Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that will melt in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as an everyday dessert, these cookies are soft, pillowy, and bursting with flavor. The creamy frosting adds a rich touch, making them a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that everyone will love.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: These cookies are wonderfully soft and fluffy, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack, dessert at dinner parties, or even as a festive gift.
• Beautiful Presentation: The cream cheese frosting not only tastes great but also makes these cookies visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool simplifies the mixing process, helping you achieve a light and fluffy batter quickly.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking of your cookies for a perfect texture.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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Ingredients

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting melt in your mouth with each bite. They are easy to make and pillowy soft!

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 it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a mixing bowl. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Add in the canned pumpkin puree, room temperature egg, and vanilla extract; mix until thoroughly combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; be mindful that the dough will be sticky and soft.

Step 5: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are set while keeping the centers soft. Allow cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

For frosting, beat together cream cheese and softened butter on medium-high speed until smooth—about 30 seconds. Add in vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix again just until combined—around another 30 seconds.

Step 8: Frost Cookies

Once cooled completely, use an off-set spatula or knife to frost each pumpkin cookie generously. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, serving these cookies can elevate the experience.

For Afternoon Tea

• Accompanied by Tea: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of chai or herbal tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
• With Fresh Fruits: Serve alongside slices of fresh fruit like apples or pears to balance the sweetness.

At Holiday Gatherings

• On a Dessert Platter: Arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter with other seasonal treats for an inviting holiday spread.
• As Party Favors: Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon for guests to take home and enjoy later.

For Celebrations

• Birthday Parties: Use colorful sprinkles on the frosting for a festive touch at birthday celebrations.
• With Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies topped with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delightful dessert combo.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Achieving the perfect pumpkin cookies is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your baking experience.

• Boldly Measure Ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure consistent dough texture and flavor in your cookies.
• Boldly Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs help create a fluffier batter, leading to softer cookies.
• Boldly Chill the Dough: Letting the dough chill in the fridge for 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and make it easier to handle.
• Boldly Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; slight overbaking can lead to dryness.
• Boldly Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust or add spices like nutmeg or ginger for unique flavor profiles.
• Boldly Frost with Care: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting for best results; this prevents melting and ensures neat presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with pumpkin cookies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Bold Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the richness of the frosting.
2. Bold Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted spiced nuts provides crunch and contrasts beautifully against soft cookies.
3. Bold Hot Apple Cider: Warm apple cider enhances the fall flavors, making it a cozy companion alongside your cookies.
4. Bold Fall Salad: A fresh salad with seasonal ingredients like squash, cranberries, and pecans balances sweetness and adds nutrition.
5. Bold Chocolate Fondue: Set out chocolate fondue as an interactive dessert option where guests can dip cookie pieces into rich chocolate.
6. Bold Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Serve crispy tortilla chips dusted with cinnamon sugar for added texture and flavor that pairs well with frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your dough. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth and creamy mixture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing the cookie dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft, pillowy cookies.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use a spoon to fluff the flour and then scoop it into the measuring cup for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling step: Frosting warm cookies can cause it to melt and slide off. Allow your cookies to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting.
• Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can affect baking time. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pumpkin cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze un-frosted pumpkin cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
• For frosted cookies, freeze them individually on a baking sheet before placing them in an airtight container.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F and warm the cookies for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds. Watch carefully not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top for 2-3 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s well-cooked and mashed before using it in the recipe.

How do I know when my pumpkin cookies are done?

Pumpkin cookies should have set edges but still appear soft in the center. They will continue cooking slightly after being taken out of the oven.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in frosting?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a plant-based cream cheese alternative if you want a dairy-free option.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my pumpkin cookie dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your pumpkin cookies by adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

How long will these pumpkin cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly, these delicious pumpkin cookies will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins or spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave something sweet!