Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat perfect for fall. With their soft texture and rich pumpkin flavor, they bring warmth to any gathering. The creamy frosting adds a tangy finish, making these cookies ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home. Enjoy the festive flavors of autumn in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Flavorful and Spiced: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a deliciously comforting taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or an everyday treat, these cookies fit right in.
• Soft and Tender: The cream cheese frosting adds moisture and richness, ensuring each cookie melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Decor Options: You can easily customize the frosting with colors or toppings to match any event.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop (optional)
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar or beating frosting until fluffy.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when baking cookies.

Ingredients

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, spiced, and frosted to perfection. Perfect for fall baking, they combine warm autumn spices with creamy, tangy frosting for a festive treat everyone will love.

For the 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 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. Cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add to the creamed mixture:
– 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
– 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

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
– Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop:
– Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake for:
– 10–12 minutes or until edges are set and tops no longer look wet.

Let cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

While cookies cool:
– Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Step 9: Add Sugar and Flavorings

Add to the mixture:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt

Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency if needed with more powdered sugar or a drop of milk.

Step 10: Frost Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool:
– Frost generously with cream cheese frosting before serving.

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are delightful on their own, but serving them creatively can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fun ways to present them.

With a Hot Beverage

• Pair with hot apple cider for a cozy fall treat.
• Enjoy with a cup of spiced chai tea for a warm and fragrant combination.

At a Fall Gathering

• Arrange cookies on a festive platter for parties or potlucks.
• Create individual cookie bags tied with twine as party favors.

As a Dessert Bar

• Set up a dessert station with these cookies and various toppings like sprinkles or chopped nuts.
• Include small cups of cream cheese frosting for dipping.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of crisp apples or pears to balance the sweetness.
• Add fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the rich frosting.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is easy with a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies come out delicious every time.

• Chill the Dough: Letting the dough chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor significantly. Consider grinding whole spices just before use for the best taste.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons carefully, especially for flour, to avoid dense cookies. Spoon flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• Monitor Baking Time: Check cookies at the lower end of the baking time range; they should be set but not overbaked. The edges should look firm while the centers remain slightly soft.
• Frost When Cool: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure perfect presentation.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

When serving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, consider complementing them with these tasty side dishes that enhance their flavor profile.

1. Spiced Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg pairs beautifully as an appetizer.
2. Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet maple-glazed carrots add a touch of sweetness that echoes the cookie’s flavors while providing a savory counterpoint.
3. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp topped with oats and cinnamon offers another sweet treat that guests will love together with the cookies.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Seasoned roasted sweet potatoes bring warmth and earthiness, balancing out the sweet cookies nicely.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, including creamy brie or tangy goat cheese, provides richness that complements the frosting’s tanginess.
6. Cranberry Salad: A fresh cranberry salad adds tartness and brightness that contrasts well with the sweet flavors of the cookies.
7. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This popular drink is perfect alongside your cookies, enhancing their autumnal flavor while providing warmth.
8. Chocolate Chip Muffins: These muffins offer an additional baked good option, combining sweet chocolate flavors with pumpkin spice notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can sometimes be tricky, and making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is no exception. Here are common mistakes to watch for:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can change the cookie’s texture. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.

• Skipping the chilling step: If the dough isn’t chilled, the cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and tender.

• Ignoring oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot can burn cookies quickly, while one that’s too cool leads to underbaked treats. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

• Frosting warm cookies: Frosting warm cookies causes the icing to melt and run off. Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes to warm through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring proper measurements are followed.

How can I customize the cream cheese frosting?

You can add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor or even mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate variation.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.

How do I know when these cookies are done baking?

The edges should be set and the tops should not look wet. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I use other types of puree?

Absolutely! While pumpkin is traditional, you can use sweet potato or butternut squash puree as substitutes.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for fall gatherings or any festive occasion. Their soft texture combined with creamy frosting makes them irresistible. Feel free to experiment with different spices or frosting flavors to make this recipe your own!