Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
There’s nothing quite like biting into a tender, perfectly spiced cookie, especially when it’s generously topped with luscious frosting. Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting bring all the cozy autumn vibes right into your kitchen—these cookies combine the sweetness of pumpkin with warm spices and dreamy cream cheese icing. Whether you’re looking for the perfect treat for a fall gathering or simply want a reason to turn on the oven and make your house smell amazing, you’ll fall in love with every soft, delightful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is how each simple ingredient works together to create something magical. Every item in the list below serves a delicious purpose, from texture and flavor to color and moisture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives richness and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the cookies and frosting.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps create that iconic sugar cookie crumb.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle caramel note and keeps the cookies extra moist.
- Canned pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): Delivers beautiful color, lovely flavor, and unbeatable moisture; be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling!
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives a bit of lift to each cookie.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors for both cookies and frosting.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure for soft, thick cookies.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures your cookies puff up just the right amount.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the baking soda to create a light, tender crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances every flavor note.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The essential fall spice—sweet, warming, and comforting.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra warmth and a hint of nostalgic flavor.
- Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): For a subtle, earthy spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): A little goes a long way; earthy and aromatic in every bite.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): The star of the frosting—tangy, creamy, and totally irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Makes the frosting fluffy and sweet without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for frosting): Adds a soft, fragrant sweetness to the frosting.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Cuts the richness just enough for perfect balance.
How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this gives you easy cookie removal and ensures perfectly even baking, so your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting will come out flawless every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Mix until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes—this step is key for a soft, tender cookie crumb.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is fully combined, pausing to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Your cookie dough will already smell like autumn in a bowl!
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Each of these spices helps give Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting their signature warmth and depth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft, uniform dough forms. Don’t over-mix—stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour for pillowy cookies every time.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and drop them onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look just slightly soft. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Frosting will melt if the cookies are even a little warm, so patience here really pays off for perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then mix until you have fluffy, spreadable frosting that’s just begging to be slathered on those cookies.
Step 9: Frost and Enjoy
Once cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting on each one. For a pretty finish, dust the tops with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. Now, your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
You can really make these cookies shine by adding a dusting of cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg right on the frosting—it highlights the warm spices inside. For extra flair, top each cookie with a tiny candied pumpkin or a few festive sprinkles for that celebratory touch. The cream cheese frosting acts as the perfect canvas!
Side Dishes
These cookies are wonderful on their own but pairing them with a cozy mug of chai, a pumpkin spice latte, or even hot cocoa creates the ultimate fall dessert moment. Arrange them on a platter with apple slices or roasted pecans for a sweet-and-savory party spread your guests will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by autumn leaves or mini pumpkins for a stunning seasonal table centerpiece. For gifts, pack them in cute tins lined with parchment and tie everything up with orange ribbon—a homemade treat that everyone appreciates!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your cookies in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The soft texture of the cookies and the rich cream cheese frosting stay fresh this way for up to five days—making them just as handy for after-dinner snacks as for lunchbox treats.
Freezing
The good news is you can freeze the cookies! For best results, freeze unfrosted cookies between layers of parchment in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature, then freshen up with your favorite cream cheese frosting. You can also freeze small containers of frosting and let them thaw before using.
Reheating
If you’d like to take the chill off a refrigerated cookie, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the frosting and change the texture—ambient warmth preserves all the flavors and structure you worked so hard for in these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain any excess moisture from your homemade puree. Too much liquid can make the cookie dough too soft and affect the texture of your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.
How do I make my cookies even softer?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking will help prevent spreading and keep the cookies extra plush. This step isn’t essential, but it does enhance the texture if you prefer a thicker, softer cookie.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten free?
Yes! Substitute a measure-for-measure gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Check that your blend contains xanthan gum for the right consistency, and remember that textures may vary slightly from the original Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Definitely. Cream cheese frosting can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it in a covered bowl in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before spreading on your cookies for smooth, effortless frosting.
What’s the best way to transport these cookies for a party?
Arrange the frosted cookies in a single layer in a flat, airtight container. If you must stack, add a sheet of parchment paper between layers and keep the container cool to prevent frosting from sticking or smudging.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a treat that tastes just like autumn feels, you can’t go wrong with Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Every bite is sweet, spiced, and wonderfully nostalgic—sure to become a cherished favorite for you and everyone lucky enough to share them. Give them a try and fill your home (and your heart) with a little pumpkin joy!
Print
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these soft and delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies topped with a creamy layer of Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Cookie Dough: Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Bake Cookies: Scoop dough onto baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt. Frost cooled cookies.
Notes
- Chill dough for firmer cookies
- Store cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on frosting for extra flavor
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
