Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that brings the flavors of fall into your kitchen. With their soft and pillowy texture, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties. The creamy frosting adds a rich touch, making them irresistible to cookie lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these cookies quickly.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a comforting taste that’s perfect for autumn.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even as a sweet treat for brunch.
• Great for Sharing: With 30 cookies per batch, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family or bringing to gatherings.
• Frosting Perfection: The cream cheese frosting elevates these cookies, adding a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking, gather the essential tools to make this process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to beat the butter and sugars until fluffy, ensuring your cookies have the perfect texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without any mess; opt for different sizes for dry and wet mixtures.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.

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Ingredients

To make these soft pumpkin cookies topped with delicious cream cheese frosting, you will need:

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 for later use.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
* All-purpose flour
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Salt
* Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside once combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl or using a hand mixer:
1. Beat the room temperature butter along with granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—this should take about 3 minutes.
2. Add in the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.

Step 5: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon:
1. Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
2. Arrange them about 2 inches apart from each other.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place your baking sheet in the oven:
Bake at 350° F for about 13 to 15 minutes. Look for edges that are set while ensuring each cookie remains soft in the center.

Step 7: Cool Down

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

Step 8: Make the Frosting

For your cream cheese frosting:
1. In your stand mixer bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth—about 30 seconds.
2. Add vanilla extract followed by sifted confectioners’ sugar. Mix again just until everything is blended—this should take about another 30 seconds.

Step 9: Frost Your Cookies

Once cooled:
Use an offset spatula or knife to generously frost each cookie with cream cheese frosting. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if desired before serving!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether for a cozy fall gathering or a simple afternoon treat, here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee or Latte: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or latte for a perfect morning boost.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea complements the spices in the cookies, enhancing their flavor.

As a Dessert Platter

• Fruit and Nuts: Serve alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or berries, and add a handful of nuts for crunch.
• Cheese Selection: Include a mild cheese platter; the creaminess of the cheese pairs well with sweet flavors.

For Special Occasions

• Gift Baskets: Package cookies in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family.
• Party Treats: Arrange on a festive platter at gatherings to share the joy of fall flavors with everyone.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To make sure your pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures better mixing and fluffiness in your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, preventing overbaking.
• Chill Dough If Needed: If your dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes for easier handling.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that contrasts nicely with the spiced cookies.
2. Cinnamon Applesauce: Serve warm applesauce seasoned with cinnamon for a comforting side that complements pumpkin flavors.
3. Caramel Dip: A rich caramel dip provides a sweet contrast that works beautifully with pumpkin desserts.
4. Spiced Nuts: Mix roasted nuts coated in spices for an extra crunch that balances the softness of the cookies.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a refreshing addition that contrasts the sweetness of the cookies.
6. Pumpkin Soup: A small bowl of creamy pumpkin soup makes a lovely starter before indulging in dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be delightful, but certain mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Incorrect Measurements: Using the wrong amount of flour or sugar can lead to dry or overly sweet cookies. Always measure ingredients accurately with dry measuring cups for flour and liquid measuring cups for liquids.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much after adding the flour can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for fluffy and soft pumpkin cookies.

• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping chilling time can lead to cookies spreading too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape and texture.

• Using Warm Ingredients: Starting with warm butter or eggs can affect how your dough comes together. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.

• Neglecting to Preheat the Oven: Baking in an unheated oven can result in uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to 350°F before placing your cookies inside.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the fridge.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on high for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

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 is well-cooked and pureed until smooth before using it in the recipe.

How do I make my pumpkin cookies more flavorful?

Adding extra spices like nutmeg or ginger along with pumpkin pie spice can enhance flavor. You could also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! You can use whipped coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a different frosting option.

What makes these pumpkin cookies so soft?

The combination of moist pumpkin puree and the right balance of butter creates a soft and tender cookie texture that melts in your mouth.

How long do these cookies last once frosted?

These frosted pumpkin cookies will stay fresh for up to one week if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only soft and delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips, or try different spices according to your taste preference. Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a try—you’ll love every bite!