Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, spiced, and frosted to perfection. Perfect for fall baking, they combine warm autumn spices with creamy, tangy frosting for a festive treat everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just indulging in seasonal flavors, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that evokes the essence of fall.
• Soft Texture: These cookies have a soft and tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack any day of the week.
• Beautiful Presentation: The creamy frosting adds a delightful finishing touch that makes these cookies visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients without making a mess.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a light and fluffy texture in your cookie dough and frosting.
• Baking sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking of your cookies.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, preventing sogginess.

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Ingredients

To create these delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: adds richness and soft texture
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: sweetens and helps cookie structure
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: adds moisture and depth of flavor
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree: provides moisture and pumpkin flavor
• 1 egg yolk: helps bind and create a tender crumb
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: enhances flavor
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: forms the cookie base
• 1/2 tsp baking powder: provides slight lift
• 1/4 tsp salt: balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: adds warmth
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: complements the pumpkin
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves: deepens the spice profile

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: forms the base of the frosting
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: helps smooth and enrich frosting
• 1 cup powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens frosting
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: flavors the frosting
• Pinch of salt: balances the frosting sweetness

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step is crucial for creating a light texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Scoop dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Drop onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly apart.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set and tops no longer look wet. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While cookies cool, prepare your frosting by beating together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Step 9: Add Sugar & Flavorings

Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency if needed with more powdered sugar or a drop of milk.

Step 10: Frost Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with cream cheese frosting. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting at any fall gathering!

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are delightful on their own, but serving them can elevate your experience. Here are some creative ways to serve these cookies that will impress your guests and make any occasion special.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
• Hot Chocolate: Pair with creamy hot chocolate for a sweet and cozy combination during chilly days.

On a Festive Platter

• Cookie Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter alongside other treats, like spiced nuts or mini pastries, for an inviting dessert spread.
• Themed Decorations: Use autumn-themed decorations like leaves or pumpkins to enhance the presentation.

As Party Favors

• Gift Bags: Package cookies in clear bags tied with seasonal ribbons as thoughtful party favors for guests to take home.
• Personalized Tags: Add tags with your recipe name or a thank you note to make it extra special.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making the perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting takes a little practice. Here are some tips to help you achieve cookie perfection.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; underbaking slightly can yield softer cookies while overbaking can make them hard.
• Let Cool Completely: Ensure cookies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting and maintain shape.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and cream cheese helps create a smoother frosting texture.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies can create a delightful dining experience. Here are some tasty options that complement these sweet treats perfectly.

1. Apple Cider: A warm mug of apple cider brings out the fall flavors and adds a refreshing twist.
2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies while enhancing seasonal flavors.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A small serving of creamy pumpkin soup offers warmth and richness that pairs nicely with the cookies.
4. Cheese Plate: A variety of cheeses, especially tangy ones like goat cheese, balances sweetness beautifully.
5. Fruit Salad: Lighten up your dessert table with a fresh fruit salad that adds brightness and freshness.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for added texture and health benefits alongside your sweet treats.
7. Caramel Dip: Serve sliced apples or pears with caramel dip for an extra indulgent side option.
8. Chocolate Milkshake: A creamy chocolate milkshake is always a hit, making it fun for both kids and adults alike!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling your dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for better shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can create tough cookies. Mix until just combined to ensure a tender texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can alter taste and texture. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precision.
• Ignoring the cooling time: Frosting warm cookies will cause it to melt. Let your cookies cool completely before frosting for the best results.
• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter or cream cheese can lead to lumpy frosting. Make sure ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover and warm for a few minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes! You can use vanilla or chocolate frosting if you prefer. Just ensure it complements the pumpkin flavor.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

What is the best way to decorate the cookies?

You can pipe the cream cheese frosting or spread it with a knife. Add sprinkles on top for extra flair!

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. Their soft texture and spiced flavor make them perfect for any fall gathering. Don’t hesitate to try customizing them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!