Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with pumpkin flavor that many people adore. With the rich cream cheese frosting on top, they become an irresistible dessert. Whether you’re celebrating the fall season, attending a gathering, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are a great choice.
How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious cookies to enjoy in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until smooth.
- Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies and enjoy!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These cookies are best served fresh. You can place them on a beautiful plate for a lovely dessert display. They pair perfectly with a warm beverage like coffee or tea, making them a cozy treat for any occasion.
How to Store Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about 3-5 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the un-frosted cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Just remember to thaw them before adding the frosting.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added spices and sugar.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- For a bit of extra flavor, you can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough.
Variation
For a spiced twist, try adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or cloves to your dry ingredients. This will give your cookies an exciting flavor profile.
FAQs
-
Can I use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg?
Yes, you can use pumpkin spice instead of the individual spices for a more convenient option. -
Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?
No, if you prefer, you can use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk instead. -
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges and set in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese Softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until smooth.
- Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies and enjoy!