Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat perfect for fall and beyond! This recipe combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with a rich cream cheese topping, making it an irresistible dessert. You can easily make this delicious treat for gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy night at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. The moist pumpkin base pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy frosting. Here are a few reasons you’ll adore this recipe:

Quick and Easy: You can whip up these cookies in no time, making them ideal for busy days.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just a treat at home, these cookies fit right in.
Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them as is or get creative with add-ins and variations.

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Delightfully soft and spiced pumpkin cookies topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall gatherings and cozy nights at home.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 12

Total Time 32

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Baked Goods

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup pumpkin puree Can use fresh or canned.
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
milk as needed To reach desired consistency.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter. Mix until smooth.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for a soft cookie.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting Preparation

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy. Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Keyword Baking Recipe, Cream Cheese Frosting, Fall Desserts, holiday treats, Pumpkin Cookies

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is a breeze if you follow these easy steps:

Ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter. Mix until smooth.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for a soft cookie.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy. Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serve these pumpkin cookies as a delightful dessert or snack. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and can be enjoyed fresh or after chilling in the fridge. For a festive touch, consider garnishing them with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting.

How to Store Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Store your pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Be sure to layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent them from sticking together.

Tips to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Perfect

Use Fresh Pumpkin: While canned pumpkin puree works well, using fresh pumpkin can add a unique flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender.
Chill the Frosting: Chilling the cream cheese frosting makes it easier to spread on the cookies.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference. Adding a pinch of cloves can offer a nice depth of flavor.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a rich chocolate flavor.
Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Cranberry Twist: Fold in dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet and tart flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies near the end of the baking time. They are perfect with a soft center.
Frosting Consistency: Adjust the milk in the frosting to get the desired consistency. Thicker frosting makes it easier to spread.

FAQs About Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Q1: Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute to lower the sugar content. However, note that it may change the texture slightly.

Q2: Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookies before frosting. Just make sure to wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

Q3: How do I know when my cookies are done?
Your cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a bit underbaked.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are a delightful fall treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a relaxing weekend, this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy making these delicious cookies, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your own variations!