Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting melt in your mouth with each bite. They’re perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat. With their pillowy softness and delightful flavor, these cookies are not just easy to make; they are sure to impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting flavor that’s perfect for the season.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed as dessert or an afternoon snack, making them a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
• Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the soft cookie texture.
• Great for Sharing: With 30 cookies in one batch, they are ideal for potlucks, parties, or simply sharing with loved ones.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking these delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, gather the essential tools that will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized during preparation.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

Ingredients

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting melt in your mouth with each bite. They are easy to make and pillowy soft!

For the Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (305 g) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces (226 g) block-style cream cheese (softened but still cool)
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (210 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer:
1. Beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl if necessary.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients:
– Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix. The dough will be sticky yet soft.

Step 5: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon:
– Scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
– Space each cookie about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven at 350° F:
– For approximately 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are set but cookies remain soft.
– Allow cooling on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter on medium-high speed until smooth, about 30 seconds.
2. Add in the vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar. Mix again just until combined, around another 30 seconds.

Step 8: Frost Cookies

Once cooled completely:
– Use an offset spatula or knife to frost each pumpkin cookie generously.
– Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

Enjoy these delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting at any occasion!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy evening at home, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a steaming cup of coffee for a classic pairing that complements the warm spices in the cookies.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies and mini cupcakes for an appealing dessert spread at your next gathering.

With Ice Cream

• Serve the pumpkin cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in decorative bags as sweet party favors for guests to take home after celebrations.

With Whipped Cream

• Top the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy texture and enhanced flavor profile.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips for baking success.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and results in thicker, fluffy cookies.

• Use fresh spices: Fresh pumpkin pie spice enhances flavor. Check expiration dates to ensure optimal taste.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies caused by overpacking.

• Don’t overmix: After adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow cookies to cool fully on a wire rack before applying frosting for better adherence and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin cookies make a fantastic dessert but can also be paired with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Chai Tea – A warm cup of chai tea infused with spices balances well with the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Apple Slices – Crisp apple slices provide a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie, offers savory notes that pair beautifully with sweet treats.
4. Fall Salad – A salad featuring mixed greens, nuts, and cranberries adds freshness and color, enhancing your autumn-themed meal.
5. Pumpkin Spice Latte – This seasonal favorite echoes the flavors in your cookies, creating a cohesive fall experience.
6. Caramel Dip – A rich caramel dip can be served alongside apple slices or drizzled over cookies for added sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Bold ingredient selection: Using old or stale ingredients can ruin your cookies. Always check the freshness of your baking powder, baking soda, and spices for optimal flavor.
• Bold measuring flour incorrectly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to packed flour and dry cookies. Instead, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Bold not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can affect the texture of your cookies. Allowing the dough to chill helps control spread and creates a thicker, softer cookie.
• Bold overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Bold ignoring bake time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking time to prevent them from becoming too hard.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep the cream cheese frosting separate if possible, to maintain cookie texture.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting that may help you perfect this recipe.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s well-cooked and pureed smoothly.

How do I make gluten-free pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

Can I reduce sugar in pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can reduce sugar slightly. However, keep in mind that it may affect texture and sweetness.

How long do these pumpkin cookies last?

The cookies stay fresh for up to five days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also easy to customize. You can add nuts or chocolate chips or adjust the spices according to your taste. We encourage you to try making these delightful treats; they’re perfect for any occasion!