Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not just tasty; they are the perfect treat for any occasion. Their soft, pillowy texture and the rich cream cheese frosting make them irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in some sweet treats at home, these cookies will delight everyone who tries them. Easy to prepare and bursting with pumpkin flavor, they are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that is hard to resist.
• Simple to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are suitable for holidays, parties, or just as an everyday snack.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that leaves you wanting more.
• Customizable Options: You can easily add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor if desired.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar easy, resulting in light and fluffy cookies.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking multiple batches of cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

For these delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (305 g) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces (226 g) block-style cream cheese (softened but still cool)
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (210 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
* Flour
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Salt
* Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together:
1. Room temperature butter
2. Granulated sugar
3. Brown sugar

Mix on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add in:
1. Pumpkin puree
2. Egg
3. Vanilla extract

Mix until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl if necessary.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix as this will affect the cookie’s texture.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space each cookie about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 13 to 15 minutes. The edges should be set while maintaining softness in the middle. Once done, let them cool on the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, beat together:
1. Softened cream cheese
2. Softened butter

Mix on medium-high speed until smooth—about 30 seconds should do it. Then add:
1. Vanilla extract
2. Confectioners’ sugar

Combine again until smooth—this will take another 30 seconds.

Step 9: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, use an off-set spatula or knife to spread frosting generously on top of each cookie. Finish by garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

Enjoy your delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are delightful treats perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy them.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these frosted cookies on a dessert platter alongside other fall-themed treats like apple cider donuts or spiced muffins for a festive touch.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Bring these cookies to holiday parties or potlucks. Their soft texture and creamy frosting will surely impress your guests.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm pumpkin cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The combination is decadently delicious!

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the best pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be set at the edges but still soft in the center when done.
• Chill Your Dough: For even softer cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape during baking.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options.

1. Apple Cider: A warm cup of apple cider pairs perfectly with pumpkin flavors, making it a classic fall combination.
2. Caramel Dip: Serve with caramel dip for an extra sweet treat that complements the spices in the cookies.
3. Roasted Nuts: Salted roasted nuts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda on a cheese platter for a delightful flavor pairing.
5. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
6. Chai Tea: A cup of chai tea enhances the spices in the pumpkin cookies, making it an ideal beverage choice.
7. Pumpkin Soup: For a savory option, serve alongside creamy pumpkin soup, creating a comforting fall meal.
8. Granola Bars: Include homemade granola bars as an energy-boosting snack that complements your sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can impact the final result.

• Using cold ingredients – Make sure all your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth batter and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour properly – Too much flour can lead to dense cookies. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurements.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can toughen the cookies. Mix just until combined for soft, pillowy cookies.
• Skipping the cooling time – Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off.
• Not adjusting for altitude – If you live at a high altitude, you may need to tweak baking times or ingredient amounts for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze un-frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For frosted cookies, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a container.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place in a covered skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! You can use fresh pumpkin puree; just make sure it’s well-cooked and drained of excess moisture.

How do I know when my pumpkin cookies are done?

The edges should be set while the centers remain soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your pumpkin cookies by adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips.

How do I store frosted pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

What is the best way to frost pumpkin cookies?

Use an offset spatula or knife for even spreading of cream cheese frosting over cooled cookies.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for any occasion, you can customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or spices. So why not give this easy recipe a try? Your friends and family will love these soft and flavorful treats!