Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: The Perfect Fall Treat

Introduction

As soon as the leaves start to turn and the air gets a little crisp, I can’t help but crave all things pumpkin! These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting capture the essence of fall in every bite. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with warm spices that remind you of cozy autumn days. Plus, the luscious cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that takes these cookies to the next level.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering a few years ago. Watching everyone’s faces light up as they took their first bite was all the encouragement I needed to add this treat to my regular baking rotation. They’re perfect for holiday celebrations, potlucks, or just as a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Even if you’re new to baking, I promise you can make these cookies with ease. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies come together quickly. You’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen!
2. Fall Flavors: The warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—infuse the cookies with that classic pumpkin spice flavor we all love.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting: The rich and creamy frosting adds a delicious tang that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Perfectly Soft and Chewy: These cookies stay soft and chewy, making them irresistible right out of the oven or days later.
5. Versatile: Enjoy them as is, or add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a fun twist!

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

In total, you can have a batch of these delicious cookies ready in about 30-35 minutes!

Ingredients

To make these pumpkin cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to thin if needed)

Why These Ingredients Matter

• Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor. It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling for this recipe.
• Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives these cookies their warm, cozy flavor profile.
• Cream Cheese: Essential for the frosting, it adds a rich, tangy taste that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps to whip up your pumpkin cookies.

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. An electric mixer works great for this step.

4. Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor, making the cookies tender and delicious.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

6. Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread a little while baking, so give them some room!

7. Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

8. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps them set up perfectly.

9. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.

10. Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies have completely cooled, generously spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cookie. Feel free to get creative with your frosting style!

How to Serve

Here are a few serving suggestions for your pumpkin cookies:

• Autumn Gatherings: Serve these cookies at your next fall get-together or Thanksgiving dinner—they’re sure to be a hit!
• Coffee Companion: Pair them with your favorite hot beverage, whether it’s coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• Gift Idea: These cookies make a thoughtful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative box or tin to share the joy of fall flavors with friends and family.

Additional Tips

To ensure your pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use Fresh Spices: Ground spices can lose their potency over time, so use fresh spices for the best flavor.
2. Don’t Overbake: The cookies should still look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.
3. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to scoop, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
4. Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins to the cookie dough for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
5. Storage: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Recipe Variations

Want to customize your pumpkin cookies? Here are some tasty variations:

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet twist that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin flavor.
• Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies: Add 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to the dough for a hearty, chewy texture.
• Spiced Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the dough for a warming kick.

FAQ Section

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and spiced, which can alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. The cookies may have a slightly different texture, but they should still be delicious!

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also bake the cookies in advance and frost them the day you plan to serve them.

How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for frosting?
You can make a simple buttercream frosting using just butter, powdered sugar, and a little milk or vanilla. This will give you a sweet, creamy topping without the tang of cream cheese.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting! They’re not only delicious but also a celebration of fall in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them with family, friends, or just treating yourself, I hope they bring warmth and joy to your table. These cookies have a way of sparking happy memories and cozy moments, making them perfect for any occasion.

Baking should be fun and filled with creativity, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Experiment with spices, toppings, or even drizzling a little caramel on top for an extra indulgent touch. If you try it out, be sure to share your photos and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the comforting scents of pumpkin spice all season long! Remember, every batch tells a story, and I can’t wait to hear yours, so enjoy the process and savor every delightful bite!

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