Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in. With a simple preparation process and the added sweetness of cream cheese frosting, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and warm spices creates a taste that’s both comforting and festive.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night at home, these cookies fit right in.
• Irresistibly Soft: Each bite melts in your mouth, making them hard to resist.
• Customizable Frosting: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add flavors to the cream cheese frosting for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

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: Helps achieve fluffy butter and sugar mixtures quickly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet for easy removal.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

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

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

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
– Mix just until combined; the dough should be sticky and soft.

Step 5: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon:
– Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
– Space each cookie about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes:
– The edges should be set while keeping the center soft and fluffy.
– 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

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

Step 8: Frost Cookies

Once cookies are cooled:
– Use an off-set spatula or knife to frost each cookie with cream cheese frosting.
– Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired before serving.

Enjoy these delicious Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting as part of your next dessert spread!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting treat.
• Tea: A nice spiced chai tea complements the pumpkin flavors perfectly.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them alongside rich hot chocolate for a sweet indulgence.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mini Desserts: Add these cookies to a platter with mini cheesecakes and brownies for an impressive dessert spread.
• Fruit Slices: Fresh apple or pear slices can balance the sweetness of the cookies.

For Celebrations

• Birthday Parties: Use these cookies as part of the dessert table at birthday celebrations.
• Fall Festivals: Serve them at fall-themed events for a seasonal touch.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making perfect pumpkin cookies is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking skills.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed to keep cookies soft and fluffy.
• Chill Dough if Necessary: If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before scooping.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft when you take them out but will firm up as they cool.
• Taste Test the Frosting: Adjust sweetness by adding more confectioners’ sugar or a pinch of salt to balance flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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

1. Spiced Apples: Warm spiced apples bring out autumn flavors and complement the cookie’s sweetness.
2. Creamy Macaroni Salad: The creamy texture contrasts well with pumpkin cookies, creating a delightful combination.
3. Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted almonds and pecans adds crunch and balances sweetness.
4. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese provide a rich contrast to the cookie’s flavors.
5. Salad with Goat Cheese: A fresh salad topped with tangy goat cheese offers brightness against the creamy frosting.
6. Pumpkin Soup: A small bowl of savory pumpkin soup creates a cozy meal pairing that’s perfect for fall gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter and eggs can lead to a lumpy batter. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth mixture.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Adding too much flour can result in dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can create tough cookies instead of soft ones. Mix until just combined for a light texture.

• Ignoring baking time: Baking cookies for too long can dry them out. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are set but still soft.

• Frosting while warm: Frosting warm cookies can cause the icing to melt and slide off. Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.

• Not storing properly: Improper storage leads to dried-out cookies. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their softness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours, then transfer to an airtight container.
• Frozen pumpkin cookies will last up to three months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.

• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree; however, make sure it is well-cooked and mashed smoothly.

How do I know when my pumpkin cookies are done?

The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

What if my cream cheese frosting is too runny?

If your frosting is too runny, gradually add more sifted confectioners’ sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

How long do these pumpkin cookies keep after baking?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last 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 delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips or using different spices. We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every delightful bite!