Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Name: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (Canned or homemade); 2 cups All-purpose Flour; 1 tsp Baking Powder; 1 tsp Baking Soda; 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg; 1/2 tsp Salt (Balances flavors); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (For texture); 1/2 cup White Sugar (For sweetness); 1 large Egg (Binds ingredients together); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened); 8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened); 2 cups Powdered Sugar

I just have to share this super cozy recipe for soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting! Honestly, it’s one of my favorites for fall. There’s something warm and inviting about these cookies, making them the perfect treat to enjoy with a hot cup of cider. Plus, who can resist that creamy frosting? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe, shall we?

Table of Contents

What Are Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

So, soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are these amazing little bites that perfectly capture the essence of autumn. They are soft, chewy, and packed with pumpkin goodness. The frosting is rich, tangy, and just sweet enough to complement the subtle spice in the cookies. They are ideal for parties, cozy gatherings, or even just as a treat for yourself during a Netflix marathon.

Ingredients Overview for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To whip up these delicious cookies, here’s what you will need:

Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or homemade; it’s the star of the show!
All-purpose Flour: Helps give the cookies that classic cookie texture.
Baking Powder: This adds a touch of fluffiness to your cookies.
Baking Soda: Works with the pumpkin to help them rise.
Ground Cinnamon: For that warm, chai-like flavor.
Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch for that holiday kick.
Salt: Balances all the flavors like magic.
Sugar: A mix of brown sugar for texture and white sugar for sweetness.
Egg: Binds everything together, making the cookies nice and soft.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Cream Cheese: Essential for that creamy frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens up the frosting without grit.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial!
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy.
Add Egg and Pumpkin: Mix in the egg and pumpkin puree, combining well.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined.
Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop (or just a spoon) to drop dough onto a lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for about 12-15 minutes until the edges are set and the centers are soft.
Cool Cookies: Let them cool on a wire rack.
Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
Frost Cookies: Once cooled, spread the frosting on top of each cookie as liberally as you like!

Serving Suggestions

These soft pumpkin cookies are fabulous on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired with a hot beverage. Enjoy them alongside some spiced chai, a steaming cup of cocoa, or even apple cider for the perfect autumn treat. Trust me, you can’t go wrong here!

Tips For the Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Don’t Overmix: Mix your dough just until it’s come together to keep your cookies soft.
Chill the Dough: If you have the time, letting the dough chill in the fridge for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors.
Adjust the Spices: Feel free to play with the spices if you like it spicier or sweeter.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything blend better, especially for the frosting.
Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.

Q&A Section

Q: Can I substitute the pumpkin puree?
A: Absolutely! You can use applesauce for a different flavor, but it will change the overall taste and texture.

Q: How long do these cookies last?
A: They’ll stay fresh for about a week in an airtight container, but I bet they won’t last that long!

Q: Can I freeze the cookies?
A: Yes! Just freeze them before frosting. They thaw beautifully, and you can frost them later.

Q: What if my frosting is too runny?
A: Add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

Why You’ll Love It

You are going to love these soft pumpkin cookies! They are not only tasty but also really easy to make. The combo of pumpkin and cream cheese is simply irresistible. You’ll find yourself making them again and again, whether it’s for a cozy night in or a special gathering. They bring comfort and joy in every bite.

Behind the Scenes

When I was developing this recipe, I had my fair share of trial and error. My first batch turned out a little cakey, which wasn’t quite what I wanted. So I played around with the amounts of butter and flour, which ended up perfecting that soft, chewy texture I adore. It was like hitting the jackpot! If you’re planning to make these cookies, I encourage you to check out my Pinterest page here for inspiration and more delicious recipes!

I hope you love these soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting as much as I do. They are a true celebration of fall flavors, and I can’t wait for you to try them out!