Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or simply as an afternoon snack, these cookies are soft, pillowy, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The combination of warm spices and the creamy topping makes them irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Delicious Flavor – The blend of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a warm, comforting flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat – Great for various occasions, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations.
• Soft and Chewy Texture – These cookies are pillowy soft and melt in your mouth with each bite.
• Perfectly Frosted – The cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of richness that complements the cookies beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer – Helps achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming butter and sugars together.
• Mixing bowls – Essential for separating dry ingredients from wet ingredients for better mixing results.

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: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

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

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer bowl, beat together the following on medium-high speed until light and fluffy:
– Unsalted butter
– Granulated sugar
– Light brown sugar

This should take about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the following to the butter-sugar mixture:
– Canned pumpkin puree
– Egg
– Vanilla extract

Mix until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.

Step 6: Scoop the Cookies

Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to place heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake

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

Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat together until smooth:
– Cream cheese
– Unsalted butter

Add:
– Vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar

Mix again until just combined.

Step 9: Frost Cookies

Once cooled, use an off-set spatula or knife to frost each cookie generously with cream cheese frosting. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can elevate your dessert experience. Here are a few ideas to enjoy them in delightful ways.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee to complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the pumpkin.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other treats for an inviting dessert table at gatherings.

With Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosted cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

At Holiday Gatherings

• These cookies make for perfect holiday treats. Serve them at Thanksgiving or Halloween parties to impress your guests.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly, consider these handy tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter, cream cheese, and eggs to reach room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off; this prevents dense cookies caused by excess flour.
• Do not overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to keep your cookies soft and tender.
• Chill the dough if needed: If the dough is too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes can make it easier to handle.
• Check for doneness: Bake until edges are set; they should look slightly underbaked in the center for that soft texture.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Complementing your pumpkin cookies with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some suggestions:

1. Apple Cider: A warm or chilled glass pairs well with the spices in the cookies.
2. Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda that balance sweet flavors nicely.
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal drink enhances the pumpkin flavor while providing warmth on chilly days.
4. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: The crunchiness of carrots offers a nice contrast to the soft cookies.
5. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can refresh your palate after indulging in rich cookie flavors.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruits for a healthy side that complements sweet treats nicely.
7. Chocolate Milk: The creaminess and sweetness of chocolate milk make it a fun pairing with pumpkin cookies.
8. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with spices add crunch and enhance autumnal flavors when enjoyed alongside these cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Incorrect ingredient measurements – Using too much flour or sugar can lead to dry or overly sweet cookies. Always measure your ingredients accurately using the spoon and level method.
• Not using room temperature ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can affect the mixing process, leading to uneven texture. Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft and pillowy cookies.
• Not chilling the dough – Failing to chill dough before baking can cause cookies to spread too much. Allow the dough to rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes if it feels too sticky.
• Skipping the cooling step – Frosting warm cookies can melt the frosting and ruin its texture. Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze cookies un-frosted for best results.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting stay soft?

Using fresh ingredients and not overbaking is key. Aim for slightly underbaked cookies since they continue to cook as they cool.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but ensure it’s well-cooked and blended smooth for the best results.

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

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will maintain their flavor and texture longer this way.

Can I customize the frosting for my Pumpkin Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even mix in some citrus zest for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Their soft texture paired with creamy frosting creates a heavenly treat perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste!