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
Scale
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
