Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a true fall indulgence. Soft, chewy, and infused with warm spices, they melt in your mouth with every bite. Topped with a swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon, they strike the perfect balance between cozy and sweet. They’re the kind of cookie that feels like a hug on a chilly autumn day.

Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or a weekend baking project, these cookies bring together classic pumpkin pie flavors in a whole new way. The cream cheese frosting is rich but not overwhelming, making these cookies incredibly addictive. If you’re looking for the ultimate fall cookie, this is the one.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These cookies are soft-baked and full of comforting spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. They’re easy to whip up and even easier to devour. The pumpkin puree keeps them moist, and the brown sugar adds a rich caramel-like depth. Paired with a silky cream cheese frosting, these are a fall must-bake.

Can I Use Canned Pumpkin or Should I Roast My Own?

Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is the recommended option for this recipe. It delivers consistent moisture and texture, and it saves time. Just make sure you’re using 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.

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Ingredients for the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Each ingredient plays a special role in creating the perfect soft, spiced cookie with a creamy topping:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the base and structure for the cookie dough.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a slight puff.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves: These spices give the cookies their signature warm, pumpkin spice flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a slight crisp edge.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and moisture, thanks to its molasses content.
• Egg yolk: Contributes to the chewiness without making the cookies cakey.
• Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a cozy, aromatic note.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient! Keeps the cookies moist and flavorful.
• Cream cheese: Forms the base of the frosting with a tangy contrast to the sweet cookie.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Butter (for frosting): Adds smoothness and richness.

How To Make the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves), and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that soft cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Once a dough forms, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Spread or pipe frosting onto each cooled cookie and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon if desired.

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How to Serve and Store These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

These cookies make a festive treat for fall parties, bake sales, or cozy nights in. Each batch yields about 20-24 cookies, making it perfect for sharing or freezing.

To store, keep frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze them, store the cookies without frosting in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost just before serving.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

Hot Apple Cider

A warm mug of spiced apple cider enhances the autumn vibes and complements the pumpkin flavors beautifully.

Chai Latte

The spiced notes in a chai latte pair seamlessly with these cookies, making it an ideal afternoon treat.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For a decadent dessert, sandwich some vanilla ice cream between two cookies and make the ultimate fall ice cream sandwich.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle a bit of salted caramel over the frosted cookies for extra indulgence.

Roasted Pecans

Serve a small bowl of roasted pecans alongside for a crunchy contrast to the soft cookie texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and chill it in the fridge. Baked cookies (unfrosted) can also be frozen and thawed as needed.

2. Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely. The cookies are delicious on their own or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer a lighter topping.

3. How do I get the frosting to pipe beautifully?
Use a piping bag with a star tip and ensure the frosting is chilled but not too stiff. Practice on parchment paper before decorating the cookies.

4. Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. You could try substituting with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, but texture may vary.

5. What other fall recipes should I try?
Try our Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze or the Apple Cider Donut Muffins for more cozy fall baking inspiration!

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