Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. Soft, spiced, and topped with creamy frosting, these cookies are ideal for any fall gathering, from family get-togethers to seasonal celebrations. Their balance of warm spices and sweet cream cheese makes them irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Soft Texture: These cookies are tender and soft, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip these up quickly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family night or a festive party, these cookies fit right in.
• Festively Spiced Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings warmth and comfort to your palate.
• Customizable Frosting: Make the cream cheese frosting as sweet or tangy as you prefer to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools that will ensure your baking process goes smoothly.

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 thoroughly without spilling.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve the perfect fluffy texture when creaming butter and sugars.
• Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cookie removal after baking.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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. This ensures even baking while preventing sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Sheets

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space them evenly apart for even baking.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set. The tops should no longer look wet. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While cookies cool down, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Step 9: Add Sweetness

Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the bowl. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency if needed with more powdered sugar or a drop of milk.

Step 10: Frost Cookies

Once cookies have cooled completely, frost generously with cream cheese frosting before serving. Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be served in many fun and festive ways. Their soft texture and spiced flavor make them a perfect treat for gatherings, parties, or even a cozy evening at home.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in the cookies beautifully.
• Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea enhances the comforting vibes of fall.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Variety: Arrange your cookies alongside other seasonal treats like brownies or mini pies for a festive touch.
• Garnish: Add some fresh fruit or nuts for color and texture.

Serve at Parties

• Individual Bags: Package cookies in small bags tied with twine for easy grab-and-go treats.
• Cookie Bar: Set up a cookie station where guests can decorate their own cookies with extra frosting and toppings.

Enjoy with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, creating a delicious contrast.
• Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream: For an extra fall twist, serve with pumpkin spice ice cream.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the best results when making your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Chill the Dough: If possible, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies during baking; they should look set but not browned. Remove them when edges are firm.
• Let Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cookies to cool entirely so that the frosting doesn’t melt off.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

While these cookies are delicious on their own, they can also be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Apple Cider Donuts – Soft and sweet donuts coated in cinnamon sugar create an autumn-inspired pairing.
2. Caramel Apples – Crisp apples drizzled with caramel sauce provide a crunchy contrast to soft cookies.
3. Pumpkin Pie – Classic pumpkin pie adds another layer of pumpkin flavor to your dessert spread.
4. Spiced Nuts – A mix of roasted nuts seasoned with autumn spices makes for a crunchy snack alongside cookies.
5. Hot Chocolate – Rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream is perfect for dipping your cookies.
6. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the cookies nicely.
7. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and contrasts well with rich desserts.
8. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a refreshing side that complements cookie indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and even the simplest recipes can go awry. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and using too much or too little of an ingredient can ruin your cookies. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precise quantities.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft and tender texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing cookies to cool before frosting is crucial. Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt and become runny.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well, resulting in dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best results.
• Ignoring oven temperatures: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your baking temperature is accurate for perfectly baked cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute plant-based butter and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement for vegan pumpkin sugar cookies.

How do I make my cream cheese frosting thicker?

To thicken your frosting, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough before baking for added texture and flavor.

How long do these cookies last at room temperature?

When stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels sticky, try adding a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding spices or mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home, this recipe is sure to please everyone. Give it a try!