Print

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 60 reviews

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful fall treat featuring tender, spiced pumpkin-flavored cookies topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly soft and chewy with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies are ideal for cozying up on a chilly day or impressing guests at your next holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream), for desired consistency

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to evenly distribute the spices. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy, creating a tender cookie base.
  3. Add Pumpkin Puree, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in the pumpkin puree until well combined, then add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Scrape down the sides to ensure thorough mixing.
  4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to relax gluten and prevent excess spreading.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
  7. Scoop and Shape the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and centers are set but still soft to ensure the ideal chewy texture.
  9. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely, preventing breakage.
  10. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese for Frosting: In a clean bowl or mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  11. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar to Frosting: Slowly mix in the powdered sugar one cup at a time on low speed to avoid dust clouds, continuing until the frosting is smooth.
  12. Add Vanilla Extract and Milk: Beat in the vanilla extract, then add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time to reach a thick but spreadable consistency.
  13. Frost the Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting evenly over the tops of the cookies.
  14. Optional Decorations: Decorate with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a light dusting of cinnamon for added texture and festive flair.
  15. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately or store frosted cookies in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies; mix just until flour is incorporated.
  • Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excess spreading and to develop flavor.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to achieve smooth, creamy frosting.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the frosting by reducing powdered sugar if desired.
  • Spice variations such as adding ground ginger or allspice can enhance flavor complexity.

Keywords: Pumpkin cookies, soft pumpkin cookies, cream cheese frosting, fall recipes, pumpkin spice cookies, dessert, Halloween treats, Thanksgiving cookies

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/soft-pumpkin-cookies-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/