Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat for any occasion. With their pillowy softness and rich flavors, they are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying at home. The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious touch that makes these cookies truly special. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with your morning coffee, these cookies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth quality that is irresistible.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of pumpkin and cream cheese creates a rich flavor that’s perfect for the fall season.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat!
• Perfect for Sharing: With 30 cookies per batch, they’re great for parties, potlucks, or gifting.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together to achieve the perfect light and fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple mixing bowls allows you to keep your dry ingredients separate from your wet ingredients until it’s time to combine them.

Ingredients

For these delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (305 g) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces (226 g) block-style cream cheese (softened but still cool)
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (210 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
* All-purpose flour
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Salt
* Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together:
* Unsalted butter
* Granulated sugar
* Light brown sugar

Mix on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Then add in:
* Canned pumpkin puree
* Large egg
* Pure vanilla extract

Mix until well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. The dough will be sticky but soft.

Step 5: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space each cookie about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are set but cookies remain soft and fluffy. Allow cooling on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In another mixing bowl, beat together:
* Softened cream cheese
* Unsalted butter

Mix on medium-high speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add in:
* Pure vanilla extract
* Confectioners’ sugar

Mix again just until combined.

Step 8: Frost Cookies

Once cooled, use an offset spatula or knife to spread frosting onto each cookie. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are delightful for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting treat. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.

At a Fall Gathering

• Serve them at gatherings or parties during the fall season. Their festive flavor will make them a crowd favorite.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Enjoy these cookies as an afternoon snack. They provide a sweet energy boost to keep you going throughout the day.

With Fresh Fruit

• Add slices of fresh fruit like apples or pears on the side. This adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

For Dessert Buffets

• Include them in dessert buffets at celebrations. Their soft texture and creamy frosting are sure to impress guests.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the ideal pumpkin cookies, consider the following tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined after adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain shape and enhances flavor.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method to ensure you don’t add too much flour, which can make cookies dense.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be soft but set around the edges when done.
• Frost When Cool: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Spiced Chai Tea
   A warm spiced chai tea complements the flavors of pumpkin beautifully, creating a cozy pairing.

2. Apple Cider
   Serve chilled apple cider alongside for a refreshing contrast that highlights autumn’s best flavors.

3. Caramel Dipped Apples
   Sweet caramel apples offer a crunchy contrast to soft pumpkin cookies, making for delightful bites.

4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses balances sweetness while adding savory notes to your snack spread.

5. Roasted Nuts
   Offer a mix of roasted nuts for added crunch and protein that pairs well with sweet desserts.

6. Pumpkin Soup
   A small bowl of creamy pumpkin soup serves as an elegant starter before indulging in your sweet treats.

7. Vanilla Ice Cream
   Vanilla ice cream adds richness and creaminess that melds well with the pumpkin flavor in cookies.

8. Gingerbread Cookies
   For those who enjoy seasonal flavors, serve gingerbread cookies as another option alongside your pumpkin treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking pumpkin cookies can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to dense cookies instead of the soft, pillowy texture you want.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately for perfect consistency.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft pumpkin cookies.
• Skipping the cooling time: Letting the cookies cool on the pan before transferring helps them set properly. Rushing this step can lead to breakage or uneven textures.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can change baking times and cookie outcomes. Always preheat your oven for even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5 minutes. This keeps them soft.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on low power for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the frosting for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

To make the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add vanilla and sifted confectioners’ sugar until combined.

Can I use different spices in my pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! You can customize your recipe by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger according to your taste preferences.

How should I store my Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

What is the best way to decorate my Pumpkin Cookies?

Use an offset spatula for smooth frosting application, and consider adding sprinkles or a dusting of cinnamon for extra flair!

Are these pumpkin cookies suitable for special occasions?

Yes! These soft pumpkin cookies are perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or any festive occasion where you want to impress guests.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different spices or decorations. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the heavenly combination of flavors that makes them irresistible!