When it comes to capturing the essence of autumn in a cookie, Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect choice. These delightful cookies combine the warm, spiced flavor of pumpkin with a creamy, tangy frosting, making them an irresistible treat. Ideal for cozy gatherings or a quick indulgence, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Why These Pumpkin Cookies Are the Best
- Soft and Moist Texture: The cookies are incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the pumpkin puree and a rich batter.
- Warm and Spiced Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives these cookies a warm, comforting flavor that epitomizes fall.
- Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a delicious tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced cookies.
Ingredient Notes:
Cookie
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and stability to the cookies, giving them a soft yet chewy texture.
- Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- Baking Powder: Adds additional lift and contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies by balancing the sweetness and spices.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic spice flavor that pairs well with the pumpkin, giving the cookies a comforting, autumnal taste.
- Ground Nutmeg: Provides a nutty, slightly sweet spice that deepens the flavor profile.
- Ground Ginger: Adds a bit of warmth and a slight spiciness, complementing the other spices.
- Ground Cloves: Contributes a strong, warm spice flavor, enhancing the richness of the cookies.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture, helping to create a soft, tender texture. Using softened butter ensures it blends well with the sugars.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies while contributing to a slightly crisp exterior.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness along with a hint of molasses, creating a soft and chewy texture.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness, helping to give the cookies structure and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a sweet, aromatic note that complements the pumpkin and spices.
- Canned Pumpkin: Provides moisture, flavor, and natural sweetness, giving the cookies a soft and tender texture while infusing them with rich pumpkin flavor.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting, ensuring it’s smooth and spreadable.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy base for the frosting, adding balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and rounds out the flavor of the frosting, complementing the cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh and Frosted: Pumpkin cookies are best enjoyed fresh, with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
- For Dessert: These cookies are versatile enough to serve as a special dessert. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an afternoon snack.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Freshly made or high-quality canned pumpkin puree provides the best texture and flavor.
- Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavors.
- Frost While Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting to ensure the cream cheese frosting sets perfectly.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the smell of pumpkin cookies baking in the kitchen. These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Soft, spiced, and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious pumpkin recipes!
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin Cupcakes
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Soft and spiced Pumpkin Cookies topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, bringing out the perfect balance of sweet pumpkin flavor and tangy frosting. These tender cookies are packed with warm fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making them an ideal treat for the holiday season or anytime you crave a cozy dessert. Each bite melts in your mouth with a hint of sweetness and tang, perfect for sharing or indulging in yourself.
Ingredients
- 2 cups 284grams all-purpose flour (scoop and then level to measure)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 10 tablespoon 140g unsalted butter, and softened
- 3/4 cup 160g granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 110g packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup 243g canned pumpkin
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 5 tablespoon 70g unsalted butter, and nearly at room temperature
- 4 oz. cream cheese and nearly at room temperature
- 2 cups 248g powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 18x13-inch baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for 20 seconds in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, use the paddle attachment to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until well combined.
- Mix in the egg, then add the vanilla and pumpkin, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop (slightly heaping), scoop out dough and drop cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake one sheet at a time for about 15 minutes, until the cookies are set. Cool on the baking sheet for several minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Before serving, bring the cookies to room temperature.
For the cream cheese frosting:
- Use an electric hand mixer to whip the butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla until well combined.
- Enjoy your cookies.
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Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting