If you’re on the lookout for a charming fall treat that brilliantly combines cozy spices with a soft texture, this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are tender, perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s smooth and just sweet enough. Every bite celebrates pumpkin season in the most delightful way, making these cookies not just delicious but also a festive favorite that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something special—from the creamy richness of butter to the warm spices that evoke autumn—and together they create cookies that are bursting with seasonal flavor and soft, cakey texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a smooth, creamy base that keeps the cookies tender and moist.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect sugar cookie texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings depth and a hint of caramel flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, lending moisture and rich pumpkin flavor with natural sweetness.
- 1 egg yolk: Binds the dough while contributing to a soft, cakey crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Builds the structure of the cookies for that just-right chewiness.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps lighten the dough for a tender bite.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the spices.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, classic fall spice that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Provides a cozy, slightly sweet earthiness.
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves: Offers a subtle hint of spice that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Base for the frosting, giving it creamy tanginess.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection and helps it spread easily.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting with a lovely aromatic touch.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting for just the right flavor.
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. This step is crucial for a clean, fuss-free baking experience and perfectly shaped cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, setting the stage for soft, delicate cookies that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Blend in Pumpkin and Flavorings
Next, add the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix these together until everything is well combined. The pumpkin not only infuses the dough with moisture and flavor but also gives the cookies their beautiful golden-orange hue, making them as eye-catching as they are tasty.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed through the flour and ultimately throughout the cookie dough, giving you consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow room for the cookies to spread slightly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely; this ensures the perfect texture before frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until you get a creamy, spreadable frosting. Finish by stirring in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness with a little tang.
Step 8: Frost the Cookies
Generously spread the cream cheese frosting on each cooled cookie. The combination of the spiced pumpkin cookie and the creamy frosting is what makes this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so irresistibly good.
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair, sprinkle your frosted cookies with a dusting of ground cinnamon, a few chopped pecans, or even some festive orange and brown sprinkles. These simple touches give your cookies a charming, homemade look perfect for any autumn gathering.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, a frothy pumpkin spice latte, or a rich hot chocolate. The warm spices in your beverage will complement the cookie flavors beautifully, turning snack time into a cozy, comforting ritual.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cookies on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by cinnamon sticks or miniature pumpkins for a true autumn vibe. If you’re sharing with friends or giving as gifts, stack the cookies in a cellophane bag tied with twine and a small pumpkin charm for a perfect seasonal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to three days, making them an easy make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving for best results.
Reheating
If you like your cookies slightly warm, pop a frosted cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the frosting and enhances the pumpkin flavor, providing a delightful experience reminiscent of freshly baked treats.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe and ensures consistent moisture and flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy these delicious cookies without gluten.
Do I need to refrigerate the cookies because of the cream cheese frosting?
It’s best to keep frosted cookies in the refrigerator if you’re storing them for more than a day. However, for short-term storage or serving, room temperature is fine.
Can I substitute the spices in this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
While the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create the classic pumpkin spice flavor, feel free to adjust or add a pinch of ginger or allspice to suit your personal taste.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly before baking if needed. Also, spacing cookies adequately on the sheet helps maintain their shape.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a heartwarming way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Its soft, spiced cookies paired with dreamy cream cheese frosting create a perfect balance that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite. Give this recipe a try, and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved treat in your household and beyond!
Print
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, flavorful fall treats perfect for any occasion. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and topped with a rich, creamy frosting, these cookies combine the comforting taste of pumpkin with a sweet, tangy finish. They bake quickly to a tender texture that melts in your mouth, making them an ideal seasonal dessert for sharing.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates an airy base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined, ensuring even flavor and moisture throughout the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves to evenly distribute the baking agents and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and tough cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies evenly to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove and cool the cookies on wire racks.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, generously frost each cookie with the cream cheese frosting for a rich finishing touch. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are softened to room temperature for a lump-free spread.
- Do not overmix the cookie dough to keep the cookies tender and avoid toughness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting; bring to room temperature before serving.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices if preferred.
- These cookies freeze well, both with and without the frosting.
