Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a fall treat that perfectly balances tender sweetness with a hint of spice, you’re in for a real delight with these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. These cookies bring the warmth of pumpkin and cozy spices into a soft, buttery cookie base, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s tangy and smooth. Whether you’re gearing up for holiday gatherings or just craving a seasonal snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like autumn wrapped in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to these scrumptious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Each component plays an essential role — from the richness of butter and cream cheese to the spices that awaken the pumpkin’s natural flavor, making this recipe simple yet incredibly delicious.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: adds rich creaminess and ensures a soft cookie texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: sweetens the dough and helps give the cookies structure.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: provides moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree: infuses natural pumpkin flavor and keeps the cookies moist.
• 1 egg yolk: binds ingredients together and adds tenderness to the crumb.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: enhances all the warm, cozy flavors beautifully.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: the base that holds your cookie’s shape just right.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder: gives a gentle lift for the perfect cookie softness.
• 1/4 tsp salt: balances the sweetness and brightens the spice notes.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: adds that essential warm spice taste.
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: complements the pumpkin with a nutty depth.
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves: intensifies the spiced, autumn feel.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: the star of the frosting, creamy and tangy.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: gives the frosting a smooth, rich finish.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: lifts the frosting’s flavor with sweet aromatic notes.
• Pinch of salt: balances the frosting sweetness and keeps it from being cloying.

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets the foundation for perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick and will have even heat distribution, ensuring a gentle, golden finish.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating that airy texture inside your cookies, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg Yolk, and Vanilla

Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The pumpkin adds moistness and beautiful flavor, while the egg yolk gently binds the dough, making it tender and rich.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This spice mix is what gives the cookies their warm autumn essence, perfectly complementing the pumpkin base.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — this keeps your cookies soft rather than tough and dense.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough evenly spaced onto your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges look set and tops no longer appear wet. Let the cookies cool right on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust texture if needed with more powdered sugar or a tiny splash of milk.

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy

Once your pumpkin sugar cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of that creamy frosting over each one and get ready to enjoy the perfect autumn dessert!

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Enhance the look and flavor by sprinkling a little cinnamon or crushed toasted pecans on top of the frosting. These subtle additions add texture and a bit of nutty warmth, making your cookies even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea, spiced cider, or a creamy latte. The warm spices in your drink will harmonize beautifully with the flavors of the cookies, creating a cozy and satisfying snack experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your frosted pumpkin sugar cookies on a rustic wooden platter adorned with autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks for a charming fall display. Alternatively, arrange them in a mason jar as a delightful gift idea or party favor that anyone would be thrilled to receive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep pumpkin sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool temperature helps maintain the frosting’s texture and keeps the cookies from drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and add freshly made cream cheese frosting for best results.

Reheating

If you like your cookies a bit warmed, gently microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds once frosted—or better yet, enjoy the contrast between the cool frosting and the room-temperature cookie for that delightful texture balance.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for these cookies?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that could alter the cookie’s flavor.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You can substitute the cream cheese with an equal amount of softened unsalted butter for a basic sugar cookie icing, but it won’t have the same tangy richness that cream cheese brings to the classic frosting.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy these delightful cookies without gluten. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free cookies may bake differently.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your dough briefly before baking if necessary. Also, avoid adding too much sugar since it can cause spreading. The recipe balance should keep the cookies nicely shaped.

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

Definitely! These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a wonderful treat for kids—they’re soft, mildly spiced, and sweet without being overwhelming. Plus, frosting adds a fun, creamy element kids love.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got this cozy, scrumptious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe, it’s time to grab your mixing bowls and baking sheets. Nothing beats pulling these tender, warmly spiced cookies fresh from the oven and frosting them with that luscious cream cheese topping. They’re perfect for sharing with family, gifting to friends, or simply indulging in a quiet moment of autumn bliss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new seasonal favorite!

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