Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall treat! Soft, spiced, and frosted to perfection, they bring together the rich flavors of autumn in every bite. Whether for a festive gathering, a cozy family dessert, or just because you love cookies, this recipe is sure to impress. The delightful combination of warm spices with creamy frosting creates a unique flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spiced: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves makes each cookie taste like fall.
• Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the cookies beautifully.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy day at home, these cookies fit right in.
• Great for Sharing: With 24 cookies in one batch, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking these delightful cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready helps make the experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a light and fluffy texture for both cookie dough and frosting.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy base for even cookie baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Sugar 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 Cream Cheese 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 Together Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl:
1. Combine the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar.
2. Beat until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add the following to the creamed mixture:
– Pumpkin puree
– Egg yolk
– Vanilla extract

Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Whisk until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
* Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing!

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop:
* Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 10–12 minutes:
* Look for edges set; tops should no longer appear wet.
Let cool on sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While cookies cool:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Beat until light and fluffy—adjust consistency as needed.

Step 9: Frost Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool:
* Generously frost each cookie with cream cheese frosting.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! They are perfect for sharing or savoring yourself—happy baking!

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some fun serving suggestions.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair your cookies with a steaming cup of coffee for a warm and comforting treat. The rich flavors of the coffee complement the spices in the cookies perfectly.

At a Fall Gathering

• Serve these cookies at your next autumn party. Their festive appearance and delicious taste are sure to impress your guests and create a cozy atmosphere.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Add these cookies to a dessert platter alongside other sweet treats. This makes for an inviting display that can cater to everyone’s tastes.

Gift-Wrapped for Friends

• Package the cookies in cute boxes or bags as gifts. They make thoughtful presents during the fall season, perfect for friends and family.

With Ice Cream

• Enjoy these cookies crumbled over vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. The creamy texture of the ice cream balances the spiced cookie beautifully.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.
• Use Fresh Spices: Always opt for fresh ground spices to enhance flavor. They bring out the best in your cookies, making them more aromatic and tasty.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate. Baking at the right temperature is crucial for achieving soft, perfectly baked cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting pair well with several side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Apple Cider: A warm mug of apple cider enhances the fall vibes and provides a sweet, fruity contrast.
2. Cheese Board: Include assorted cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar for a savory balance against the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A small bowl of creamy pumpkin soup complements the pumpkin flavor in your cookies while adding warmth.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the cookies.
5. Caramel Dip: A side of caramel dip adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spiced cookies.
6. Herbal Tea: Serve these cookies alongside herbal teas like chamomile or chai for an aromatic experience that highlights their flavors.
7. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and balances out the richness of cream cheese frosting.
8. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a wholesome side that complements your cookie treat beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps firm it up, making it easier to scoop and shape. Without this step, the cookies may spread too much while baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Stir until just combined for a soft texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make your cookies dry. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Ignoring cooling times: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet allows them to set properly. Transferring them too soon can cause breakage.
• Frosting warm cookies: Frosting warm cookies can melt the frosting. Ensure cookies are completely cool before applying cream cheese frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze cookies without frosting for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I use pumpkin spice instead of individual spices?

Yes, you can substitute pumpkin spice for cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in equal amounts.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should be set, and the tops shouldn’t look wet. They will continue to firm up while cooling.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based butter and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement.

What is the best way to frost these cookies?

Using a spatula or piping bag can help achieve an even layer of cream cheese frosting on your cooled cookies.

How long do these cookies last once frosted?

Frosted cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week if kept in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Whether for a fall gathering or a cozy evening treat, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tries them!