Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious treat that captures the essence of fall, then this Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend. These soft, spiced cookies bring warmth through every bite, enhanced beautifully by the tangy cream cheese frosting that’s both smooth and rich. Whether you’re baking to welcome autumn or just craving something uniquely comforting, this recipe blends classic pumpkin flavors with a creamy topping that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first fun part, and this recipe uses simple, pantry-staple items that deliver big on flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in giving these cookies their moist texture, perfect sweetness, and that unmistakable pumpkin spice character.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the crisp edges.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings deep molasses notes that complement the pumpkin perfectly.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that adds moistness and natural pumpkin flavor.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm spices and adds a lovely aroma.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, giving it the right density and chewiness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for tender results with a slight lift.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The quintessential pumpkin spice flavor that defines this recipe.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and a subtle, nutty undertone.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a bit of zing that wakes up the taste buds.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a hint of exotic spice depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The base for the frosting, adding tang and creaminess.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting luscious and smooth.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the frosting with a rich, fragrant finish.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bakeware

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple start sets the stage for perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and homogenous. This step is crucial as it aerates the batter and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Blend in the pumpkin puree, the egg, and the vanilla extract. The pumpkin keeps everything moist and tender while the egg binds all the ingredients, and the vanilla adds a warm, inviting aroma.

Step 4: Mix Dry Spices and Leavening Agents

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps distribute the spices evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your spiced flour mixture into the wet mixture, folding just until everything is combined. This careful mixing prevents overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake Your Cookies

Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies appear set with golden edges, giving you that lovely, slightly crisp contrast to the soft middle.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes—this helps them firm up slightly without becoming dry. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which is essential before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies cool, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat for the smoothest consistency. Finish with vanilla extract to round out the rich flavor.

Step 9: Frost Your Cookies

Once fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on each cookie. For an extra touch, a light sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds visual appeal and a pop of spice.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Think beyond the basics when decorating your cookies. A dash of extra cinnamon, chopped toasted pecans, or even a light drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the look and taste, creating a dessert that feels like a special occasion treat.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced chai latte or a rich pumpkin spice coffee. The warm beverage complements the spice notes brilliantly and rounds out the cozy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your frosted cookies on a rustic wooden platter lined with autumn leaves or a simple doily for a charming, seasonal display. You could also sandwich the frosting between two cookies to create delightful pumpkin spice cookie sandwiches for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge can extend freshness, though the texture may become a bit firmer.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Frost the cookies after thawing for best results. You may also freeze frosted cookies, but place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating

To bring your cookies back to fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If frostings seem too soft, chilling briefly afterward will help reset the texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure, or add a teaspoon separately to help maintain texture.

How long do these cookies last with the frosting?

Once frosted, the cookies are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days if stored in the refrigerator, as the cream cheese frosting can spoil if left out too long.

Can I make the frosting less sweet?

Definitely! You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly to taste, but keep in mind that it also helps give the frosting its proper texture and stability.

Do these cookies freeze well after baking?

They do! For the best quality, freeze the cookies unfrosted and add frosting after thawing. This helps maintain a fresh, delicious flavor and texture closer to freshly baked.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dive into this Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, filling your kitchen with those heavenly spices and frosting that melts just right. Whether for special occasions or a simple sweet treat, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

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