These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosted Cookies are soft, spiced treats topped with a creamy cheese frosting. They perfectly combine the flavors of fall! 🍂
Making these cookies is a breeze, and they smell amazing while baking. I love serving them with coffee—it’s like autumn in every bite! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. If you’re in a pinch, homemade puree works wonderfully! Just roast a pumpkin and blend it until smooth.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives a nice balance of sweetness. If you need a lower sugar option, feel free to reduce either sugar slightly without changing the texture much.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best because it gives you control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Spices: This recipe shines with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. You can replace them with a pumpkin pie spice blend if that’s what you have on hand. Don’t shy away from adjusting the spice levels to your preference!
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture. You can use a vegan cream cheese substitute if you’re looking for a dairy-free option!
How Do You Get the Cookies to Be Soft and Chewy?
The most important factor for achieving soft and chewy cookies is not to over-bake them. Here’s how to do it right:
- When the cookies are baked, they should look slightly underdone in the centers. They will firm up as they cool!
- Ensure you’re measuring flour correctly—too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag.
- Cooling the cookies completely on a wire rack before frosting is key. It helps keep the frosting from melting and allows the flavors to meld.
With these tips, you’ll have cookies that are delightfully soft and full of pumpkin flavor!
How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosted Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
For The Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep and 12-15 minutes for baking. After that, you’ll need to let the cookies cool completely before adding frosting, which will take about 30 minutes. In total, you can expect around 1 hour from start to enjoying these scrumptious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, crank up your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this will help prevent the cookies from sticking!
2. Creaming the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is nicely combined.
3. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves). Take your time to whisk these dry ingredients so they are evenly blended.
4. Mixing Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix carefully with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix; it’s okay if a few small lumps remain!
5. Scoop and Bake:
Using a tablespoon, drop scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them out about 2 inches apart. Now, pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They should be set around the edges and spring back when you touch the tops lightly.
6. Cooling Time:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely—this is super important for frosting!
7. Making The Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, let’s make our delicious frosting! In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until they are smooth and creamy. Then, add the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until you reach the desired sweetness and consistency.
8. Frosting The Cookies:
Now that your cookies are cool, it’s time to frost! Use a spatula or piping bag to add the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. If you like, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top for an extra touch.
9. Enjoy and Store:
Serve these fall favorites to family and friends, or treat yourself! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for several days.
Enjoy these soft, spiced pumpkin cookies topped with luscious cream cheese frosting—a perfect treat for autumn! 🍁🍪
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Can I Freeze the Cookies or Frosting?
Yes, you can! Both the cookies and the cream cheese frosting freeze well. For the cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. For the frosting, store it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before using.
What If I Don’t Have Pumpkin Spice or Certain Spices?
No worries! You can make your own pumpkin spice using equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. If you’re missing cloves, simply omit them or use a little extra cinnamon for added flavor!
How Long Do These Cookies Stay Fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. For best texture, let them come to room temperature before serving.
