Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for any occasion, from cozy fall gatherings to festive holiday celebrations. With their soft, pillowy texture and rich cream cheese frosting, they are sure to delight your taste buds. Easy to make and bursting with flavors of pumpkin spice, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are incredibly soft and fluffy, making each bite a delightful experience.
• Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these cookies without any hassle.
• Versatile for occasions: Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving feasts, or just a cozy night in with family.
• Decadent cream cheese frosting: The smooth, sweet frosting elevates these cookies to another level of deliciousness.
• Great for sharing: Yielding 30 cookies, this recipe is ideal for potlucks or gifting to friends.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully create these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Medium cookie scoop or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and effort by easily blending the ingredients to create a light and fluffy dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect cookie consistency.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents warping in the oven.

Ingredients

For these delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, you will need:

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 (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:
* All-purpose flour
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Salt
* Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Granulated sugar
3. Light brown sugar

Mix on medium-high speed until it becomes light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.

Add in:
1. Canned pumpkin puree
2. Large egg
3. Pure vanilla extract

Mix until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky and soft.

Step 5: Scoop the Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Ensure there is about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven at 350° F for about 13 to 15 minutes until edges are set but cookies remain soft and fluffy. Allow them to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While cookies are cooling, prepare your cream cheese frosting:
1. Beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter on medium-high speed until smooth (about 30 seconds).
2. Add pure vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix again just until combined—this should take about another 30 seconds.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once cooled, use an off-set spatula or knife to frost each pumpkin cookie generously with cream cheese frosting. Finish by garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired!

Enjoy your deliciously soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are delightful and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a cozy gathering or a simple treat, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pairing these cookies with your favorite coffee creates a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

At a Fall Gathering

• Serve these cookies at parties or potlucks to bring a seasonal touch to the table.

As a Dessert Platter

• Include these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other sweets for an inviting presentation.

With Ice Cream

• Top each cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.

Gift Them

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting pumpkin cookies is all about following key steps that ensure their softness and flavor. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and cream cheese to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and prevent them from becoming tough.
• Chill If Needed: If the dough is too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes can make it easier to scoop and shape.
• Check for Doneness: Bake until edges are set but centers are still soft; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet after removal.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add extra spices like nutmeg or ginger for more flavor depth.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet and spiced flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Spiced Chai Latte: This warm beverage enhances the flavors of pumpkin and spices in the cookies.
2. Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: The crispness of apples contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance the sweetness while adding savory notes.
4. Roasted Nuts: A mix of seasoned nuts provides crunch and flavor that pairs well with the creamy frosting.
5. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and acidity, which complements the rich flavors of pumpkin.
6. Warm Oatmeal: Serve oatmeal topped with cinnamon and nuts as a cozy side dish alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving perfect results.

• Bold Ingredient Selection: Using low-quality ingredients can affect the texture and flavor. Always choose fresh, high-quality butter, and ensure your spices are not past their expiration date.
• Bold Measuring Flour Incorrectly: Overpacking flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement—spoon flour into a cup and level it off with a knife.
• Bold Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold butter and cream cheese won’t blend well, resulting in a lumpy frosting. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth consistency.
• Bold Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much will make the cookies tough instead of soft. Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Bold Ignoring Baking Time: Baking for too long can lead to dry cookies. Check for doneness by looking for set edges; the center should still look soft.
• Bold Frosting Too Soon: Frosting warm cookies can cause the icing to melt. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cool the cookies completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They 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 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes to warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making these delightful treats, here are some common questions answered.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are done?

Your cookies are done when the edges are set, but the centers still look soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I use other spices instead of pumpkin pie spice?

Yes! You can create your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if you want a different flavor profile.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You may use vegan cream cheese or whipped coconut cream as an alternative for a dairy-free option.

Can I make these Pumpkin Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it or bake the cookies ahead of time and store them as directed.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips or trying different frostings. Embrace fall flavors and treat yourself and your loved ones with this easy-to-make recipe!