Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. With their soft, pillowy texture and sweet frosting, these cookies are perfect for fall festivities, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Their unique combination of flavors makes them a standout dessert that will impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginners can whip up these cookies with confidence.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a comforting taste that’s hard to resist.
• Pillowy Soft Texture: These cookies are light and fluffy, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—serve them at parties, bake sales, or cozy family gatherings.
• Frosting Delight: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich sweetness that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious pumpkin cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

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: Makes mixing the butter and sugars easy and helps achieve a fluffy texture.
• Baking sheet: Provides the necessary surface for baking your cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of cookies from the baking sheet.

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 to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

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

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Granulated sugar
3. Light brown sugar

Mix at medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.

Add in:
– Canned pumpkin puree
– Large egg
– Vanilla extract

Mix until everything is well combined, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix. The dough will be slightly sticky.

Step 5: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and fluffy. Let them 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 the frosting, beat together:
– Softened cream cheese
– Softened unsalted butter

Continue beating on medium-high speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. Then mix in:
– Vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar

Mix again until just combined, taking care not to overmix.

Step 8: Frost Cookies

Once cooled, use an offset spatula or knife to frost each cookie generously with cream cheese frosting. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if desired before serving. Enjoy your delightful creation!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are versatile and perfect for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

For a Cozy Fall Gathering

• Pair with Spiced Tea: The warmth of spiced tea complements the flavors of pumpkin perfectly.
• Serve on a Festive Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation.

At a Birthday Party

• Add Colorful Sprinkles: Top cookies with sprinkles to make them festive and fun.
• Include Milk Options: Offer almond or oat milk alongside traditional milk for guests.

For Afternoon Tea

• Accompany with Fresh Fruit: Serve with slices of apple or pear for a refreshing balance.
• Provide Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the best results when making these pumpkin cookies, consider these tips that will enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and fluffy.
• Cool Before Frosting: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the pumpkin pie spice according to your preference for a unique flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great options:

1. Chai Latte: This warm, spiced drink complements the flavors of pumpkin wonderfully.
2. Apple Cider: Serve warm or chilled, apple cider adds a refreshing touch that matches well.
3. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: A healthy crunch balances the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Cheese Platter: Offer mild cheeses like brie or gouda alongside sweet crackers for variety.
5. Mini Quiches: These savory bites provide contrast and are easy to grab as finger food.
6. Pumpkin Soup: A light, creamy soup can create a lovely fall-themed meal when served together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Boldly skip measuring flour: Not measuring flour accurately can lead to dry or crumbly cookies. Always use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurement.
• Boldly overlook room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can result in a dense texture. Make sure to let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Boldly ignore chilling the dough: Skipping this step may cause your cookies to spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain shape.
• Boldly rush the baking time: Undercooking the cookies can lead to a gooey center. Keep an eye on them and bake until edges are set but still soft in the middle.
• Boldly skip sifting powdered sugar: Not sifting confectioners’ sugar can create lumps in your frosting. Always sift before adding it to ensure a smooth consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to one week.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Place unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting so special?

Pumpkin cookies are incredibly soft and flavorful, enhanced by the rich cream cheese frosting that adds a delicious creamy contrast.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth before using it in your recipe.

How can I customize my pumpkin cookies?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even raisins for added texture and flavor variations that suit your taste!

Are these pumpkin cookies suitable for events?

Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or any celebration where you want a sweet treat.

How should I store leftover frosting?

Store any leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with spices or toppings based on your preference. Try them out; they’re sure to impress family and friends!