Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for fall! These cookies are soft, thick, and dense, bursting with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices. Topped with a creamy frosting, they become an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party, these cookies will surely impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a delightful taste that captures the essence of fall.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have fresh cookies ready in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday celebrations, school bake sales, or just an afternoon snack with coffee.
- Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the spiced cookies beautifully.
- Family Favorite: These cookies are sure to become a staple in your home during the autumn months.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything on hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Electric mixer: Saves time when beating butter and cream cheese to get a smooth frosting.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are the ultimate fall dessert recipe! Made with canned pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a sweet & tangy cream cheese frosting … this easy cookie is soft, thick, dense, and delicious. Full of warm spices and flavor, these will be a pumpkin season family favorite!
For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Frosting
- Cinnamon
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure it is fully heated before placing your cookies inside.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the melted butter, pumpkin puree, white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Combine until smooth.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients – all purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a cookie dough forms.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 25 minutes.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge. Roll it into balls approximately 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons in size. Place them on a parchment paper-prepared baking sheet. You should get about 12-14 cookies.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies are baking, make your frosting. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer until blended smoothly. Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Chill in the fridge until ready to use.
Step 8: Cool Cookies & Frost
Once baked, allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Spread about one tablespoon of frosting on each cookie’s top. Optionally sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for added flavor.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Serve these delightful Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting at your next gathering or enjoy them all by yourself!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. They can be served in various delightful ways to enhance your fall gatherings or cozy evenings.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting start to your day.
- Tea: Enjoy them with spiced chai or herbal tea for a relaxing afternoon treat.
- Hot Chocolate: A rich hot chocolate complements the sweetness and spices of the cookies.
At Fall Gatherings
- Cookie Platter: Arrange these cookies on a festive platter along with other fall-themed treats.
- Dessert Bar: Include them in a dessert bar at parties, along with toppings like nuts and sprinkles.
- Gift Packages: Wrap these cookies in clear bags tied with twine for a homemade gift that friends and family will love.
For Special Occasions
- Birthday Parties: Serve them as an alternative treat at birthday celebrations, appealing to pumpkin lovers.
- Thanksgiving Desserts: These cookies make a wonderful addition to any Thanksgiving dessert table.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and cream cheese helps achieve a smoother batter and frosting.
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 25 minutes enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. These cookies should be soft when they come out, so avoid letting them get too brown.
- Add Extra Spices: For more intense flavor, sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice into the dough or use it as a topping.
- Frost After Cooling: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before adding cream cheese frosting to prevent melting.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Apple Slices: Crunchy apple slices add freshness and balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie, contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup makes a savory complement to these sweet treats during fall.
- Mixed Nuts: Roasted mixed nuts provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft cookies.
- Caramel Dip: Serve caramel dip alongside for dipping; its rich flavor enhances the cookie’s spices beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that pairs excellently with pumpkin flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder the outcome.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 25 minutes.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter can make it hard to blend with other ingredients. Always use melted butter for a smooth mixture.
- Overbaking the cookies: Baking for too long can result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and aim for a soft center when you take them out of the oven.
- Skipping the frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds richness and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for the perfect balance.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can affect the texture of your cookies and frosting. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep the cream cheese frosting separate until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Freeze cookies without frosting in a single layer for up to 3 months.
- Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie on low power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a pan over low heat, cover it, and warm cookies for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s well-cooked and drained before using it in your recipe.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can create your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This will work well as a substitute.
How do I make my cookies more chewy?
To achieve chewier cookies, slightly underbake them. Removing them from the oven while still soft will maintain moisture.
Can I freeze these cookies after frosting?
It’s best to freeze unfrosted cookies. Frosting can become watery when frozen and thawed, affecting taste and texture.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they should remain fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips or even adjusting the spices to suit your taste. Bake a batch today and enjoy a warm, cozy dessert that everyone will love!
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a must-try autumn delight! These soft, thick cookies combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, making them the perfect treat for cozy gatherings or festive occasions. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they offer a sweet contrast that will keep your friends and family coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’ll quickly become a staple dessert in your fall baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, pumpkin puree, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt; mix until dough forms.
- Chill dough for 25 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Roll dough into balls (1.5-2 tbsp each) and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for about 18 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool; prepare frosting by mixing cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar.
- Frost cooled cookies with about one tablespoon of frosting each.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 40g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
