If you’re looking for a cozy and irresistible treat to celebrate the flavors of fall, this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your go-to sweet indulgence. Bursting with warm pumpkin spice notes and the creamy tang of luscious frosting, these cookies offer the perfect balance of soft, tender crumb and smooth sweetness that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether it’s for a festive gathering, a casual afternoon pick-me-up, or a special holiday gift, these pumpkin sugar cookies are sure to become an instant favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for wholesome ingredients that are simple yet essential, each contributing to the delightful pumpkin flavor, soft texture, or creamy frosting that makes these cookies stand out. Every ingredient plays a key role in creating a perfectly balanced bite.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps achieve a tender crumb in the cookies.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and slight crispness to the edges.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel depth to enhance the pumpkin flavor.
- 1 cup pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that imparts moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable fall vibe.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and supports a soft, cakey texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice: A fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to give the cookies their signature spiced kick.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Boosts leavening and tenderizes the crumb.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base for the luscious frosting that pairs perfectly with the spiced cookies.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Adds body and smoothness to the cream cheese frosting.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the frosting’s flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This fluffy base is crucial for the soft texture fans love in sugar cookies.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The pumpkin adds moisture and a lovely fall flavor while the egg helps bind everything together for that perfect chewiness.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a separate bowl. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to keep the dough tender and avoid overworking the flour.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting.
Step 6: Make and Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Generously spread or pipe the frosting onto each cooled cookie. For a festive touch, sprinkle on pumpkin-colored sprinkles or use a piping bag to create beautiful swirls. This step transforms these cookies into little edible works of art.
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of cinnamon or a few pumpkin-shaped sprinkles add a playful, festive touch. For a sophisticated look, a light dusting of edible glitter or finely chopped toasted pecans provides an unexpected crunch and sparkle that elevates your presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea or rich hot chocolate for an indulgent autumn treat. If serving at a gathering, a platter of fresh seasonal fruit like sliced apples or pears complements the sweetness with a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves for a cozy vibe, or stack them in a clear jar tied with twine for a charming gift. You can also serve them alongside mini pumpkin latte shots for a themed dessert table sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh. The cream cheese frosting stays delicious but is best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To freeze with frosting, flash freeze them individually, then wrap carefully to prevent smudging.
Reheating
Warm frozen unfrosted cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to regain that just-baked softness. If frozen with frosting, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled or at room temperature for cream cheese frosting that’s perfectly smooth.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and makes this recipe super convenient without compromising flavor or texture.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Can I make my own?
Yes, you can easily combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to create your own pumpkin pie spice blend with the perfect autumnal aroma.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free pumpkin sugar cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Is there a way to make the frosting dairy-free?
For a dairy-free frosting, try using vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter alternatives while keeping the powdered sugar and vanilla the same for a similarly creamy finish.
How long do these cookies stay fresh once frosted?
Once frosted, the cookies taste best if consumed within 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and safe.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe bring together the best of fall’s flavors in a sweet, tender, and creamy package that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly they become a beloved fall staple, warming your kitchen and your heart with every bite.
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Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, moist, and bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavors. Perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spice and topped with a rich, creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting, these cookies bring a festive touch to any fall gathering or holiday celebration. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ 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 prepare for baking the cookies.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Shape and Bake: Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges become slightly golden.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack to ensure the frosting does not melt when applied.
- Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies have completely cooled, generously spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting over the top of each cookie. Optionally, decorate with pumpkin-colored sprinkles or piping for a festive presentation.
- Serve: Enjoy your pumpkin sugar cookies fresh, or store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making the frosting for a smooth texture.
- Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and moist inside.
- Cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Use fresh pumpkin purée for the best taste; canned pure pumpkin is also acceptable but avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
