Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, spiced, and frosted to perfection. Ideal for fall baking, they combine warm autumn spices with creamy, tangy frosting for a festive treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a delightful taste that embodies the essence of fall.
• Soft Texture: These cookies are incredibly soft and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, holidays, or just an afternoon snack, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy finish that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookie.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugar smoothly for a light texture.
• Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies without sticking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring easy removal.

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Ingredients

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.

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.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing for tender cookies.

Step 6: Scoop Dough

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them evenly for proper baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until edges are set. The tops should no longer look wet. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

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

Step 9: Add Sugar & Flavor

Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar if needed.

Step 10: Frost Cookies

Once cookies have cooled completely, frost generously with cream cheese frosting before serving. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a cozy treat at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

Pair with a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweet, spiced cookies beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: A creamy cup of hot chocolate is a comforting match for these pumpkin cookies.
• Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai enhance the flavors of the cookies, creating a warm pairing.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies: Include other seasonal cookies like gingerbread or snickerdoodles for variety.
• Fruits: Fresh apple slices or pears add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Cheese Board: Soft cheeses, like cream cheese or brie, can offer a savory balance to the sugary treats.

Festive Decorations

• Sprinkles: Top the frosted cookies with festive sprinkles to add color and fun.
• Candied Nuts: A sprinkle of candied pecans or walnuts can provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly Measure Ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Boldly Chill Dough: If your dough is too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes can make it easier to scoop and shape without spreading during baking.
• Boldly Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time. Remove them when they are just set for a soft texture.
• Boldly Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing for a smooth batter and frosting consistency.
• Boldly Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference; adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance their flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

When enjoying Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some suggestions:

1. Bold Apple Crisp: This warm dessert features baked apples topped with a crunchy oat topping, perfect alongside sweet cookies.
2. Bold Spiced Pecans: Roasted pecans seasoned with cinnamon and sugar provide an excellent crunchy contrast.
3. Bold Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that pairs well with the spiced flavors of pumpkin.
4. Bold Whipped Cream Dip: A light dip made from whipped cream cheese and vanilla enhances both taste and texture when paired with cookies.
5. Bold Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over cookies creates an indulgent treat that combines sweet and savory flavors.
6. Bold Hot Cider: Serve these cookies alongside warm apple cider infused with spices for a comforting fall experience.
7. Bold Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad featuring berries and citrus can provide a refreshing burst alongside rich cookies.
8. Bold Chocolate Fondue: Dipping cookie halves into melted chocolate fondue introduces an exciting twist to your dessert platter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to sidestep them.

• Skipping the softening step: Make sure your butter is softened properly. Cold butter won’t cream well, resulting in dense cookies. Leave it out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Stir until just combined for a soft texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Too much flour can dry out your cookies.
• Frosting while cookies are warm: Wait until cookies cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven. Baking in an unheated oven can result in unevenly baked cookies.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies 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 cookies frosted or unfrosted in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Use wax paper between layers if stacking to avoid damage.

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm for about 1 minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves?

Yes, you can use pumpkin spice as a convenient substitute for those spices. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust based on your taste preference.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

To balance the sweetness, add more cream cheese or a pinch of salt. You can also use less powdered sugar than the recipe calls for.

Can I make these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies without eggs?

Yes! Substitute the egg yolk with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to your mixture.

How long will my Pumpkin Sugar Cookies stay fresh?

When stored correctly, they will remain fresh for about 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only soft and flavorful but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or using different spices! Enjoy baking this delightful treat!