Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their pillowy soft texture and delightful flavor, they are sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re celebrating fall festivities or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies are an excellent choice. The rich cream cheese frosting adds a creamy touch that complements the warm spices of the cookies, making each bite melt in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Flavorful and Festive: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices brings a cozy, autumnal flavor to your dessert table.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a special treat at home.
• Soft Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, making them irresistible even after a day or two.
• Customizable: Add nuts or chocolate chips for a twist on the classic recipe!

Tools and Preparation

To make these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a fluffy texture when blending ingredients.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet for easy removal.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

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Ingredients

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting melt in your mouth with each bite. They are easy to make and pillowy soft!

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 (1 brick or 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: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Granulated sugar
3. Brown sugar

Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Then add:
– Pumpkin puree
– Large egg
– Vanilla extract

Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl if necessary.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix as the dough will be sticky and soft.

Step 5: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

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

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
– Cream cheese
– Unsalted butter

Mix on medium-high speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add:
– Vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar

Mix again just until combined, about another 30 seconds.

Step 8: Frost Cookies

Once cooled, use an offset spatula or knife to frost each cookie with cream cheese frosting. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired before serving.

Enjoy these delightful pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting at your next gathering!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee pair beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
• Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea complements the spices in the cookies well.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy a cozy evening by pairing these cookies with creamy hot chocolate.

At a Gathering

• Dessert Table: Arrange the cookies on a platter for a festive dessert table at parties or family gatherings.
• Gift Packages: Wrap them in decorative boxes as sweet gifts for friends and loved ones.
• Bake Sale: These cookies are perfect for bake sales, drawing attention with their beautiful frosting.

As a Snack

• Mid-Afternoon Treat: Pack them in your lunchbox for a satisfying mid-afternoon snack.
• Movie Night: Share them during movie nights for a sweet addition to your favorite films.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the best results with your pumpkin cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that butter and eggs are at room temperature helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and fluffy rather than dense.
• Chill Your Dough (Optional): Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent spreading while baking, yielding thicker cookies.
• Check Doneness Carefully: The edges should be set, but the centers should look slightly underbaked; they will continue to firm up while cooling.
• Frost When Cool: Always frost your cookies after they have cooled completely to prevent melting and sliding off.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor boost.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with these delightful cookies can elevate any meal. Here are some great options.

1. Chili: A hearty bowl of chili offers a savory contrast to the sweet pumpkin cookies.
2. Fall Salad: A mixed greens salad topped with cranberries and nuts adds freshness to your dessert spread.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances sweetness and enhances flavors when paired together.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and earthiness, making them a great side option.
5. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides brightness and complements the rich frosting perfectly.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruits alongside these cookies for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be simple, but some common mistakes can ruin the batch. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother batter and frosting.
• Overmixing the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes is crucial. This prevents them from breaking when moved.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour, as packing it can lead to dry cookies.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven. Baking at the wrong temperature can result in unevenly baked cookies.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container.
• They will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Warm cookies for about 5-8 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Can I use other spices in my pumpkin cookie recipe?

You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with cinnamon or nutmeg if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I make my pumpkin cookies more chewy?

To achieve chewier cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk or reducing the baking time slightly.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, fresh pumpkin works well! Just ensure it is cooked and pureed smoothly before using it in your recipe.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour gradually until you reach a manageable consistency.

How long do these cookies last at room temperature?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last up to 2 days before needing refrigeration.

Final Thoughts

These delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even swapping out spices according to your taste preference. Try making these delightful treats today!