Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for fall. Soft and spiced, they deliver a delicious blend of pumpkin flavor paired with creamy frosting that will delight your family and friends. Whether for a cozy gathering, Halloween party, or just a sweet indulgence, these cookies are sure to be a favorite. Their unique combination of flavors makes them stand out in any dessert spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The warm spices combined with pumpkin make these cookies irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up quickly.
- Perfectly Frosted: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the cookies perfectly.
- Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive celebrations.
- Soft Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, making them delightful to eat.
Tools and Preparation
To create these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need some essential tools to ensure success in your baking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy, ensuring a fluffy texture.
- Baking sheets: Provide a flat surface for even baking of cookies.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
Ingredients
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, spiced, and frosted to perfection. Perfect for fall baking, they combine warm autumn spices with creamy, tangy frosting for a festive treat everyone will love.
For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: adds richness and soft texture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: sweetens and helps cookie structure
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: adds moisture and depth of flavor
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree: provides moisture and pumpkin flavor
- 1 egg yolk: helps bind and create a tender crumb
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: enhances flavor
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: forms the cookie base
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: provides slight lift
- 1/4 tsp salt: balances sweetness and enhances flavor
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: adds warmth
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: complements the pumpkin
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves: deepens the spice profile
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: forms the base of the frosting
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: helps smooth and enrich frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens frosting
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: flavors the frosting
- Pinch of salt: balances the frosting sweetness
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined for an even consistency.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space them evenly apart for proper baking.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies cool down, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a mixing bowl until smooth.
Step 9: Add Sugar and Flavorings
Add in the powdered sugar, remaining vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency if needed by adding more powdered sugar or a splash of milk.
Step 10: Frost Cookies
Once cookies are completely cool, generously frost each one with your cream cheese frosting. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container. Enjoy!
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy these soft and spiced cookies.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Tea: Enjoy them alongside a spiced chai or herbal tea for a comforting combination.
- Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of hot chocolate complements the creamy frosting beautifully.
At Gatherings
- Potlucks: Bring these cookies to share at potluck events—they’re sure to be a hit!
- Celebrations: Perfect for birthday parties or holiday gatherings, adding festive charm.
- Bake Sales: Package them nicely for bake sales; their unique flavor will attract buyers.
As Gifts
- Gift Boxes: Create a gift box filled with cookies and other fall treats for friends or family.
- Cookie Jars: Layer these cookies in a jar for an attractive homemade gift that keeps giving.
With Ice Cream
- À la Mode: Serve warm cookies topped with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to make delicious ice cream sandwiches in various flavors.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
To achieve the best results with your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, consider these essential tips.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps maintain shape while baking.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh to enhance the flavor profile of the cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the texture light and tender.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cookies to cool fully so the frosting doesn’t melt off.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: For thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar; for thinner, add milk gradually.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with Pumpkin Sugar Cookies can create a well-rounded dessert table. Here are some tasty options.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte – A seasonal favorite that perfectly complements the warm spices in the cookies.
- Apple Cider – Enjoy hot or cold apple cider; its fruity notes balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter – Offer a selection of cheeses like brie or gouda that provide savory contrast to sweet flavors.
- Candied Nuts – Sweet and crunchy nuts add texture and pair nicely with creamy frosting.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cookies for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels – The saltiness and crunch complement the soft pumpkin cookie texture wonderfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft.
- Skipping the cooling step: Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt. Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can affect texture and taste. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well, leading to dense cookies. Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature.
- Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can change baking times. Use an oven thermometer for accurate readings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Freeze un-frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- For frosted cookies, freeze on a baking sheet first, then store in a container with parchment paper between layers.
Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
You can use pumpkin pie filling, but it contains spices and sugar. Adjust the recipe accordingly if you do.
What makes these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies different?
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are soft and spiced, topped with creamy frosting that balances sweetness perfectly.
How do I make my frosting more stable?
To stabilize your cream cheese frosting, add more powdered sugar or refrigerate it briefly after mixing.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different spices, nuts, or even swapping the frosting flavors. They’re perfect for gatherings or just enjoying at home during fall!
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies topped with Cream Cheese Frosting. These soft, spiced cookies are a perfect blend of warm pumpkin and fragrant spices, making them an irresistible treat for any autumn occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, celebrating a festive gathering, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. The addition of creamy frosting elevates each bite into a heavenly experience that your family and friends will love.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter for frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
- Pinch of salt for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Mix in pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Allow cookies to cool before frosting with prepared cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
