If you’re craving a cozy, indulgent treat that feels like a warm hug, these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are just what you need. Imagine tender, moist cookies bursting with autumn spices and sweet pumpkin flavor, topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the richness. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into irresistible little bites of fall magic, making them an instant favorite for pumpkin lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together effortlessly to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each element plays its part, from the pumpkin puree that keeps the cookies soft and moist to the warm spices that bring that unmistakable autumn charm.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base that makes the cookies tender and rich.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate crumb texture.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Infuses the cookie with moisture and signature pumpkin flavor.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients while lending structure and softness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie that provides structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and makes them light.
- Baking soda: Works with the acid in pumpkin to give a tender texture.
- Cinnamon: Offers a warm spicy note essential for that autumn feel.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a slightly nutty sweetness.
- Ground ginger: Gives a subtle zing that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances spice aromas.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the frosting, delivering a creamy, tangy finish.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting with a smooth texture.
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze—an important detail when you want to focus on savoring these treats!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, which helps produce tender, soft cookies that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract with your creamed butter and sugar. This combination adds moisture, richness, and aroma, setting the stage for that signature Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a separate bowl. This evenly distributes the spices and leavening agents, which is essential for consistent taste and texture throughout every bite.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, but gentle mixing results in that perfectly soft, tender crumb you’re after in this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Step 6: Drop and Bake the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they’re set and lightly golden. The cookies might look a bit underbaked, but that’s exactly what keeps them soft and cakey.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies cool on a wire rack, whip together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is creamy and spreadable, the perfect partner for these pumpkin treats.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy
Once the cookies have completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top. The tangy sweetness dancing with the tender pumpkin cookie is what makes this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or a few pumpkin seeds atop the frosting to introduce texture and visual appeal. These little touches can elevate the cookies from simple deliciousness to stunning homemade gifts or party treats.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea, spiced latte, or classic hot apple cider. The spice-infused drinks complement the pumpkin and cream cheese flavors beautifully, turning snack time into a cozy autumn ritual.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden platter with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins for seasonal flair. You could also sandwich frosting between two cookies to make soft pumpkin whoopie pies — an inventive twist that’s sure to impress guests or delight kids.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cookies soft and the frosting fresh. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a good alternative but bring the cookies to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then moving them to a sealed bag or container once solid, to freeze for up to 3 months. Frosting cookies fresh after thawing yields the best flavor and texture, but you can freeze frosted cookies wrapped tightly for up to one month.
Reheating
To revive stored cookies, warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This moment of warmth helps the spices bloom again and softens the texture, bringing your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe back to life like they were just baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Fresh pumpkin must be cooked and pureed until smooth to substitute canned pumpkin puree. Be sure to let it cool and drain any excess moisture before using to maintain the right consistency for the cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon separately to keep the structure and softness that makes these cookies so wonderful.
Is it possible to make the frosting dairy-free?
Definitely. Substitute the cream cheese and butter for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine. The flavor and texture change slightly but remain delicious and creamy.
How can I make these cookies spicier?
Feel free to increase the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to taste or add a pinch of cloves or allspice for deeper warmth. Just add spices gradually to avoid overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
What’s the best way to prevent the frosting from melting?
Keep the frosted cookies chilled until serving, especially in warm conditions. Using chilled ingredients when making the frosting helps, too, as does refrigerating the cookie tray for about 30 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is like capturing autumn’s charm in every bite. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends, gifting at holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying alongside your favorite warm drink. Once you experience their soft texture and creamy frosting, this recipe will undoubtedly become a treasured staple in your kitchen. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’re going to fall in love!
Print
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are a delightful autumn treat, combining the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with a moist pumpkin base. Topped with a creamy, tangy frosting, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy, flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies. Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined for a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cookies tough.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: While cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of each cookie for a rich, tangy finish.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother frosting.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain soft and tender cookies.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on the frosting before it sets.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce powdered sugar slightly to taste.
