Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat, perfect for the fall season. With their soft and spiced texture, these cookies are not only enjoyable for casual snacking but also make a fitting centerpiece for holiday gatherings and celebrations. The combination of sweet pumpkin flavor and creamy frosting sets them apart, ensuring they will be a hit at any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These cookies require simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a cozy taste that captures the essence of autumn.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even a festive gift; these cookies fit many occasions.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy frosting perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookie, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need some essential tools that make the process smoother and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling. A larger bowl helps to mix easily.
- Electric mixer or whisk: Makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
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 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:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Mix until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Add Pumpkin Mixture
Add:
– The pumpkin puree
– The egg yolk
– The first measure of vanilla extract
Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together:
– The all-purpose flour
– The baking powder
– The salt
– The ground cinnamon
– The ground nutmeg
– The ground cloves
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add:
– The dry ingredients to the wet mixture
Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Scoop Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop:
– Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets.
– Space them evenly.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake for:
– 10–12 minutes or until edges are set.
– Allow to cool on sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
Step 8: Make Frosting
While cookies cool:
1. Beat together the softened cream cheese and remaining unsalted butter until smooth.
2. Add:
– The powdered sugar
– Remaining vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or a drop of milk if needed.
Step 9: Frost Cookies
Once cookies are completely cool:
– Frost generously with cream cheese frosting.
– Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With a Warm Beverage
- Coffee: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a delightful morning treat.
- Apple Cider: The warm spices in the cookies complement the flavors of autumn apple cider beautifully.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies alongside a rich hot chocolate for a sweet dessert.
At Celebrations
- Holiday Parties: Serve them at holiday gatherings to spread festive cheer among guests.
- Potlucks: These cookies are an excellent addition to potluck events, ensuring everyone gets a taste of fall.
As Gifts
- Cookie Boxes: Package the cookies in decorative boxes for thoughtful gifts during the holidays.
- Treat Bags: Create treat bags filled with cookies as party favors for birthdays or special occasions.
For Dessert Platter
- Dessert Table: Include these cookies on a dessert table at weddings or baby showers for a colorful and tasty display.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Making the perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting takes some care and attention. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for the best flavor; stale spices can dull the taste of your cookies.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix only until combined to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can develop gluten in the flour.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cookies to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit of milk; if too thin, incorporate more powdered sugar until desired consistency is achieved.
- Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding crushed nuts or sprinkles on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pair your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with complementary side dishes that enhance their delightful flavors. Here are some options to consider.
- Spiced Chai Latte: A warm, spiced drink that pairs perfectly with sweet treats and enhances fall flavors.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: This creamy soup brings warmth and comfort, making it an ideal companion for dessert.
- Caramel Apple Slices: Crisp apples drizzled with caramel provide a refreshing balance to the sweetness of cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer savory contrast, making for an impressive appetizer spread.
- Pumpkin Spice Yogurt: Add pumpkin spice yogurt to your serving table as a light option that ties into the pumpkin theme.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette provides freshness against the rich flavors of the cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch for:
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Stir until just combined for a soft texture.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can affect the cookie’s texture. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Frosting warm cookies can cause it to melt. Let your cookies cool completely before frosting for the best results.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or cream cheese doesn’t blend well and can create lumps in frosting. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven for consistent results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, covered, and warm for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting:
How do I make my Pumpkin Sugar Cookies more flavorful?
Adding extra spices like ginger or allspice can enhance the flavor of your cookies. You can also increase the amount of vanilla extract.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, using canned pumpkin puree is convenient and works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
What should I do if my frosting is too runny?
If your frosting is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
How long do these cookies last?
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting will stay 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 a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. Their soft, spiced texture paired with rich frosting makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch!
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly soft and delightfully spiced, these cookies offer a wonderful balance of sweet pumpkin flavor and tangy frosting, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion—from casual snacking to festive gatherings. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, they are an excellent choice for bakers of all levels. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or pack them as gifts; these cookies are sure to delight friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves).
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set; allow cooling before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; add powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
- Once cookies are cool, frost generously with the cream cheese icing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
