As I reached for the can of pumpkin puree, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, reminding me of autumn afternoons spent baking with my grandma. These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting have a way of transporting me to those cozy moments filled with laughter and a hint of spice. With their soft texture and delightful frosting, these cookies pack a wholesome punch that makes them a perfect crowd-pleaser. Plus, they come together in just 27 minutes, making them a quick treat for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a fall gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are bound to brighten your day. If you’re ready to add a dash of pumpkin magic to your baking repertoire, let’s dive into this recipe that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious! What’s your favorite way to enjoy pumpkin flavors?
Why Are Pumpkin Cookies So Irresistible?
Heavenly combination of flavors: The warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—bring comfort and nostalgia to every bite.
Satisfies cravings for homemade goodness: Forget fast food; these cookies are quick to make and filled with wholesome ingredients.
Versatility at its best: Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or an afternoon treat with coffee.
Delightfully textured: Soft, chewy cookies topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting change every cookie experience!
Freezer-friendly: Keep a stash of these delights ready to thaw for unexpected guests or midnight cravings.
Explore the world of Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, and watch them disappear from the plate!
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake some delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!
For the Cookies
- Pumpkin puree – ½ cup of this adds moisture and that lovely autumn flavor.
- Granulated sugar – ½ cup to sweeten the dough and create that perfect texture.
- Brown sugar – ¼ cup provides warmth and a touch of caramel flavor.
- Unsalted butter – ¼ cup, softened – helps achieve a tender crumb.
- Egg yolk – 1 for richness; you can substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon to enhance flavor; pure vanilla is always a treat!
- All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups forms the base of our cookie dough.
- Baking powder – ½ teaspoon to help cookies rise and keep them fluffy.
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon helps to balance flavors and enhance sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon is the star spice that embodies autumn warmth.
- Ground nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon brings a slight nutty undertone.
- Ground cloves – ⅛ teaspoon for a hint of depth in flavor.
For the Frosting
- Cream cheese – 4 oz, softened – for that rich and creamy texture everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter – 2 tbsp, softened – it adds body to our delightful frosting.
- Powdered sugar – 1 cup sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
- Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon for a touch of flavor to the frosting.
- A pinch of salt – to enhance the overall sweetness and flavor balance.
Gather these ingredients and let’s create some unforgettable Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture of your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. While the oven heats, gather your mixing bowls and baking sheets, so everything is ready for your cookie-making adventure.
Step 2: Cream the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of softened unsalted butter. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended, taking about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Yolk and Vanilla
Next, incorporate one egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into your creamed mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined, ensuring the yolk is well integrated into your Pumpkin Sugar Cookie dough. This step will lend richness to the cookies, enhancing their delightful flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves. This blend of spices makes your cookies aromatic and flavorful, evoking the essence of autumn—perfect for this recipe.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or mixer on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this could make your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies tough. The dough should be moist and slightly sticky, striking the perfect balance for soft cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the cookie dough and drop them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave at least 2 inches of space between each dough ball, allowing the cookies to spread while baking. This spacing is essential to ensure that your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick together.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake your cookies for about 12 minutes or until they’re set and barely starting to turn golden. You want the edges to be firm while the center remains soft. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which should take about 2 minutes. This step is vital for creating a rich and luscious frosting that will perfectly complement your cookies.
Step 9: Sweeten the Frosting
Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until the frosting becomes fluffy and spreadable, about 2–3 minutes. This delicious frosting will elevate your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies to another level!
Step 10: Frost the Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to add the frosting! Use a knife or offset spatula to spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Feel free to get creative with the amounts, as a little extra frosting never hurts, making each bite of your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting simply delightful.
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delicious adaptations that will make these cookies even more your own!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat that everyone can enjoy. This simple swap retains the cookies' texture while making them accessible.
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Vegan: Replace the egg yolk with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoon water). Use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese for a delightful dairy-free version.
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Nutty: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for a nice crunch and earthy flavor complementing the spices. Each bite offers a delightful contrast that enhances the cookie experience.
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Chocolate Swirl: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top of frosted cookies for an indulgent twist. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a rich, dark flavor that’s irresistible.
