Nothing says fall quite like Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. I remember one Thanksgiving when my son, Jake, decided to help me bake these cookies. Let’s just say we ended up with more flour on the floor than in the bowl, but those cookies were a hit! These sweet treats are perfect for your Thanksgiving dessert table or a cozy Halloween gathering.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re soft and chewy with a delightful pumpkin flavor.
- The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly.
- They’re easy to make and fun for the whole family!
Pure Comfort
These cookies are pure comfort food. They fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting smell of fall spices, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends.
What You Need
- 2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Can substitute with margarine.
- 200 g 1 cup granulated sugar – For a healthier option, use coconut sugar.
- 220 g 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Light or dark brown sugar works.
- 8 oz 1 cup pumpkin puree – Use canned or homemade.
- 2 2 large eggs – No substitutes recommended.
- 1 1 tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla is best for flavor.
- 480 g 4 cups all-purpose flour – Sifted for best results.
- 1 1 tsp baking soda – Make sure it’s fresh for proper rising.
- 1 1 tsp baking powder – Also check for freshness.
- 1 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Feel free to add more if you love cinnamon.
- 1/2 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg – Freshly grated nutmeg enhances flavor.
- 1/2 1/2 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Use full-fat for best texture.
- 480 g 4 cups powdered sugar – Sifted for a smooth frosting.
- 2 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 ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and airy.
- Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to be soft and tender.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread a bit.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top. You can even get creative and add sprinkles if you like!
- Serve these delightful cookies to your family and friends, and watch them disappear in no time!
Make It Perfect
- For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough.
- If you want a thicker frosting, reduce the milk in the cream cheese frosting.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Mix It Up
- Try adding a pinch of ginger for an extra spice kick.
- Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a warm cup of apple cider.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
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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 do I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the cookies without frosting for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?
You can substitute with applesauce, but the flavor will be different.
Why are my cookies flat?
They may have spread too much if the butter was too warm or if you overmixed the dough.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to become a family favorite. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving desserts or any fall gathering. So, gather your loved ones, bake a batch, and enjoy the cozy flavors of the season!
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Nothing says fall quite like Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. These sweet treats are perfect for your Thanksgiving dessert table or a cozy Halloween gathering.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- electric mixer
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened Can substitute with margarine.
- 200 g granulated sugar For a healthier option, use coconut sugar.
- 220 g brown sugar, packed Light or dark brown sugar works.
- 8 oz pumpkin puree Use canned or homemade.
- 2 large eggs No substitutes recommended.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Pure vanilla is best for flavor.
- 480 g all-purpose flour Sifted for best results.
- 1 tsp baking soda Make sure it’s fresh for proper rising.
- 1 tsp baking powder Also check for freshness.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon Feel free to add more if you love cinnamon.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg Freshly grated nutmeg enhances flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt Balances the sweetness.
- 1 package cream cheese, softened Use full-fat for best texture.
- 480 g powdered sugar Sifted for a smooth frosting.
- 2 tbsp milk Adjust for desired frosting consistency.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and airy.
- Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to be soft and tender.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread a bit.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top. You can even get creative and add sprinkles if you like!
- Serve these delightful cookies to your family and friends, and watch them disappear in no time!