Name: Irresistibly Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 87 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Gluten-free blend can be used.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Ensure freshness for best rise.); 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon (Adjust for bolder spice.); 0.5 teaspoon Nutmeg (Allspice can be substituted.); 0.5 teaspoon Cloves (A pinch enhances flavor.); 0.25 teaspoon Salt (Essential for balance.); 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (Replace with vegan butter for dairy-free.); 1 cups Granulated Sugar (Half brown sugar can be used.); 1 cups Pumpkin Puree (Avoid pumpkin pie filling.); 1 large Egg (Use a flax egg for vegan.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Opt for pure extract.); 4 ounces Cream Cheese (Vegan cream cheese can be used.); 0.25 cups Softened Butter (Replace with a vegan option if desired.); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (Adjust sweetness as preferred.); 1-2 tablespoons Milk (Almond or oat milk for dairy-free.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As the leaves turn golden and the air fills with a crispness, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of autumn. These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are my go-to treat when the chill sets in. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they also serve as a delightful way to bring a smile to friends and family gathered around the kitchen. Imagine biting into a pillowy cookie kissed with fragrant spices, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. You’ll be surprised at how quickly they disappear! Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply craving a sweet snack, these pumpkin cookies are sure to be a seasonal hit. Ready to bake up some joy in your kitchen? Let’s get started!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a perfect texture that melts in your mouth, making every bite a delightful experience.

Effortless Baking: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious treats, ensuring everyone feels like a pro in the kitchen.

Bursting with Flavor: They are infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, evoking the essence of fall with each taste, just like a classic pumpkin pie.

Versatile Treats: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or different nuts to customize your cookies, making them uniquely yours.

Perfect for Gatherings: Whether served at a holiday party or an afternoon coffee break, these cookies are sure to impress guests, just like my favorite Brown Sugar Cookies.

Indulge in this cozy autumn delight and transform your kitchen into a warm, welcoming space!

Pumpkin Cookies Ingredients

• For those eager to bake these delightful treats, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies

All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure; a gluten-free blend can be used for those with dietary needs.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent; ensure freshness for the best rise.
Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and flavor; feel free to adjust the amount for a bolder spice profile.
Nutmeg – Adds a sweet and nutty essence; can be substituted with allspice if necessary.
Cloves – Deepens the autumn flavor; just a pinch goes a long way!
Salt – Enhances all the sweet flavors; it’s essential for balance in desserts.
Unsalted Butter – Contributes moisture and richness; replace with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough; for a deeper flavor, consider half brown sugar and half granulated.
Pumpkin Puree – The star ingredient that adds both moisture and flavor; avoid using pumpkin pie filling.
Large Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together; for a vegan choice, use a flax egg instead.
Vanilla Extract – Brings a warm aroma; opt for pure extract for the best flavor.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese – Offers creaminess and tanginess; vegan cream cheese can be swapped in for a dairy-free version.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting; adjust to fit your personal sweetness preference.
Milk (or Heavy Cream) – Used to achieve the desired consistency; almond or oat milk works well for a dairy-free option.

Baking these pumpkin cookies is sure to bring warmth into your kitchen! Enjoy the delightful process!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon each of nutmeg and cloves, and a pinch of salt. This ensures a uniform blend of flavors. The mixture should be well combined, with no visible lumps. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients for your pumpkin cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 3 to 5 minutes using a hand or stand mixer. This step creates a creamy base that will help your cookies be soft and chewy.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on medium speed until all ingredients are well blended and smooth, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. This will create a moist batter and infuse your pumpkin cookies with rich flavor.

Step 4: Add Dry Mixture
Gradually blend the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, perfect for those delightfully chewy pumpkin cookies.

Step 5: Chill Dough
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they maintain a lovely thickness.

Step 6: Prepare Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Having the oven ready is crucial for baking your cookies evenly and achieving that perfect golden edge.

Step 7: Shape Cookies
After the dough has chilled, scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each scoop. This spacing allows the cookies room to spread while baking, resulting in delightful, puffy pumpkin cookies.

Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers appear set but still slightly soft. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking can lead to a drier texture. The aroma of pumpkin spice will fill your kitchen!

Step 9: Cool Cookies
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the cookies to firm up while still maintaining their soft texture.

Step 10: Make Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk, mixing until you reach a smooth and spreadable consistency for your delicious cream cheese frosting.

Step 11: Frost Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie using a butter knife or an offset spatula. The creamy frosting complements the warm spices perfectly, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Step 12: Decorate
If desired, add your favorite toppings such as sprinkles or chopped nuts over the frosted cookies before serving. These little additions offer a fun finishing touch, making your pumpkin cookies even more inviting for gatherings or cozy family snacks.

Pumpkin Cookies leqhow

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Cookies

Fridge: Keep your frosted pumpkin cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will help preserve their soft texture and creamy frosting.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the un-frosted cookies for up to 3 months in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Frost them once thawed to maintain the frosting’s freshness.

Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy them within a day or two, store the cookies at room temperature in a sealed container. Just make sure they’re placed flat, so the frosting doesn’t get smudged.

Reheating: If you want a warm treat, microwave the cookies for about 10 seconds to rejuvenate them. This works beautifully with the soft pumpkin cookies, enhancing their delightful flavors!

What to Serve with Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

As the autumn breeze whispers, elevate your sweet pumpkin indulgence with delightful pairings that complement these spiced treats.

Cold Milk: The classic choice! A cold glass balances the sweetness and adds a comforting touch.
Spiced Chai Latte: Warm and aromatic, this drink enhances the cozy flavors of the cookies, creating a perfect pairing for chilly evenings.
Candied Pecans: Their crunchy sweetness harmonizes with the soft texture while echoing the nutty notes in your cookies. They make an excellent snack on their own too!
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this over your cookies for extra richness—who doesn’t love that gooey, sweet finish to an already delightful treat?
Apple Crisp: A warm, fruity dessert like apple crisp indulges autumn flavors, offering a comforting contrast to the frosting’s creaminess.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Keep the fall theme going with this iconic beverage, bursting with flavor that beautifully resonates with each pumpkin cookie bite.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream can be served alongside, turning each bite into a dreamy experience that lingers.

Experimenting with these pairings will surely make your kitchen a hub of warmth, laughter, and memorable moments!

Pumpkin Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to personalize these delightful pumpkin cookies and make them your own with these fun twists and substitutions!

Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and cream cheese in place of regular for a deliciously creamy, dairy-free option. You’ll still enjoy that luscious frosting without missing a beat!
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you can savor these treats no matter your dietary needs. Just make sure to check the proportions on your blend for best results.
Mixed Spices: Gently experiment with spices like ginger or cardamom to enhance the autumn flavor profile. A simple addition can bring a whole new dimension to your cookies!
Chocolatey Crunch: Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for an extra layer of richness and texture. Chocolate and pumpkin is a match made in heaven, don’t you think?
Nutty Flavor: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. The nutty flavor complements the warm spices beautifully, giving each bite a little surprise.
Fruity Twist: Add dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity addition that brightens the flavor. This creates a lovely burst of sweetness amidst the pumpkin goodness.
Syrupy Sweetness: Swapping half of the granulated sugar for brown sugar will yield a richer flavor with a hint of caramel. The syrupy taste really harmonizes with the pumpkin!
Spicy Kick: For an adventurous twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder in your spice mix. Balance the heat with that sweet cream cheese frosting, and you’ll create a memorable flavor journey.

Whether you choose to enjoy them with friends over coffee or as part of your holiday spread with treats like my delightful Browned Butter Cookies and Pistachio Cream Cookies, each variation will surely bring joy and warmth to your kitchen!

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Cookies

• Consistency Check: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before frosting to achieve a smooth, creamy texture for your pumpkin cookies.

• Flavor Boost: Feel free to adjust the spice levels; don’t hesitate to add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra autumn twist that complements the pumpkin.

• Chilling is Key: Always chill the dough for at least an hour to prevent excessive spreading during baking, resulting in those beautifully thick cookies.

• Baking Time: Watch your cookies closely; they should be soft in the center and slightly golden around the edges. Overbaking can lead to dry pumpkin cookies.

• Storage Secrets: Store your frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge, but do so without stacking them to maintain their fluffy frosting.

• Mix-ins Magic: Customize your cookies by mixing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor, making your pumpkin cookies truly unique.

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic autumn season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—just cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. The dough keeps beautifully, allowing the flavors to meld while preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Once you’re ready to serve, simply scoop out the chilled dough, shape, and bake as instructed. Additionally, the frosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain just as delicious and moist. Enjoy the warmth of freshly baked pumpkin cookies whenever you desire!

Pumpkin Cookies zy92zz

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely! Always use pure pumpkin puree for these cookies—avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor of your cookies. Look for 100% pumpkin puree in cans or opt for homemade puree if you’re feeling adventurous!

How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your pumpkin cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This method maintains their soft texture and ensures the cream cheese frosting stays creamy. If you plan to enjoy them later, consider freezing them!

Can I freeze these cookies for later?
Very! To freeze your pumpkin cookies, place the un-frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours, until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored like this for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and frost them just before serving!

What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you notice your cookies are spreading too much, it’s likely that the dough was either too warm or that you didn’t chill it long enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour. If you find this happens frequently, you can also add an extra tablespoon of flour to help them hold their shape better.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
The more the merrier! To adapt these pumpkin cookies for a gluten-free diet, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors without any gluten concerns!

Are these cookies safe for pets?
While the ingredients in pumpkin cookies are generally safe for dogs in small amounts—especially the pumpkin itself—it’s important to note that the sugar and cream cheese frosting can be too rich for pets. I recommend keeping these seasonal treats just for your family and save those yummy cookies for a special occasion!