If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, you have to try this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cookies are soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices, all topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just to brighten your afternoon, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a magical dessert that’s both irresistible and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from contributing rich flavor and tender texture to creating that signature autumnal color that makes these cookies instantly inviting.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides moisture and rich, creamy flavor; softened for easy mixing.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note and moisture to keep the cookies soft.
- 1 cup pumpkin purée: The star of the recipe, adding natural moisture, sweetness, and that beautiful orange hue.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookies.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic essence.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the dough with the quintessential mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that perfect fall flavor.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the body and stability to the cookies.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, light texture.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients for tender, slightly chewy edges.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Essential for that creamy, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin spice.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Provides a lovely depth of flavor to the frosting.
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfect pumpkin delights.
Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the dough, ensuring the cookies have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Mixing in Pumpkin and Flavorings
Next, mix in the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. The pumpkin adds moisture and a subtle earthiness, while the egg and vanilla bind and flavor the dough.
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a separate bowl. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed before adding to the wet mix.
Step 5: Bringing the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender and soft, not tough.
Step 6: Baking the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. Then, let the cookies cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth and creamy frosting. This luscious topping balances the spices and pumpkin perfectly with its tangy sweetness.
Step 8: Frosting the Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over each one. For a festive touch, add some pumpkin-colored sprinkles or get creative with piping designs to impress your guests or make your week a little brighter.
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, try topping the frosting with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few mini chocolate chips, or festive colored sugar crystals. These simple additions add texture, visual appeal, and an extra burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea, a creamy latte, or even a glass of cold milk to complement the rich pumpkin and creamy frosting. They pair beautifully with drinks that enhance their warmth and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden platter or a colorful autumn leaf-patterned tray. You might also stack a few cookies with frosting layers in between for festive cookie sandwiches. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane with a ribbon makes them perfect edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to five days, but let them come back to room temperature before serving for optimal softness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, un-frosted cookies freeze exceptionally well. After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frost the cookies after thawing. Alternatively, you can freeze frosted cookies, but the texture may alter slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. Warm cookies intensify the pumpkin spice flavor and soften the frosting, giving that freshly baked feeling all over again.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries. You can make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves or allspice in small amounts to capture that classic pumpkin spice flavor.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
While the original recipe calls for butter and cream cheese, you can substitute with plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. Just be mindful that texture and flavor might vary slightly.
How thick should I spread the frosting?
Generously frosting the cookies is part of what makes them so irresistible. Aim for a thick but even layer that complements each bite without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
Can these cookies be decorated for a party?
Definitely! After frosting, use colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or piping techniques to match any theme or celebration. They’re a showstopper at any fall or Thanksgiving event.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those cozy treats that never fails to bring a smile. Its perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy frosting makes it an absolute must-bake this season. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how delightful these cookies are when fresh from your own oven!
Print
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies topped with a creamy, rich cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spice and brightened with vanilla, these cookies offer a cozy fall treat that combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the tangy smoothness of cream cheese frosting. Ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence, this recipe yields 24 delicious cookies baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture. This incorporation of air will help create tender cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until everything is fully combined, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice to evenly distribute the leavening and spices throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which could lead to tough cookies.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a tablespoon, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each mound about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden color.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet or on a wire rack before applying the frosting, to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
- Frost and Decorate: Generously frost the cooled cookies using a knife or piping bag. Optionally, garnish with pumpkin-colored sprinkles or decorative piping for a festive look.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious pumpkin sugar cookies fresh and enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with every bite.
Notes
- Make sure the pumpkin purée is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- For best results, ensure all dairy ingredients are softened to room temperature before mixing.
- The cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
- You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for added crunch if desired.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with non-dairy alternatives.
