Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that you can enjoy on any occasion. Their soft and pillowy texture combined with the creamy frosting makes them irresistible. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The warm spices and pumpkin puree create a comforting flavor that’s perfect for fall.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be served at parties, packed in lunchboxes, or enjoyed as an afternoon snack.
• Frosting Perfection: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cookie.
• Great for Sharing: With a yield of 30 cookies, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools listed below. Having the right tools will not only save you time but also help ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These make it easy to cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, which is crucial for cookie texture.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents cookies from spreading too much.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (305 g) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (226 g) block-style cream cheese (softened but still cool)
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (210 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
* Flour
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Salt
* Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside once well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In the bowl of your stand mixer or using a hand mixer:
1. Beat together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Add in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Gradually add in the flour mixture to wet ingredients; mix just until combined. The dough will be sticky.

Step 4: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon:
* Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
* Space each cookie about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are set but cookies remain soft. Allow them to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth, about 30 seconds.
2. Add vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix again just until combined.

Step 7: Frost Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely:
Use an offset spatula or knife to frost each cookie generously. Sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for garnish before serving!

Enjoy these delicious Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting with friends and family!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite coffee blend. The rich flavors of the cookie pair perfectly with a warm cup.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a festive platter alongside other desserts. This adds variety and makes for an eye-catching presentation.

Warmed Up

• Slightly warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This enhances their softness and brings out the flavors.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

Paired with Ice Cream

• Top each cookie with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. This creates a delicious dessert that’s sure to impress.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the ultimate pumpkin cookies, consider these helpful tips that enhance texture and flavor.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and consistency.
• Don’t Overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients just until they are mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Every oven is different; remove them when edges are set but centers feel soft.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add more spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor depth.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you want to enhance your dessert experience, consider pairing your pumpkin cookies with these delightful side dishes.

1. Spiced Chai Latte: A creamy beverage infused with spices complements the flavors of the cookies beautifully.
2. Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider for a seasonal drink that pairs well with sweet treats.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses balances sweetness while providing savory notes.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over both cookies and sliced fruit for added indulgence.
5. Mixed Nuts: A bowl of spiced mixed nuts adds crunch and contrasts nicely against soft cookies.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh berries as a light accompaniment to balance out the sweetness of the dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can prevent the dough from becoming fluffy and light.
• Overmixing the dough: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, pillowy treats.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Packing flour can result in dry cookies.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before moving them. This helps them set properly and prevents breaking.
• Frosting too soon: Ensure the cookies are completely cool before frosting. Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze un-frosted cookies for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a non-stick skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

What makes these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting so special?

These pumpkin cookies are incredibly soft and flavorful, enhanced by creamy frosting that adds richness and sweetness, making them a delightful treat.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it is well-cooked and pureed until smooth for the best results.

How do I customize my Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the cookie dough before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, ensuring that other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store any leftover pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding various toppings or mix-ins according to your preference. They make an excellent dessert for any occasion or simply as a sweet treat at home. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!