Print

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Delight in the soft, spiced flavors of these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced between sweet and warm autumn spices, these cookies offer a tender crumb that’s moistened with pumpkin puree and finished with a luscious frosting, making them a seasonal favorite for any gathering or cozy snack time.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie 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

Frosting Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
  2. Cream sugars and butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes, which incorporates air for a tender cookie.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined to create a smooth, moist dough base.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
  5. Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
  6. Shape cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies evenly to allow for slight spreading during baking.
  7. Bake cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set and tops no longer look wet. Then, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare frosting: While cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy to form a rich frosting base.
  9. Add frosting ingredients: Beat in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with additional powdered sugar or a drop of milk if needed for easier spreading.
  10. Frost cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting and serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother frosting.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
  • For extra flavor, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
  • You can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pumpkin sugar cookies, pumpkin cookies with frosting, cream cheese frosting cookies, fall cookies recipe, easy pumpkin dessert