If you’re looking for a cozy, fall-inspired treat that melts in your mouth, then this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These cookies combine the warm, inviting spices of pumpkin pie with a delectably soft texture, all topped off by a luscious, creamy frosting that perfectly balances sweet and tangy. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving something special, these cookies deliver a comforting hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is all you need to craft a batch of irresistibly soft pumpkin cookies. Each component plays a simple yet vital role, adding flavor, texture, and that signature moistness that pumpkin brings to the mix.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create the soft cookie texture you love.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient—gives the cookies their soft body, natural sweetness, and that gorgeous orange hue.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the warm spices and overall flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structural backbone for these cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the pumpkin’s acidity for lightness and texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings aromatic warmth, essential for that fall vibe.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle spicy sweetness that complements pumpkin perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Delivers a punch of cozy spice complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a rich, tangy base for the frosting that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds silky smoothness and richness to the frosting.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and provides that classic, creamy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a little warmth and sweetness.
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first—set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily, creating the perfect base for all the pumpkin goodness.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving your cookies that soft, tender crumb we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Flavorings
Next, mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract with your creamed sugar mixture. The pumpkin infuses moisture and that unmistakable fall flavor while the egg helps bind everything, making sure each bite is wonderfully soft.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking the spices evenly through the flour ensures every bite bursts with balanced flavor.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—otherwise, your cookies might lose their soft texture.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives enough room for the cookies to spread slightly while keeping their plump shape.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color. Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling fully is critical for the frosting to stay beautiful and creamy.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until perfectly smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting thickens into a luscious, creamy spread. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that extra flavor punch.
Step 9: Frost Your Cookies
Once your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe cookies are completely cool, spread a generous dollop of the cream cheese frosting on top of each one. This final touch is what makes these cookies truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosted cookies for an added touch of warmth and visual appeal. For a festive flair, try crushed pecans or a few mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting—both offer delightful texture and complement the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of chai tea or a rich pumpkin spice latte for an all-around cozy fall experience. They also shine alongside vanilla ice cream or a simple glass of cold milk, balancing sweetness and providing a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe on a rustic wooden platter adorned with autumn leaves or miniature pumpkins for that seasonal charm. You can also sandwich the frosting between two cookies for a decadent twist, making them perfect for gatherings or gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and to preserve the cookies’ soft texture. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, though honestly, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either frosted or unfrosted. For easiest handling, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and frost fresh for the best taste.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, reheat them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but avoid heating frosted cookies for too long to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting. A few seconds is all it takes to bring out that freshly-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth. Canned pumpkin just offers convenience and consistency, but fresh pumpkin adds a lovely homemade touch.
How do I make sure my cookies stay soft and don’t turn cakey?
Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients, and avoid overbaking. Pull them out of the oven as soon as the edges look lightly golden to keep them tender and soft.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with something else?
You can, but the cream cheese frosting is really special for this recipe—it adds a tangy creaminess that complements the pumpkin perfectly. A simple vanilla buttercream would be a decent substitute if needed.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
The recipe doesn’t specify exact servings, but you can expect around 24 to 30 cookies, depending on the size you scoop out.
Is this recipe allergen-friendly?
This recipe contains dairy and eggs, so it’s not suitable for those with allergies to those ingredients. For a dairy-free or vegan option, you’d need to substitute butter, cream cheese, and egg with alternatives, though texture and flavor may vary.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites to bake and share. The way the warm spices mingle with the moist pumpkin and the creamy frosting is pure magic. If you’re ready to embrace fall flavors in the most delicious way, give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life!
Print
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft pumpkin cookies, perfectly spiced and topped with a creamy, rich cream cheese frosting. These cookies combine the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the moistness of pumpkin puree, making them an ideal treat for autumn or any time you crave a comforting, sweet snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed sugar mixture until fully combined and smooth throughout.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Use a tablespoon to drop portions of dough onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth and creamy, providing the perfect texture for frosting.
- Add Sugar and Flavor: Gradually blend in the powdered sugar, beating continuously until the frosting thickens. Stir in vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on each cookie to finish them with a creamy topping.
Notes
- Ensure the cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting for your preferred sweetness and consistency.
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added spices or sugars in the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or cinnamon on top of the frosting before it sets.
