As the chilly air settles in and the leaves begin their colorful dance, I find myself reaching for my favorite fall flavors—especially when it comes to baking. There’s something magical about the combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices that transforms ordinary cookies into an irresistible treat. Enter these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. They’re not just your average dessert; they’re soft, chewy morsels of autumnal goodness, perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet indulgence during a quiet evening at home. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create cookies that are not only easy to whip up but are also destined to be a crowd favorite. Ready to fill your kitchen with the delights of fall? Let’s dive into this comforting recipe!
Why are these cookies irresistible?
Unmatched softness: These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are crafted to be melt-in-your-mouth soft, making them a delightful treat for anyone who loves baked goods.
Cozy flavors: Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies perfectly capture the essence of autumn, creating a warm and inviting experience.
Frosting perfection: The creamy cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that beautifully balances the spices, elevating these cookies to the next level.
Quick and easy: With minimal ingredients and swift preparation, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, they’re perfect for last-minute gatherings or cozy home snacking.
Versatile indulgence: They can be enjoyed on their own or dressed up with chocolate chips or nuts for a unique twist! For other fun cookie ideas, consider trying Brownie Mix Cookies or Chicken Mac Cheese for savory pairings.
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and authentic pumpkin flavor; make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree for best results.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to a tender crumb; can be reduced to 2/3 cup for a less sweet cookie.
- Brown Sugar – Adds depth of flavor with a hint of molasses.
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and helps achieve a soft, chewy texture.
- Egg Yolk – Adds structure without making the cookies cakey; can be substituted with applesauce or a flax egg for vegan options.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavors of the cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the dough; necessary for creating that perfect cookie texture.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise and maintain their soft texture.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and a classic autumn aroma; essential for that cozy feel.
- Nutmeg – Complements pumpkin flavor with additional spiciness.
- Ground Cloves – Elevates the spiced profile of these delightful cookies.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese – Creates a rich, tangy frosting; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and contributes to a fluffy texture; adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the frosting for a delicious finish.
- Pinch of Salt – Elevates the sweetness and pulls all the flavors together in the frosting.
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are ready to bring your fall baking dreams to life!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy transfer of your delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. Having everything ready will streamline the process, so you’re set up for baking success!
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving tender cookies, as the creaming incorporates air into the dough for a light texture.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Eggs
Next, add in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed until well combined, about 2-3 minutes. The vibrant orange of the pumpkin will enrich the dough and give it that beloved fall flavor we crave in these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, using a spatula or low-speed mixer, until just blended. Be careful not to overmix; a soft dough is key for your cookies!
Step 5: Scoop and Shape Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, dollop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each mound. Your cookies will spread slightly, so this spacing ensures they bake evenly. You should have about 12-15 cookies, each promising to be soft and delicious.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch closely for the edges to turn slightly golden and the centers to look set but still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, maintaining that ideal soft texture which makes these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies irresistible.
Step 7: Cool Completely
After baking, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely—at least 20 minutes. This is a crucial step for perfect frosting application later, and the aroma of these pumpkin delights will make waiting a delightful challenge!
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup of unsalted butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until the mixture is creamy and smooth. The frosting will have a slightly tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the cozy spices of the cookies.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Once the cookies have cooled completely, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of each cookie. You can leave them unfrosted for a lighter treat, but the cream cheese frosting is the dreamy final touch that enhances these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, making them truly special.
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and bake as directed. The cream cheese frosting can be made ahead too—store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain that delicious quality, wait to frost the cookies until just before serving, as this keeps the cookies soft and the frosting perfectly fresh. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll save time and have delightful treats ready for any occasion!
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you make this pumpkin cookie masterpiece your own!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese, plus a flax egg instead of the egg yolk for a delicious vegan treat.
- Flavor Boost: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and earthy flavor that complements the pumpkin.
- Chocolate Twist: Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips to satisfy those chocolate lovers in your life, creating a decadent dessert.
- Spiced Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the dough for a delightful warmth.
- Frosting Variations: Try a maple buttercream frosting instead of cream cheese for a unique, sweet twist that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Holiday Cheer: Add a sprinkle of festive pumpkin pie spice over the frosting before serving for a lovely finishing touch!
- Casual Snacking: For an easier treat, enjoy the cookies unfrosted, letting the warm spices shine without any extra sweetness.
With all these delightful variations, your baking journey can be as flexible and inviting as the autumn season itself! For more fun savory ideas, check out our tasty Chicken Bacon Cheese and Brown Sugar Garlic recipes for an unforgettable meal spread.
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies for up to 7 days, but this may slightly alter their texture. Make sure they’re well-wrapped.
Freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can last up to 2 months.
Thawing: To enjoy, simply thaw the cookies overnight in the refrigerator before serving, keeping their delightful softness intact.
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
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Use Real Pumpkin: Always choose 100% pure pumpkin puree to capture the authentic flavor of fall and avoid additives that can affect the taste.
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Perfectly Soft Texture: Don’t overmix your dough after adding dry ingredients. This keeps your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies soft and chewy rather than tough.
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Let Them Cool: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting. This ensures the cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt and helps each cookie retain its shape.
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Storage Savvy: For fresh cookies later, freeze them unfrosted in a single layer. Just thaw overnight before serving for optimal taste and texture.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, consider reducing both the granulated sugar and powdered sugar without sacrificing that cozy flavor.
What to Serve with Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, especially when paired with delightful accompaniments for the perfect fall treat.
- Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai enhance the cozy flavors of the cookies, creating a comforting pairing that warms the soul.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious contrast to the soft cookie texture, making every bite a dessert dream.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Hot apple cider infused with cinnamon brings a nostalgic holiday vibe, rounding out the pumpkin-spice experience beautifully.
- Nutty Granola: For a crunchy contrast, serve these cookies with your favorite granola; the nuttiness complements the soft sweetness wonderfully.
- Chocolate Milk: Rich and indulgent, chocolate milk creates a fun and kid-friendly twist, appealing to everyone at your gathering.
- Creamy Coffee: A cup of creamy coffee or latte provides a delightful caffeine boost, harmonizing with the rich flavor of the cream cheese frosting.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing touch; the acidity brightens up the richness of the cookies, balancing the dessert wonderfully.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the season with this iconic drink that boosts the pumpkin flavor, making it a festive pairing for cookie lovers.
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right pumpkin puree?
It’s essential to use 100% pure pumpkin puree for these cookies. Avoid any blends that contain added sugars or spices which can alter the flavor. Look for labels that specify “pure” pumpkin, and not “pumpkin pie filling,” which can be overly sweet and spiced.
What is the best way to store Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?
Store your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and chewy. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to 7 days, but the texture might change slightly, so be sure they’re well-wrapped.
Can I freeze Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, first place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Once they’re firm, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Why are my cookies not as soft as expected?
If your cookies turned out less soft, it might be due to overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Be gentle during this process, as too much mixing can lead to a tough texture. Ensure also that they don’t bake longer than 12 minutes—slightly underbaked is better for softness!
Are these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes, they can be easily adapted! For a vegan version, substitute the egg yolk with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes). You can also use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese for the frosting. Always check labels for allergy concerns regarding ingredients!
Irresistibly Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Add pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture; mix until combined (2-3 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop rounded portions of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set but soft.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely (at least 20 minutes).
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy.
- Frost cooled cookies with cream cheese frosting and serve.