Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are the perfect treat for any season, blending warm spices with a delightful creamy topping. These cookies deliver a moist, tender texture that captures the essence of fall. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies will satisfy your taste buds and add a touch of warmth to your day.
Why We Love This Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These pumpkin cookies stand out for several reasons. First, the combination of pumpkin and spices creates a comforting flavor that is both inviting and nostalgic. The pumpkin adds moisture, making each cookie soft and chewy. The cream cheese frosting is a game-changer; it adds a rich, tangy twist that balances the sweet and spiced flavors of the cookie. Additionally, they are simple to make, requiring minimal prep time and common ingredients you likely have on hand. This makes them an accessible option for bakers of all skill levels. Sharing these cookies with friends or family becomes a delightful experience, as they evoke smiles and compliments with every bite.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix well until everything is combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing; stir until no flour streaks remain.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until combined. Add the milk and the additional vanilla extract as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting is an easy way to impress your guests or enjoy a delightful treat at home. For a special touch, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or cake stand. Consider garnishing them with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts to enhance their appearance and flavor. Pair these cookies with a warm beverage, such as tea or a pumpkin spice latte, for a complete experience. They work wonderfully as part of a dessert table for gatherings, Thanksgiving celebrations, or holiday parties. You can also serve them alongside autumn-themed desserts for a seasonal treat that evokes the spirit of fall. Whether sharing with friends or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly, keep a few helpful tips in mind. First, always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture. Measure your flour correctly; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than packing it down, as too much flour can lead to dense cookies. Make sure all ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth and creamy batter. If your cookies seem too sticky, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can make handling easier. When frosting, consider varying the thickness of the cream cheese frosting to add texture—thicker frosting provides a hearty bite while thinner frosting gives a more delicate finish. Lastly, if you want a little extra flair, consider adding a hint of orange zest into the cream cheese frosting for a refreshing citrus note that complements the pumpkin.
How to Store Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Storing your pumpkin cookies properly keeps them fresh and delicious. Allow the cookies to cool completely after baking before storing them. Place the cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you plan to enjoy them over several days, consider storing the cookies without frosting first. You can frost them just before serving. For longer storage, pumpkin cookies can be frozen. Simply place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label and date the container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature for a few hours, then frost as desired.
Variations of Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Exploring variations of pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting opens up a world of flavor. You can add chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks to the cookie dough for a delightful contrast to the pumpkin and spices. Incorporating dried cranberries or raisins provides a chewy texture and additional sweetness. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough before baking. Adjusting the spices can also create variations; add allspice or cardamom for an aromatic twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, replace part of the pumpkin puree with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter cookie. You could even turn your cookies into whoopie pies by adding more frosting between two cookies for a stuffed treat. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize these cookies to suit your flavor preferences.
FAQ about Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
What makes pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting so special?
The combination of moist pumpkin cookies complemented by rich cream cheese frosting creates a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The spices enhance the pumpkin, making these cookies truly comforting.
Can I use store-bought pumpkin puree for these cookies?
Yes, you can use store-bought pumpkin puree to save time. Just ensure it is pure pumpkin and not a pre-seasoned pie filling for the best results.
Why do my pumpkin cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it may be due to overmixing the dough or too much butter. Make sure to chill the dough slightly before baking if you experience this issue.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can last about 3-5 days at room temperature. If refrigerated, they may last up to a week.
Can I freeze pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookies after they have cooled completely. For the best results, freeze them un-frosted and apply the cream cheese frosting just before serving.
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup pumpkin puree Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure it is at room temperature.
- 2 large eggs At room temperature.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Spoon into measuring cup and level.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Ensure it is at room temperature.
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract For frosting.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk Adjust for desired consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix well until everything is combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden; the centers may appear soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting Preparation
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until combined.
- Add the milk and the additional vanilla extract as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
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