Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy treat to share (or savor all to yourself!), Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the answer. These dreamy cookies are packed with warm autumn spices, sweet pumpkin, and a pillowy cream cheese frosting that’s impossible to resist. Every soft, spiced bite melts in your mouth and delivers the perfect combination of pumpkin flavor and sweet tang. Whether it’s for a fall gathering, a holiday dessert table, or a special afternoon treat, these cookies bring festive cheer and genuine homemade comfort to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting plays its own delicious part, from the creamy richness of butter to the warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg. The best part? Everything is easy to find and comes together for cookies that are soft, flavorful, and full of character.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Essential for that classic tender cookie crumb and buttery depth.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings a hint of caramel flavor and keeps the cookies moist.
- Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): The star ingredient for rich pumpkin taste and beautiful color (make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling).
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and ensures a tender structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the cookies and frosting with cozy, aromatic sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of your cookie, giving it shape and a soft bite.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Lifts the cookies, making them light and just a bit cakey.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps with spread and creates a lovely soft texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and the quintessential fall aroma.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the spice profile with earthy, comforting notes.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch for that distinctive, cozy spiced finish.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The creamy, tangy base for the dreamy frosting.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Ensures the frosting is rich and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Makes the frosting fluffy, sweet, and perfectly smooth.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings out the best in the cream cheese frosting.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, as needed): Adjusts the frosting to your ideal creamy consistency.
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a total breeze. Getting organized before you start mixing will set you up for cookie success.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This aeration is key to achieving that signature soft texture in your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and fully incorporated. The pumpkin not only adds flavor and color, but also keeps the cookies super moist and tender.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed, so every bite of your cookies is perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour. The dough will be soft and fragrant, ready for scooping.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Gently flatten each mound with your fingers for a classic sugar cookie shape that bakes up beautifully.
Step 7: Bake to Soft Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers still look a little soft. This is the secret to incredibly tender Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until fluffy. If needed, add milk a tablespoon at a time until the frosting is perfectly spreadable.
Step 9: Frost and Enjoy
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over each one. For a festive touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top. Now you’re ready to savor every soft, frosted bite!
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
A light dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosting not only looks gorgeous but also adds an extra layer of cozy flavor. For a pretty finish, try a sprinkle of orange sanding sugar or even a few festive sprinkles to make these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting pop on any dessert table.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a mug of hot apple cider, a creamy chai latte, or even a glass of cold milk. For a dessert platter, serve alongside spiced nuts, caramel popcorn, or other autumn treats to create a memorable spread for gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board with mini pumpkins and cinnamon sticks for a charming fall look, or stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. You can even sandwich two cookies together with extra frosting for decadent pumpkin “whoopie pies”—a fun twist that’s always a hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The chill keeps the frosting fresh and the cookies soft, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months; simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
If you like your cookies slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds (without the frosting) to soften, or let refrigerated cookies sit out for 20–30 minutes before frosting and serving. This brings out all the best flavors and textures of your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.
FAQs
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree for this recipe, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that can alter the texture and flavor balance of your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture, and keep an eye on the baking time as gluten-free cookies can bake a bit faster.
How do I keep the cream cheese frosting from getting runny?
Be sure to use softened, not melted, cream cheese and butter, and add the milk only as needed for consistency. If your frosting gets too thin, add extra powdered sugar a little at a time until it’s thick and spreadable.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to use large mixing bowls and bake in batches so each Pumpkin Sugar Cookie with Cream Cheese Frosting gets the attention it deserves.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing homemade Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and plenty of “just one more!” requests. Give them a try—you’ll want to make them your new fall tradition.
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Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful fall treat, combining soft, spiced pumpkin-flavored cookies with a rich and creamy frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy snacks, these cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and seasonal spices.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your cookies. Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and place them onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Flatten each slightly with your fingers to help them bake evenly.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy. Add milk as needed a little at a time to get a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top for extra autumn flavor.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For best flavor, bring refrigerated cookies to room temperature before serving.
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice atop the frosting for an enhanced fall flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
