Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall baked goods, you’re going to absolutely adore these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Picture tender, soft sugar cookies infused with warm spices and real pumpkin puree, then topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and richness. These cookies are a delightful treat that brings the essence of autumn in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, afternoon tea, or just because, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to share and savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of pantry staples combined with fresh pumpkin puree and a few warming spices to create irresistible flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the tenderizing butter and pumpkin to the fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg that evoke that perfect fall feeling.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides rich flavor and a tender crumb for the cookies.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp cookie edge.
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Contributes moisture and a subtle molasses depth.
• Pumpkin puree (1/3 cup): Infuses the dough with moistness and authentic autumn taste.
• Egg yolk (1): Binds ingredients and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base of the cookie structure.
• Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Warming spice that’s key to that cozy pumpkin flavor.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds mellow spice complexity.
• Ground cloves (1/8 tsp): Provides a subtle, aromatic punch.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The star of the frosting, delivering creamy tang.
• Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, softened for frosting): Makes the frosting smooth and spreadable.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp for frosting): Adds flavor depth to the frosting.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness and enhances cream cheese tang.

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking. This simple prep sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential for incorporating air, which helps give your cookies a soft, tender texture.

Step 3: Mix in Pumpkin and Eggs

Add the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. The pumpkin adds moisture and subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed to every bite.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies might turn out tough instead of tender. The dough should be soft but scoopable.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion your dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look dry. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Then add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until fluffy and well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more powdered sugar if needed for spreading or piping.

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy

Once the cookies are fully cooled, frost each one generously using a spoon or piping bag. This creamy frosting is the perfect finishing touch, complementing the gentle pumpkin spice with its tangy sweetness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

To elevate your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, consider sprinkling a dash of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans on top. These simple garnishes add a wonderful crunch and extra flavor notes that make the cookies feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Serve your cookies alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or a latte spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. The warm, spiced beverages complement the pumpkin and cream cheese flavors perfectly and make for a cozy snack or dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board or a festive platter and garnish with fresh autumn leaves or mini pumpkins for a seasonal touch. You can also sandwich two cookies together with the cream cheese frosting filling, creating an indulgent pumpkin treat that looks charming at fall parties or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They stay soft and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying over several days without losing texture or taste.

Freezing

For make-ahead convenience, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months, so you can bake in advance and frost right before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer to eat your cookies warm, simply let them thaw at room temperature and then warm briefly in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid heating them while frosted to prevent melting; frost after warming for best results.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use 100% pure pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of your cookies. Pure pumpkin puree keeps the taste fresh and balanced.

How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?

Do not overbake your cookies; they should look set but still soft when you take them out. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps retain moisture, keeping them tender for days.

Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even dried cranberries work wonderfully and add fun texture and flavor contrasts to the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

What is the best way to apply the frosting?

You can spread the frosting on with a spoon or knife for a casual look, or use a piping bag with a star or round tip for a pretty, polished finish that’s perfect for gift-giving or special occasions.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary in texture.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting truly capture the heart of fall baking — tender, flavorful, and utterly delicious. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the joy of this cozy treat with your loved ones. Trust me, once you taste the warmth of pumpkin and spices with that dreamy cream cheese frosting, these cookies will be a lifelong favorite in your baking repertoire!

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