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Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Before baking, sprinkle the dough balls with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to create a slightly crispy outer layer. This delightful addition takes the classic sugar cookie experience to another level.
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Zesty Orange: Add the zest of one orange to the dough for a hint of citrus brightness that beautifully contrasts the warm spices. A fresh twist that will awaken your taste buds!
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Chai Spice: Increase the quantity of spices by adding an extra ½ teaspoon of chai spice blend for more depth and warmth, perfect for cozy gatherings. This variation intensifies the fall flavors, embracing the essence of chai tea.
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Maple Glaze: Instead of cream cheese frosting, top the cookies with a simple maple syrup glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup. This unique flavor will marry wonderfully with the pumpkin base while offering a different experience.
Let your imagination run wild, and perhaps consider pairing your cookies with a cup of hot chocolate or a classic latte for a cozy moment of sweet bliss! You can explore more cookie varieties like Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies or Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Place cookies in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: For longer storage, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure they are covered to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. For frosted cookies, flash freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
Reheating: Thaw frozen cookies overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving, ensuring your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting taste fresh and delicious!
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Use Fresh Pumpkin: Opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor; canned pumpkin pie filling can alter your cookies’ taste.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft texture.
Cool Before Frosting: Ensure your cookies are completely cool before applying the cream cheese frosting. Warm cookies will cause the frosting to melt away!
Freeze Cookies Properly: If preparing in advance, freeze unfrosted cookies in a sealed bag up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar in the dough and powdered sugar in the frosting—balance is key for these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for making ahead of time, saving you precious moments on busy days! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, which helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and freeze the unbaked cookies for up to 3 months in a sealed bag; bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. For even easier prep, frost your cookies and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; they’ll still taste just as delightful! When ready to serve, let the frosted cookies sit at room temperature for a few minutes and enjoy the comforting goodness.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulging in these delightful cookies invites a bounty of meal possibilities to complement their sweet, spiced essence.
- Warm Apple Cider: The cozy spices in the cider echo the flavors in the cookies, making this a comforting pairing for the autumn season.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth and creamy, it balances the spiced cookies while offering a cool contrast that makes every bite indulgent.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the season with this classic drink; its warmth enhances the flavors of the cookies for a perfectly cozy treat.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich and luscious, hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with the cookies’ texture, creating a dessert experience that feels luxurious.
- Candied Nuts: The crunch and sweetness of candied nuts add a delightful contrast to the chewy cookies, perfect for satisfying varying textures.
- Cheese Platter: Pair these cookies with a selection of soft cheeses for an intriguing sweet and savory experience that's sure to impress guests.
Imagine serving these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with a warm drink beside a platter of autumn treats—it's the perfect way to elevate any gathering or cozy evening at home!
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, select 100% pure pumpkin puree. This will give you that rich, autumn flavor. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling, as it often contains added sugars and spices that can alter the taste of your cookies.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
To maintain the delightful texture of your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer without drying out, store them in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring they are well-covered.
Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Very! You can freeze your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies effortlessly. If unfrosted, simply place them in a sealed bag and freeze for up to 2 months. For frosted cookies, I recommend flash freezing them on a baking sheet in a single layer for about an hour before transferring them to an airtight container. This prevents the frosting from sticking together. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying or adding any extra frosting.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, don't worry! Simply sprinkle a little extra flour while mixing until the dough holds together without being overly sticky. Just be careful not to add too much flour—it’s a fine balance to keep those soft and chewy textures!
Delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Electric mixer
- spatula
- Parchment Paper
- wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ½ cup pumpkin puree adds moisture and autumn flavor
- ½ cup granulated sugar sweetens the dough
- ¼ cup brown sugar provides caramel flavor
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg yolk for richness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances flavor
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour forms the base
- ½ teaspoon baking powder helps cookies rise
- ¼ teaspoon salt balances flavors
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon brings warmth
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg adds nutty undertone
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves for depth in flavor
For the Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar sweetens and thickens
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor
- a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until smooth.
- Incorporate egg yolk and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a separate bowl.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until set and edges are barely golden.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Frost the cooled cookies with cream cheese frosting.
