Sifted confectioners’ sugar

Mix again until everything is just combined—about another 30 seconds will do!

Step 8: Frost Cookies

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

Now you have delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are delightful treats that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

For a Cozy Dessert Table

Serve Warm: Enjoy the cookies warm right from the oven for a comforting treat.
Pair with Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the sweetness and spices of the pumpkin cookies perfectly.

At Holiday Gatherings

Festive Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter, adding fall-themed decor like mini pumpkins or leaves.
Cookie Bags: Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with twine for guests to take home as party favors.

As a Snack

With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside sliced apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches filled with your favorite flavor of ice cream.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the best pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, keep these tips in mind:

Bold Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for maximum lift and fluffiness.
Softened Ingredients: Use softened butter and cream cheese for smoother mixing and even texture.
Chill Dough Slightly: If dough is too sticky, chill it for about 15 minutes before baking to make scooping easier.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be soft in the center when removed from the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes. Here are some delicious ideas:

Chai Tea Latte: The spices in chai tea blend beautifully with the flavors of pumpkin, creating a warm drink pairing.
Spiced Apple Cider: Serve hot apple cider infused with cinnamon and cloves to enhance the fall theme.
Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruits for a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
Cheese Platter: Provide a selection of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese that balance well with sweet flavors.
Roasted Nuts: Offer spiced or salted nuts for a crunchy contrast that complements the soft texture of the cookies.
Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the richness of the frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can make or break your batch. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth dough.
Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can create tough cookies. Combine until just mixed to keep them soft and pillowy.
Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Using too much flour can dry out the cookies. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt. Allow cookies to cool completely before applying the frosting.
Ignoring Baking Time: Overbaking will result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when edges are set but centers are still soft.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store pumpkin cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Layer parchment paper between cookie layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Freeze frosted or unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
To prevent freezer burn, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Oven: Preheat to 350° F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, covered, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting?

To make pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, follow the recipe instructions provided above carefully. Ensure you mix ingredients properly and use room temperature components for best results.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just make sure it is well-cooked and pureed until smooth.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can create your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. This will mimic the flavor profile of pumpkin pie spice perfectly.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can last up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months!

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. Give this recipe a try; they’re perfect for fall gatherings or any sweet treat craving!