Description
These soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are a perfect fall treat, combining warm pumpkin spices with a rich and creamy frosting. They are tender, flavorful, and ideal for holiday gatherings or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 tbsp butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Blend until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 13–15 minutes, or slightly longer if making larger cookies. The cookies should be set but soft. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Flavor: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost Cookies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookies. Optionally, sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice or chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Notes
- Ensure the pumpkin puree is well drained if homemade to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- Do not overmix the cookie dough to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle the frosted cookies with cinnamon or finely chopped pecans.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Bring refrigerated cookies to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin cookies, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, soft cookies, pumpkin spice cookies, holiday treats
