Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Fall is here, and that means it's time for Pumpkin Spice Cookies! I remember making these with my daughter, Lily, when she was little. We’d fill the kitchen with laughter and the sweet aroma of pumpkin and spices, making it a cherished family tradition.

Why You’ll Love It

• They’re soft and chewy, perfect for cozy evenings.
• The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a delightful twist.
• These cookies are a hit at Thanksgiving gatherings.

Pure Comfort

Biting into a warm pumpkin cookie topped with creamy frosting feels like a hug in dessert form. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, or just enjoying with a cup of coffee on a chilly day.

What You Need

• 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) – Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar – Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
• 1 cup 1 cup packed brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar works.
• 1 1 large egg – Use a flax egg for a vegan version.
• 1 cup 1 cup pumpkin puree – Canned or homemade works well.
• 2 tsp 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
• 3 cups 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 g) – Gluten-free flour can be substituted.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon baking soda – Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the cookies stay fluffy.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Feel free to add more if you love cinnamon.
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Freshly grated nutmeg enhances the flavor.
• 1/4 tsp 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 8 oz 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Can use vegan cream cheese.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – For the frosting; use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• 3 cups 3 cups powdered sugar – Adjust based on desired sweetness.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For the frosting; pure vanilla is best.

Time to Cook

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Total: 32 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can make the dough a day in advance and chill it.

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and rise beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when you can feel the warmth radiating from the oven.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The mixture will turn a pale yellow, indicating it’s well combined.
3. Add in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully incorporated. The batter will be smooth and slightly thick, which is perfect for cookies.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread while baking. They should look like little mounds of pumpkin goodness.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be soft in the center but set around the edges.
8. While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and creamy.
9. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on each cookie. They should look inviting and delicious, ready to be devoured.
10. Serve these delightful pumpkin cookies at your next gathering or enjoy them at home with your family. They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make It Perfect

• For an extra touch, sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the frosting.
• If you want a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
• These cookies freeze well. Just place them in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper.

Mix It Up

• Add chocolate chips or nuts for a different texture.
• Try using maple syrup instead of sugar for a unique flavor.

Perfect Partners

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea.
• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

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FAQs

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or sharing them at Thanksgiving, they’re sure to be a favorite. So grab your ingredients and get baking!

Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies topped with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy fall evenings and festive Thanksgiving gatherings, these cookies combine warm spices and rich flavors in a delightful treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 cup unsalted butter butter softened (2 sticks), can substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free option
• 1 cup granulated sugar sugar can substitute brown sugar for deeper flavor
• 1 cup packed brown sugar brown sugar light or dark works
• 1 large egg use flax egg for vegan
• 1 cup pumpkin puree pumpkin puree canned or homemade
• 2 tsp vanilla extract vanilla extract use pure vanilla
• 3 cups all-purpose flour flour can substitute gluten-free flour
• 1 tsp baking soda baking soda ensure it’s fresh
• 1 tsp baking powder baking powder helps cookies stay fluffy
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon cinnamon add more if desired
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg nutmeg freshly grated preferred
• 1/4 tsp salt salt balances sweetness
• 8 oz cream cheese cream cheese softened, can use vegan cream cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter butter for frosting softened, use vegan butter for dairy free
• 3 cups powdered sugar powdered sugar adjust for sweetness
• 1 tsp vanilla extract vanilla extract for frosting pure vanilla is best

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 °F.
• Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.
• Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in another bowl.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; mix until just combined.
• Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
• Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth for frosting.
• Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until fluffy and creamy.
• Once cookies are completely cool, spread frosting on each cookie.
• Serve and enjoy your pumpkin cookies.

Keyword cinnamon, Cookies, Fall, frosting, Pumpkin, Thanksgiving