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.
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.