Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for fall. With their soft texture and delightful blend of spices, they bring a warm, festive spirit to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a gathering, or just indulging in some sweet comfort at home, these cookies will surely impress. The creamy frosting adds an extra layer of deliciousness that makes them stand out from your typical cookie recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting and inviting taste that embodies the essence of fall.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is simple enough for anyone, even beginners.
- Versatile Occasion Treat: Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or cozy afternoons at home with friends and family.
- Frosted to Perfection: The creamy cream cheese frosting not only tastes great but also elevates the visual appeal of these cookies.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, making them a delightful alternative to hard or crunchy cookies.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures that your butter and sugars are creamed together smoothly for a fluffy texture.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.
- Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning the dough evenly, ensuring uniform baking.
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) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is crucial for achieving perfectly baked cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together:
1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter
2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
3. 1/4 cup brown sugar
Beat until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add:
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
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: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Scoop Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space them evenly for proper baking.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake for about 10–12 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool on sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 8: Prepare Frosting
While cookies cool, beat together:
4 oz cream cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Continue mixing until smooth.
Step 9: Add Sugar & Flavorings
Add:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency if needed with more powdered sugar or milk.
Step 10: Frost Cookies
Once cookies are completely cool, frost generously with the cream cheese frosting. Serve up these delightful treats!
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re planning a fall gathering or simply want to indulge yourself, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a perfect morning treat.
- Tea: Enjoy these cookies alongside a soothing herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of hot chocolate complements the spiced flavors of the cookies wonderfully.
At Fall Gatherings
- Dessert Table: Include these cookies on your dessert table for Thanksgiving or Halloween celebrations.
- Party Favors: Package them nicely to give as sweet party favors at any autumn event.
- Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a fun decorating station where guests can add their own frosting and sprinkles.
As a Sweet Snack
- After School Treats: These cookies make an excellent snack for kids coming home from school.
- Midday Pick-Me-Up: Enjoy one or two cookies during your lunch break for a delightful energy boost.
- Movie Night Snack: Serve these cookies during movie night for a cozy and tasty treat.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Letting the dough chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices deliver more flavor; consider grinding them just before use.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking; they should look set but not browned.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cookies to cool completely to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding nuts or sprinkles for extra texture and flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies can enhance your fall feast. Here are some great options that complement their sweet, spiced flavor.
- Spiced Applesauce: A warm bowl of spiced applesauce offers a comforting contrast to the sweetness of cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses pairs beautifully, balancing sweetness with savory notes.
- Pumpkin Soup: Serve this seasonal favorite as a starter; its flavors echo those in your cookies.
- Caramelized Pecans: Crunchy and sweet, these make an excellent topping or side that enhances the cookie experience.
- Cranberry Salad: A tart cranberry salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich frosting and spices.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out the autumn vibes and balance out dessert flavors nicely.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup over fresh fruit can accentuate the pumpkin spices in your cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be delightful, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the cream step: Not creaming the butter and sugars long enough can lead to dense cookies. Make sure to beat until light and fluffy for the best texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding dry ingredients can toughen your cookies. Stir until just combined for a tender result.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well your dough comes together. Always use room temperature ingredients for optimal mixing.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Ignoring cooling time: Frosting warm cookies can cause it to melt off. Let your cookies cool completely before applying frosting for a beautiful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Pumpkin sugar cookies will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 2-3 minutes to warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’re not alone. Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugars that may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. Use pure pumpkin puree for best results.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works well. Ensure that your blend is suitable for baking.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips will give your cookies an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just fold them in at the end of mixing.
How should I store leftover frosting?
Store any leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Re-whip before using again.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully! Follow proper freezing instructions above to enjoy them later.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only soft and spiced but also versatile and perfect for any fall gathering. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips! Enjoy making this delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to your kitchen.
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. These cookies are soft, chewy, and infused with a blend of pumpkin and cozy spices that capture the essence of autumn. Perfect for holiday gatherings, Halloween celebrations, or a sweet treat at home, each bite offers a comforting taste that will impress family and friends. The luscious frosting not only enhances the flavor but also adds an eye-catching finish to this seasonal dessert. Easy to prepare and a joy to share, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your fall baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 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, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Mix in pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir gently until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto prepared sheets; bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool on wire racks before frosting with cream cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
