There's something magical about the smell of pumpkin cookies baking in the oven. I remember one Thanksgiving when my son, Jake, couldn't wait to dive into these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. He kept peeking into the oven, his nose pressed against the glass, waiting for them to puff up and turn golden. These cookies are perfect for Thanksgiving desserts and will surely become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love It
- They're soft and chewy with a delightful pumpkin flavor.
- The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy sweetness.
- They're easy to make and perfect for fall gatherings.
- They can be decorated for Halloween or Thanksgiving festivities.
Pure Comfort
Biting into a warm pumpkin sugar cookie topped with creamy frosting feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s the kind of treat that brings everyone together, making memories over a shared love for fall flavors.
What You Need
- 2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
- 8 oz 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1 large egg – Room temperature for better mixing.
- 8 oz 1 cup pumpkin puree – Use canned or homemade.
- 1 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 420 g 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Sifted for a lighter texture.
- 1 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Can substitute with pumpkin pie spice.
- 1/2 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
- 1 lb 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 oz 2 tbsp milk – Adjust for desired frosting consistency.
Time to Cook
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Total: 32 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, cookies can be made a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is the perfect temperature for baking cookies, allowing them to rise and brown just right. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even results.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You should see a pale color and feel a soft texture. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. The batter will have a lovely orange hue from the pumpkin.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the dough.
- 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.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread a little, so give them room to breathe.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a bit soft, but they'll firm up as they cool.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon for an extra touch. Enjoy these pumpkin sugar cookies with family and friends!
Make It Perfect
- For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use a piping bag for the frosting if you want a decorative touch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Mix It Up
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a spicier flavor.
- Make mini cookies for bite-sized treats, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
- Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze if preferred.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a warm cup of apple cider.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Enjoy alongside a slice of pumpkin pie for the ultimate fall dessert platter.
💡 For more recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them a day in advance and frost them just before serving.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies without frosting for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
You can use applesauce or mashed sweet potatoes as alternatives.
What if my frosting is too thick?
Add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful addition to your fall baking repertoire. They're perfect for Thanksgiving desserts or Halloween gatherings. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy the sweet taste of autumn!
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, chewy, and bursting with pumpkin flavor, making them a perfect choice for Thanksgiving desserts and fall gatherings.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- electric mixer
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 sticks cups unsalted butter, softened Can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
- 8 oz cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg Room temperature for better mixing.
- 8 oz cup pumpkin puree Use canned or homemade.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 420 g cups all-purpose flour Sifted for a lighter texture.
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon Can substitute with pumpkin pie spice.
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 package oz cream cheese, softened Use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
- 1 lb cups powdered sugar
- 1 oz tbsp milk Adjust for desired frosting consistency.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is the perfect temperature for baking cookies, allowing them to rise and brown just right. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even results.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You should see a pale color and feel a soft texture. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. The batter will have a lovely orange hue from the pumpkin.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the dough.
- 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.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread a little, so give them room to breathe.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a bit soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon for an extra touch. Enjoy these pumpkin sugar cookies with family and friends!