Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect blend of soft, spiced cookies and creamy frosting. Ideal for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cookies bring the essence of autumn to your dessert table. The warm spices combined with the rich cream cheese frosting create a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels. With straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and traditional spices creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a potluck, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that fits any event.
• Customizable Frosting: The cream cheese frosting can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. Add extra vanilla or even a hint of maple for a twist!
• Soft and Chewy: These cookies are not only flavorful but also have a wonderfully soft texture that melts in your mouth.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and energy when creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheets, making cleanup easy.

Ingredients

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, spiced, and frosted to perfection. Perfect for fall baking, they combine warm autumn spices with creamy, tangy frosting for a festive treat everyone will love.

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: adds richness and soft texture
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: sweetens and helps cookie structure
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: adds moisture and depth of flavor
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree: provides moisture and pumpkin flavor
• 1 egg yolk: helps bind and create a tender crumb
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: enhances flavor
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: forms the cookie base
• 1/2 tsp baking powder: provides slight lift
• 1/4 tsp salt: balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: adds warmth
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: complements the pumpkin
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves: deepens the spice profile

For the Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: forms the base of the frosting
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: helps smooth and enrich frosting
• 1 cup powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens frosting
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: flavors the frosting
• Pinch of salt: balances the frosting sweetness

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together:
1. The softened unsalted butter,
2. Granulated sugar,
3. Brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add:
1. The pumpkin puree,
2. Egg yolk,
3. Vanilla extract.
Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
– All-purpose flour,
– Baking powder,
– Salt,
– Ground cinnamon,
– Ground nutmeg,
– Ground cloves.

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your cookies tender.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop:
– Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets,
– Space them evenly apart.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for:
10–12 minutes or until edges are set and tops no longer look wet. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While cookies cool:
– Beat together cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.

Step 9: Add Sugar & Flavorings

Add:
– Powdered sugar,
– Vanilla extract,
– Pinch of salt.
Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or milk if necessary.

Step 10: Frost Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool, frost generously with cream cheese frosting and serve! Enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting as part of your fall celebrations!

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve them!

With a Hot Beverage

• Pair with warm apple cider for a cozy fall treat.
• Enjoy alongside a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

At Gatherings

• Serve on a festive platter during holiday parties, making them the star of the dessert table.
• Package in decorative bags as edible gifts for friends and family.

As Part of a Dessert Spread

• Include these cookies in a fall-themed dessert buffet, alongside pumpkin pie and pecan tarts.
• Create a cookie bar where guests can mix and match different frostings or toppings.

With Ice Cream

• Top each cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cookie and ice cream for extra sweetness.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the best results, consider these tips when making your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavor significantly compared to pre-ground ones.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes can help maintain their shape while baking.
• Bake Until Just Set: Remove cookies from the oven when they are still soft; they will firm up as they cool.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to achieve the desired spreadability.
• Decorate Creatively: Add sprinkles or crushed nuts on top of the frosting for added texture and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your cookies.

1. Warm Apple Crisp: The warmth and spice of apple crisp balance nicely with sweet cookies.
2. Spiced Chai Latte: This creamy drink enhances the flavors of pumpkin and spices in your cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or gouda provides a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
4. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: Nutty flavors from roasted squash add depth to your dessert experience.
5. Pumpkin Soup: A small serving of creamy pumpkin soup makes for an excellent autumn meal starter.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat!
7. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce pairs well, cutting through the sweetness of the frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be delightful, but mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Overmixing the dough: This can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or cream cheese can affect the texture of your cookies and frosting. Make sure they are at room temperature before starting.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Skipping the cooling step: Frosting warm cookies can melt the icing. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
• Underbaking or overbaking: Check the baking time closely; underbaked cookies may fall apart, while overbaked ones will be dry. Aim for lightly golden edges.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• They will remain good for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to three months.
• Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Place on a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s what you need to know about making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

You should avoid using pumpkin pie filling as it contains added spices and sugar that might alter your cookie’s flavor and texture.

How do I get my cream cheese frosting smooth?

Ensure both cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. Beat them together thoroughly before adding powdered sugar.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour, ensuring delicious results.

What can I add to my Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, they can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or mix-ins, making them perfect for any occasion. Try baking these comforting treats this fall season!