Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

There’s just something irresistibly cozy about Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Think of it: fluffy, gently spiced cookies topped with a luscious layer of tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. These treats truly capture the essence of fall in every bite, making them an instant favorite for bake sales, family gatherings, or when you simply need a delicious pick-me-up. If you crave cookies that taste like a warm hug and look every bit as inviting, read on—these are about to become your new go-to.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to create epic flavor—it’s all about bringing together a few classic ingredients that each play a vital role. From aromatic spices that make your kitchen smell incredible to the creamy topping that steals the show, every element brings out the best in these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

• Pure pumpkin puree: Delivers moisture and a naturally rich, earthy sweetness—canned puree works beautifully here (just avoid pumpkin pie filling).
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, pillowy cookies with just the right amount of structure.
• Baking powder & baking soda: This powerhouse duo gives the cookies their lovely lift and ensures they’re never dense.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: Add warmth and complex autumn flavors—classic and essential!
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet flavors and balances out the dessert.
• Unsalted butter: Contributes richness and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Brown sugar & granulated sugar: Combine for that perfect hint of caramel flavor, plus sweetness and chewiness.
• Egg: Binds everything together for the perfect cookie bite.
• Vanilla extract: A splash adds depth and rounds out the pumpkin and spice notes.
• Cream cheese: This is the frosting star—tangy, smooth, and ultra-creamy for that classic finish.
• Powdered sugar: Dissolves effortlessly into the cream cheese, making the frosting perfectly sweet and cloud-like.
• Milk (optional): Add a splash if you like your frosting a touch softer or easier to spread.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

Kick things off by creaming together your softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars. This simple step ensures your cookies turn out delightfully tender and just the right amount of chewy. Once the mixture is fluffy, beat in the egg and vanilla, then fold in your star—pumpkin puree—until the batter is smooth and inviting.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Combining these ingredients separately first prevents clumps and helps the spice blend evenly, giving every bite that signature pumpkin spice kick.

Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently add the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Stir just until you no longer see streaks of flour—the secret here is not to overmix. You’ll notice the dough comes together quickly and has a soft, slightly sticky texture perfect for scooping onto baking sheets.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving a little room in between for spreading. Slide the trays into a preheated oven and bake until the edges are set and the centers look just barely done—usually around 10 to 12 minutes. Take care not to overbake; you want to preserve that soft, tender texture.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool completely, whip together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract until you have a dreamy, thick frosting. If you prefer it a bit thinner, add milk a teaspoon at a time. The result is a frosting you could practically eat with a spoon—and you just might want to!

Step 6: Frost and Enjoy!

Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting generously over each cooled cookie (resist the urge to frost while warm or the icing will melt!). Get creative with swirls and peaks—every cookie is a tiny canvas waiting for your masterpiece. The final touch transforms them from simple pumpkin cookies into true Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting perfection.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

To make your Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting extra eye-catching, try a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dusting of nutmeg, or even a handful of finely chopped toasted pecans on each. Candied ginger bits or orange zest can add a pop of flavor and color. Not only do these add-ons bring festive flair, but they also boost the flavor in a way your tastebuds will thank you for.

Side Dishes

These cookies are dreamy alongside a mug of spiced chai, hot chocolate, or pumpkin spice latte. For a dessert spread, pair them with apple slices, caramel dip, or a platter of fresh berries. Their pillowy texture and rich frosting also work well as a sweet finale to savory meals like a roast chicken dinner or hearty fall stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive display, stack Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting in a rustic basket lined with parchment, or layout on a wooden serving board sprinkled with extra spices. Arrange them in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats at parties. Fancy a sandwich-style treat? Try doubling up with frosting in the middle for the ultimate whoopie pie effect!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting needs to be chilled, but the cookies will stay soft and delicious for up to five days—besides, they only get more flavorful with time!

Freezing

Both the cookies and the frosting freeze beautifully. For best results, freeze the plain cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. The frosting can be frozen separately in an airtight container. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw both, then frost as desired for cookies that taste freshly made.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies a touch warm, gently bring them to room temperature or give them a few seconds in the microwave before adding the frosting. Always frost cookies after reheating so the cream cheese stays smooth and lovely. This way, you’ll retain that bakery-fresh experience every time.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works great—just make sure it’s not too watery. Blot any excess moisture before adding to the dough to ensure your Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting hold their shape and stay delightfully tender.

What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from turning out cakey?

A slightly cakey texture is part of the charm with these cookies, but for a denser bite, try reducing the baking powder by half and chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This tweak helps create Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that are a touch chewier while keeping their soft centers.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

Yes, substitute non-dairy cream cheese and a vegan butter spread for an equally creamy and delicious frosting. You won’t miss a thing—your Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting will still be the highlight of the dessert table.

How long should I cool the cookies before frosting?

Allow the cookies to cool completely, at least 30 minutes. If they’re even slightly warm, the frosting can melt or slide off, so patience pays off for show-stopping, picture-perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture, and you’ll have Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a festive, crowd-pleasing treat that delivers all the flavors of fall in a soft, sweet package, these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are calling your name. With their perfectly spiced crumb and that irresistible swirl of cream cheese frosting, they’re bound to disappear fast. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend into the kitchen, and enjoy the heartwarming magic of homemade cookies!

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