Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall treat. With their soft texture and delightful spices, they are perfect for any occasion, from cozy gatherings to festive celebrations. The creamy frosting adds a tangy touch that complements the cookie’s sweetness, making them a favorite among family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple techniques and ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that captures the essence of autumn.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a sweet snack at home, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Creamy Frosting: The rich cream cheese frosting elevates the cookies, adding a smooth and tangy contrast to the sweet base.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are baked to perfection, ensuring a soft bite that melts in your mouth.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Baking sheets: Provides a stable surface for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting come together with these essential ingredients:

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 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 ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until light and fluffy, which should take about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined, ensuring a smooth batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.

Step 5: Mix Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can affect texture.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Sheets

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space them evenly so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until edges are set, with tops appearing dry. Let cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

While cookies cool, prepare your frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.

Step 9: Add Powdered Sugar

Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Beat until light, fluffy consistency is achieved. Adjust thickness if needed by adding more powdered sugar or a dash of milk.

Step 10: Frost Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool, frost generously with cream cheese frosting. Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are delightful on their own, but serving them with a few thoughtful accompaniments can enhance the experience. Consider these serving suggestions to elevate your cookie presentation and enjoyment.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee or Tea: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The warmth complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat, serve alongside rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for an indulgent pairing.

At a Gathering

• Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a festive platter with other treats for a visually appealing dessert table at parties.
• Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a fun decorating station where guests can add their own frosting and sprinkles to the cookies.

As a Gift

• Gift Boxes: Pack cookies into decorative boxes tied with ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts during the fall season.
• Cookie Jars: Fill glass jars with cookies and label them for a charming gift that friends and family will appreciate.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips. They will guide you in achieving soft, flavorful cookies topped with delicious frosting.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
• Chill the Dough (if needed): If the dough is too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.
• Check Cookie Doneness: Keep an eye on baking time; remove from the oven when edges are set, even if they appear slightly underbaked in the center.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a small amount of milk; if it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

While these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are delicious alone, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent side dish ideas:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider infused with cinnamon and cloves brings out the comforting flavors of fall.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup serves as a savory counterpart, balancing sweetness with its warm flavors.
3. Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda paired with crackers and nuts for a delightful contrast to sweet cookies.
4. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad featuring apples, pears, and grapes adds brightness and refreshment alongside rich cookies.
5. Caramel Dip: Serve caramel dip on the side for an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin treats.
6. Chai-Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cookies nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be delightful, but there are some common mistakes to watch for.

• Boldly skip the chilling: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Boldly ignore ingredient temperatures: Using cold butter or cream cheese can affect texture. Ensure they are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
• Boldly overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Boldly rush the cooling: Frosting warm cookies can cause it to melt. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
• Boldly forget about measuring: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin the balance. Use proper measuring tools for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-8 minutes for a soft texture.
• Microwave: Heat cookies for 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating, as it may dry them out.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covered, to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use different spices in Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like ginger or allspice to customize your flavor profile.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes! Freeze them individually wrapped and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

What should I do if my frosting is too runny?

If your frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Are these cookies suitable for decorating?

Yes! These soft pumpkin sugar cookies provide a great base for any decorations you might want to add.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for any fall gathering or cozy afternoon treat. Their soft texture and warm spices make them irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making this recipe versatile enough for everyone!