If you are on the lookout for a delightful autumn treat that perfectly combines the warm flavors of fall with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, then this Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the cozy essence of pumpkin pie spice and the sweetness of sugar cookies, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a tangy balance. Whether you’re baking for a weekend get-together, holiday gathering, or just because, this recipe is a surefire way to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple and straightforward, these ingredients come together to create a comforting, flavorful cookie that celebrates the best of pumpkin spice. Each component plays a crucial role — from the pumpkin puree adding moisture and depth, to the perfectly spiced flour mixture giving that unmistakable autumn touch.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Provides rich, creamy fat for a tender crumb and helps blend the flavors smoothly.
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, a subtle pumpkin flavor, and that beautiful autumn hue.
- 1 cup white sugar: Sweetens the cookies while contributing to their tender texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation of the dough, crucial for structure.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice: The signature blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for that perfect seasonal kick.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Essential for the frosting’s creamy tang and luscious texture.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is the perfect temperature to bake these cookies evenly, allowing the edges to golden beautifully while keeping the centers soft and chewy. Preparing your baking sheets with parchment paper will ensure your cookies don’t stick and come off effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, pumpkin puree, white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mixing these until smooth creates the moist and flavorful base for your cookie dough, ensuring every bite has that classic pumpkin sweetness.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, mix in the flour and the pumpkin pie spice. This blend of spices mimics the comforting taste of pumpkin pie, making the cookies truly seasonal. The flour gives the dough structure while the spice mix infuses it with that familiar, spicy warmth.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the fridge for 25 minutes to chill. Chilling is key here as it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Shape the dough into small balls and place them on your parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly. Baking for about 18 minutes allows them to bake through while developing just a hint of golden edges, signaling they’re perfectly done.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Slowly add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy. This frosting provides the ideal tangy contrast to the warm spices in the cookie.
Step 7: Frost and Finish
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. For an extra touch, sprinkle with a little cinnamon to boost that spicy aroma and finish them off beautifully.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a light dusting of cinnamon or even a small sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts on top of the frosting can provide extra texture and visual appeal. Edible autumn-themed decorations like tiny pumpkin candy or a hint of nutmeg can make these cookies even more festive.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a rich latte for a cozy snack or dessert. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk, balancing the spices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Use a decorative platter to display your cookies, and perhaps arrange them with autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks for a seasonal touch. You could also stack and tie them with rustic twine as charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the frosting fresh, it’s best to refrigerate if storing longer, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookie dough balls for up to 3 months—just thaw and bake when ready. For baked cookies, freeze without frosting, then thaw and frost fresh for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, gently heat in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before adding frosting, or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge for a different texture sensation.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is convenient, just make sure to use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This allows you to customize the spice level to your liking and keeps the flavor authentic.
Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with another type?
While cream cheese frosting is ideal for its tangy balance, you could use a simple vanilla buttercream. However, the unique flavor contrast is part of what makes this recipe so special.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary slightly.
How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?
Don’t overbake your cookies; take them out as soon as edges turn lightly golden. Also, storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread can help maintain softness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough for anyone wanting to bring the flavors of fall into their kitchen with ease and charm. The balance of sweet, spice, and creamy frosting makes these cookies a true standout. So grab your ingredients and indulge in a batch of these cozy treats—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect fall treat, combining soft, moist pumpkin-flavored cookies with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. Infused with warm pumpkin pie spice, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your dough is prepared.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 25 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and enhancing texture.
- Shape Cookies: Remove the dough from the fridge and form it into small balls, placing them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are done.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cookies bake and cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and Garnish: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each and sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon for a finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh pumpkin puree or canned 100% pumpkin without added spices.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are properly softened to achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- You can store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If desired, substitute pumpkin pie spice with equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
