Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their soft, pillowy texture and the rich flavor of cream cheese frosting, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a fall gathering or just looking for a sweet snack, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese creates a rich taste that is truly irresistible.
• Versatile Treat: Serve these cookies at parties, potlucks, or as an everyday dessert; they fit any occasion perfectly.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies melt in your mouth, providing a satisfying bite every time.
• Customizable Frosting: Feel free to add spices or toppings to the cream cheese frosting for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making these delicious pumpkin cookies, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Offset spatula or knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: These tools make beating ingredients easy and ensure a fluffy cookie dough.
• Baking Sheet: A good baking sheet helps distribute heat evenly, resulting in perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, allowing for easy cookie removal.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.

Ingredients

To create these delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (305 g) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces (226 g) block-style cream cheese (softened but still cool)
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (210 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer or using a hand mixer:
1. Beat together room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add in canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix—the dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon:
1. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
2. Space each cookie about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake at 350° F for about 13 to 15 minutes until edges are set but cookies remain soft.

Let cool on the baking pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl:
1. Beat cream cheese and softened butter on medium-high speed until smooth (about 30 seconds).
2. Add vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix again just until combined—this should take about another 30 seconds.

Step 7: Frost Your Cookies

Once cooled:
Use an offset spatula or knife to spread cream cheese frosting over each cookie. Garnish with extra cinnamon if desired before serving.

Enjoy your delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Cup of Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies. The rich flavors balance well together, making for a cozy afternoon snack.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies or mini cupcakes. This makes an inviting display for parties or gatherings.

Paired with Hot Cocoa

• Serve these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa for an extra comforting treat. The chocolatey richness adds another layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.

At Fall Gatherings

• Offering these cookies at fall-themed parties is a hit! Their seasonal flavor and festive appearance make them ideal for celebrations like Halloween or Thanksgiving.

With Ice Cream

• Top these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The combination of warm cookie and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Achieving the perfect pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking game.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and frosting.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies.

• Chill Your Dough: If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary; use an oven thermometer to ensure yours is set correctly. Baking at the right temperature will yield perfect results.

• Frost When Cool: Allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting into the cookie and keeps it looking beautiful.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

While pumpkin cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create a more satisfying meal or snack. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Spiced Chai Latte: A warm drink infused with spices that complements the flavors of pumpkin spice in your cookies beautifully.

2. Apple Cider: Serve chilled or heated, apple cider adds a sweet and tangy contrast that enhances the fall theme of your dessert.

3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda on a cheese board for a savory balance against the sweet frosting.

4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your cookies or serve it on the side as an extra dipping option for added sweetness.

5. Mixed Nuts: A bowl of spiced mixed nuts offers crunch and saltiness, creating an enjoyable contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.

6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits provides freshness and acidity that pairs well with creamy frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cookie. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature and eggs are softened before mixing.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and pillowy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour will make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling time: Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt away. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies. Bake until edges are set but centers are still soft for perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze cookies without frosting for best results, up to 3 months.
• Use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

What makes pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting so special?

The combination of soft pumpkin cookies and rich cream cheese frosting creates a delightful flavor that is both comforting and festive.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s cooked down and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your dough.

How do I know when my pumpkin cookies are done?

Look for set edges while the center remains slightly soft. The cookies will continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I customize these pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture in your pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

How should I store leftover cream cheese frosting?

Store leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to re-whip before using if it thickens.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not just easy to make; they offer a wonderful blend of flavors perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or spices. Enjoy these delicious treats during fall gatherings or cozy nights at home!