Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for any occasion! With their pillowy softness and delightful flavor, these cookies will melt in your mouth. They are not only easy to make but also impressively versatile, making them ideal for holidays, parties, or just a cozy evening at home. The creamy frosting adds a decadent touch that makes these pumpkin cookies truly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese frosting creates a deliciously unique taste.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for fall celebrations, holidays, or even as a sweet snack any time of the year.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookies are pillowy soft and stay fresh for days!
• Customizable Toppings: You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or extra spices to suit your taste.

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Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process for these scrumptious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the steps smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Off-set spatula or knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ensures that your butter and sugars are mixed perfectly for a light texture.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, helping cookies cook uniformly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy, allowing you to enjoy your treats without hassle.

Ingredients

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting melt in your mouth with each bite. They are easy to make and pillowy soft!

Dry Ingredients

• 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

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 8 ounces (1 brick or 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: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the following dry ingredients in a bowl:
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

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

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients:
– Mix just until combined; the dough will be slightly sticky but soft.

Step 5: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

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

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven:
– Bake at 350° F for about 13 to 15 minutes until edges are set but cookies remain soft.
– Allow them to cool on the pan for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

For delicious cream cheese frosting:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth—around 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 have cooled completely:
– 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!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Pair with a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
• Tea: A spiced chai or herbal tea enhances the cozy taste of pumpkin.
• Hot Chocolate: For extra indulgence, serve with a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Cheese Selection: Soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese can add a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
• Fruit: Fresh fruits like apples or pears provide a refreshing balance to the rich frosting.
• Nuts: Add some roasted nuts for crunch and texture alongside the soft cookies.

Enjoy as an After-Dinner Treat

• Serve Warm: Slightly warm cookies with frosting create a melty texture that is irresistible.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds an extra touch of flavor and elegance.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Achieving the perfect pumpkin cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps in creating a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and fluffy.
• Chill the Dough if Needed: If your dough is too sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes can make it easier to handle.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on your cookies during baking; they should be soft in the center when you take them out.
• Let Them Cool Completely Before Frosting: This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and losing its shape.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

While these pumpkin cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Apple Crisp: The warm, spiced fruit pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the soft cookies.
3. Pecan Pie Bars: These sweet bars enhance fall flavors and provide a crunchy texture.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel over your cookies adds sweetness and richness.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.
6. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This classic drink complements the pumpkin flavor wonderfully and warms you up on chilly days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing and texture. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results.

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft. Mix just until combined to keep them pillowy and tender.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry and dense. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measuring.

• Skipping parchment paper: Baking without parchment can cause sticking and uneven browning. Always line your baking sheet for easier cleanup and better results.

• Ignoring baking time: Baking too long can result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them; they should be soft when you remove them from the oven.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works well! Ensure it is thick enough so the dough doesn’t become too wet.

How do I know when my pumpkin cookies are done?

Look for edges that are set but the centers still appear soft. They’ll continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in frosting?

Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese can work as substitutes, though they may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their soft texture combined with creamy frosting makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making this recipe versatile enough for everyone’s taste!