As I sifted through my spices, the comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafted through the air, transporting me straight to a cozy autumn afternoon. These Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not just any fall cookies; they embody the warmth of the season with every bite. Ideal for both festive gatherings and those quiet evenings spent curled up with a book, these cookies are quick to whip up and will surely become a family favorite. They strike the perfect balance between soft, chewy texture and sweet, tangy frosting, making them an irresistible addition to your autumn baking repertoire. Wondering how to fill your kitchen with the delightful scents of fall? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe! Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake? Unforgettable Flavors: The combination of spiced pumpkin and cream cheese frosting delivers a taste experience that embodies autumn. Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have your kitchen smelling like fall in no time! Adaptable: Whether you’re gluten-free or vegan, options for substitutions mean everyone gets to enjoy these treats. Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies shine at cookie exchanges, festive gatherings, or as a cozy snack with tea. Nutritionally Satisfying: Pumpkin adds not only flavor but also nutrients, making these cookies a guilt-free indulgence. Experience the joy of baking these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting and create sweet memories this season! Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Dough Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and a signature orange hue; use 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens cookies and helps achieve a tender crumb; reduce slightly for less sweetness. Brown Sugar – Adds depth with subtle molasses notes that enhance the overall flavor. Unsalted Butter – Contributes richness and soft texture; can substitute with plant-based butter for a vegan version. Egg Yolk – Provides structure for the cookies; can replace with 1 tablespoon of applesauce or a flax egg for a vegan adaptation. Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor and complements the warm spices in these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. All-Purpose Flour – The base of the cookie dough, supporting the recipe’s structure. Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise and retain that soft, chewy texture. Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors. Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and a classic fall aroma to the cookies. Nutmeg and Cloves – Deepen the spice profile, perfectly complimenting the pumpkin flavor. For the Cream Cheese Frosting Cream Cheese – Essential for achieving rich, tangy frosting that creates a delightful contrast with the cookies. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting while creating a fluffy texture; you can adjust the amount for desired sweetness. Pinch of Salt – Balances the frosting’s sweetness for a well-rounded flavor. With these ingredients at your fingertips, you’re set to create delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that will melt hearts this fall! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies later. This initial step sets the stage for perfectly baked Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that are soft and chewy. Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Next, add in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well-combined and smooth. This creates the flavorful base for your cookies. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves. This mixture brings the warm, spiced aroma essential for the fall season. Make sure to mix well to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients. Step 4: Combine Mixtures Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies remain tender and light. The dough should be thick but sticky, ready to shape into delightful cookie rounds that will melt in your mouth. Step 5: Shape Cookies Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. The dough should maintain its shape but may flatten slightly during baking. This step promises a uniform batch of cookies that bake evenly. Step 6: Bake Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and the centers remain soft to the touch. Keep an eye on them, as you want those delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies golden but not overly browned; they will continue to firm up while cooling. Step 7: Cool Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time ensures they’ll be soft and ready for the luscious cream cheese frosting. Step 8: Make the Frosting In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 ounces of cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar along with a pinch of salt, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy. This delightful frosting will add a tangy sweetness to your finished cookies. Step 9: Frost Cookies Once your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies have completely cooled, take a butter knife or spatula and generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of each cookie. Feel free to get creative with the amount; each bite deserves a touch of that creamy goodness! Your delightful fall treat is now ready to be savored. What to Serve with Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting There’s nothing quite like savoring sweet, spiced cookies while surrounded by the cozy scents of fall. Let’s make your baking experience even more delightful with perfect pairings. Hot Apple Cider: Warm and spiced, this drink enhances the autumn flavors in the cookies, making for a classic seasonal treat. Maple Pecan Ice Cream: The rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture create a delightful contrast to the soft cookies, elevating your dessert experience. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some creamy caramel on top adds a luscious sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese frosting. Chai Tea: The spices in chai echo those in the cookies, providing a warm and inviting sip that complements each rich bite. Roasted Pumpkin Soup: Serve this comforting soup for a savory start to your meal; it perfectly balances the sweet pumpkin cookies to create a harmonious autumn-themed menu. Candied Ginger Bites: Their spiciness and chewiness add a zing that plays nicely with the soft texture and creamy frosting of the cookies, creating joyful contrasts. Crisp Salad with Apples: A fresh salad with crunchy apples, nuts, and a light vinaigrette invigorates your palate, making the cookies even more delightful. Warm Chocolate Drink: A mug of warm, rich hot chocolate offers a sweet, comforting option, ideal for pairing with these soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. Spiced Tea Cakes: Light and airy, these cakes not only add variety to your dessert table but also enhance the festive feel of your gathering. With these pairings, your pumpkin sugar cookies will shine even brighter during your cozy fall celebrations! Expert Tips for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing and a well-blended dough for your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to keep cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stir just until incorporated. Check Texture: The dough should be thick but slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk. This helps in achieving the perfect soft-cookie consistency. Proper Cooling: Let cookies cool completely before frosting. