why make this recipe

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for fall or any time you want a treat that combines delightful flavors. The soft and chewy texture of the cookies pairs beautifully with the rich and creamy frosting. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them an excellent choice for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon at home. Plus, the warm spices and pumpkin flavor make them extra special.

how to make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients :

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: adds richness and soft texture
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: sweetens and helps cookie structure
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: adds moisture and depth of flavor
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree: provides moisture and pumpkin flavor
• 1 egg yolk: helps bind and create a tender crumb
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: enhances flavor
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: forms the cookie base
• 1/2 tsp baking powder: provides slight lift
• 1/4 tsp salt: balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: adds warmth
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: complements the pumpkin
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves: deepens the spice profile
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: forms the base of the frosting
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: helps smooth and enrich frosting
• 1 cup powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens frosting
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: flavors the frosting
• Pinch of salt: balances the frosting sweetness

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
3. Add the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Scoop dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop and drop onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops no longer look wet. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. While cookies cool, prepare the frosting: Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
9. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or a drop of milk if needed.
10. Once cookies are completely cool, frost generously and serve.

how to serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serve these cookies as a sweet treat for dessert or as a delightful snack with coffee or tea. They can be enjoyed plain or with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. Arrange them beautifully on a plate and share with friends and family. These cookies are also great for holiday gatherings or as gifts.

how to store Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To store the cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, though the frosting may firm up a bit. Make sure the cookies are completely cool before placing them in the container to avoid moisture buildup.

tips to make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Do not overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients; this helps keep the cookies soft.
• Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking if you want thicker cookies.
• Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for added texture.

variation (if any)

You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even white chocolate chunks to the cookie dough for a different flavor. For the frosting, consider adding a little maple syrup for added depth or using different spices like ginger to mix up the flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe and saves time!

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are set and the tops no longer look wet. They should have a light golden color.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies before frosting. Just ensure they are fully cooled and placed in a freezer-safe container. Frost them after thawing for the best results.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Deliciously soft and chewy pumpkin sugar cookies topped with rich cream cheese frosting – perfect for fall and any cozy occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Baked Goods

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened adds richness and soft texture
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar sweetens and helps cookie structure
• 1/4 cup brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree provides moisture and pumpkin flavor
• 1 large egg yolk helps bind and create a tender crumb
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances flavor
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour forms the cookie base
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder provides slight lift
• 1/4 teaspoon salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warmth
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg complements the pumpkin
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves deepens the spice profile

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened forms the base of the frosting
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened helps smooth and enrich frosting
• 1 cup powdered sugar sweetens and thickens frosting
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract flavors the frosting
• Pinch salt balances the frosting sweetness

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
• Add the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Scoop dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop and drop onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.

Baking

• Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops no longer look wet. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Frosting

• While cookies cool, prepare the frosting: Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or a drop of milk if needed.

Serving

• Once cookies are completely cool, frost generously and serve.

Notes

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking if you want thicker cookies. Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for added texture.

Keyword Cream Cheese Frosting, Easy Cookies, Fall Dessert, Pumpkin Cookies, sugar cookies

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