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and ensures those beautiful, creamy tops stay intact. Storage Tips: Store your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies in an airtight container to maintain moisture. For extra freshness, layer them with parchment paper, if necessary. Make Ahead Convenience: Dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to three days before baking. This allows for spontaneous fall baking moments! Make Ahead Options These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the fall season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by sealing it tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain texture, it’s best to scoop the dough onto baking sheets before refrigerating, allowing you to simply bake them fresh when needed. Additionally, you can frost the cookies and store them in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just remember to frost them shortly before serving to ensure they stay soft and delicious—these cookies will taste just as delightful as if made fresh that day! Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Variations & Substitutions Get creative and make these cookies your own with delicious twists and swaps that will make your heart sing! Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for delicious cookies that everyone can enjoy. This type of flour maintains a similar texture while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities. Vegan: Swap the egg yolk for 1 tablespoon of applesauce or a flax egg, and replace butter with plant-based butter. This variation still captures the cozy flavors of fall without animal products. Extra Spice: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the dry ingredients for an added warmth that elevates the pumpkin flavor even further. It’s a fantastic way to infuse your cookies with a little extra kick! Chocolate Chip Boost: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the dough before baking for an exciting chocolate twist. The melty chocolate will complement the soft cookies beautifully, pleasing the chocoholics in the family! Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture. Nuts add a delightful crunch and a hint of earthiness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin. You can even toast them slightly for extra depth of flavor. Less Sweet: Reduce the granulated and brown sugar slightly if you prefer a cookie that isn’t too sweet, allowing the pumpkin and spices to shine through. The subtle flavors will balance beautifully without overpowering the pumpkin essence. Frosting Options: Instead of cream cheese frosting, try using a maple-flavored glaze for an even more autumn-inspired treat. Simply mix powdered sugar with maple syrup for a rich and delightful alternative. Spicy Honey Drizzle: For a touch of heat, drizzle a bit of spicy honey cooked down with cinnamon over the frosted cookies. It’s the perfect finishing touch for those who love a slight kick! With these variations, there’s no end to how you can enjoy your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just looking to change things up, each option brings a delightful spin to this cherished recipe! How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture. Fridge: For longer freshness, keep cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Freezer: Freeze your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies for up to 2 months. Ensure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Frost after reheating for the best results! Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs What type of pumpkin puree should I use for the cookies? Absolutely! I recommend using 100% pure pumpkin puree for these cookies. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. How should I store my cookies to keep them fresh? You can store your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To extend their freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for that ideal soft texture! Can I freeze these cookies, and how? Very! You can freeze your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies for up to 2 months. To properly freeze, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. If you’re freezing a batch before frosting, make sure they’re fully cooled. Frost after reheating for the best results! What should I do if my cookies come out too dry? If your cookies turn out dry, it may be due to overmixing the dough or baking them too long. To prevent this, mix just until combined and monitor their baking time closely—10-12 minutes should suffice. If the dough seems too dry, consider adding a splash of milk before baking for extra moisture! Are there any allergen considerations I should be aware of? Absolutely! These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies contain common allergens like gluten (from the all-purpose flour), dairy (from the butter and cream cheese), and eggs. For a vegan version, you can replace butter with plant-based butter and the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of applesauce or a flax egg, and use a dairy-free cream cheese. How can I adjust the spices to my taste? If you’re a spice lover, feel free to adjust the quantities of nutmeg and cloves according to your preference. You can even reduce or omit them entirely if you want a milder flavor. Remember, it’s all about making these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies suit your taste buds! Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting That Melt Hearts These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting melt hearts with their soft texture and spiced flavor, perfect for autumn. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 37 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough1 cup Pumpkin Puree 100% pure for best flavor½ cup Granulated Sugar Can reduce for less sweetness¼ cup Brown Sugar Adds depth of flavor½ cup Unsalted Butter Can substitute with plant-based butter1 large Egg Yolk Can replace with 1 tablespoon of applesauce1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract2 cups All-Purpose Flour1 teaspoon Baking Powder½ teaspoon Salt1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon½ teaspoon Nutmeg¼ teaspoon ClovesFor the Cream Cheese Frosting4 ounces Cream Cheese¼ cup Softened Butter2 cups Powdered Sugar Adjust for desired sweetness1 pinch Salt Equipment Mixing bowlBaking sheetsParchment paperWhiskElectric mixerSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy.Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves.Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.Drop balls of dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each.Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 ounces of cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened butter until smooth.Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, mixing until fluffy.Frost the cooled cookies with the cream cheese frosting. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 85mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor best results, use room-temperature butter and cream cheese, and avoid overmixing the dough. Store cookies in an airtight container for maximum freshness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
