Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re anything like me and adore cozy fall flavors, you are going to fall head over heels for these Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. They’re soft, buttery, and perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spices that warm your soul. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s smooth and tangy, these cookies bring the ultimate comfort and festive flair to any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite seasonal treats to bake and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together to make these cookies irresistibly soft and packed with fantastic autumn flavors. Each element plays its part, from the warmth of pumpkin pie spice to the tangy cream cheese frosting that finishes them off beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted): Adds rich moisture and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- Pumpkin puree (1/3 cup): Provides natural moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin goodness.
- White sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough while helping create a lovely soft texture.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the cookie structure, giving balance and softness.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with a gentle aromatic touch.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 1/2 teaspoons): The star spice blend that brings warmth and festive notes.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a perfect texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Cinnamon (for sprinkling): Adds an extra pop of spice on top of the frosting.
- Cream cheese (4 oz softened): Provides creamy tanginess that makes the frosting irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup softened for frosting): Creates a smooth base for the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for frosting): Rounds out the frosting with a lovely vanilla note.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature by the time your dough is ready to bake, helping the cookies bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden edge.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, consistent mixture. This blend is where richness and moisture come from, creating that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently until a soft cookie dough forms. The spices bring that perfect autumn warmth, while the flour and baking powder build structure without making the cookies tough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 25 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle, ensuring your cookies spread just right while baking.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop the dough into balls about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons in size. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This size guarantees soft, thick cookies you’ll love biting into.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 18 minutes. You want them to be set but still soft in the center, allowing them to cool into that perfect tender bite that these Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are known for.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and irresistible. Chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to frost.
Step 8: Frost and Finish
After the cookies have cooled completely, spread about a tablespoon of cream cheese frosting on each one. For that extra little touch of warmth and color, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or more pumpkin pie spice on top. You’ve just transformed simple baked cookies into show-stopping delights.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Now comes the best part: savor each bite. These cookies are a celebration of fall in every chew, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself on a chilly afternoon.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
To add a little extra charm and flavor, garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans for crunch. A tiny drizzle of honey or a few mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting also adds a lovely sweet touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or a steamy latte to complement the spices. For a brunch or party, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a creamy pumpkin dip for a festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, inviting display. Tie little bundles of three cookies with twine and add a cinnamon stick for gifting. You can even sandwich a bit more frosting between two cookies for an indulgent cookie sandwich experience that everyone will talk about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting keeps them moist and delicious, but chilling helps maintain their shape and freshness for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies without frosting for up to 3 months. Just flash freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and then spread the cream cheese frosting fresh to maintain that creamy texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before frosting. This softens the cookie and makes the frosting even more luscious, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven feeling all over again.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly here and is a great, convenient choice to achieve that rich pumpkin flavor and moist texture.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, these cookies will stay fresh for about 4 days. The cream cheese frosting is best enjoyed within this time frame.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just remember to adjust baking times if your cookies are larger or smaller, and bake in batches to ensure even cooking.
Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?
While cream cheese frosting is the classic companion here, you can try a simple buttercream if needed. However, the slight tang from cream cheese perfectly balances the sweetness and spices.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about homemade Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that fills your kitchen with warmth and love. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself on a crisp day, these cookies deliver cozy flavors and tender textures that make every bite special. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and bake a batch that will have everyone asking for more!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, flavorful fall treats infused with warm pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree, topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy autumn gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, pumpkin puree, white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until a cookie dough forms with an even consistency.
- Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 25 minutes to firm it up, which helps cookies maintain shape while baking.
- Shape Cookies: Remove dough from fridge and roll into balls approximately 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons each. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, yielding about 12-14 cookies.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Prepare Frosting: While cookies bake, beat cream cheese and softened butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until creamy. Chill frosting until cookies cool.
- Frost Cookies: Once cookies have cooled completely, spread about one tablespoon of cream cheese frosting on each cookie. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or additional pumpkin pie spice for garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious pumpkin spice sugar cookies as a fall dessert or festive snack and enjoy their rich, seasonal flavors.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking; remove when edges are just set.
- You can adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to taste for a milder or stronger spice flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened well for a smooth frosting texture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- If desired, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: pumpkin spice cookies, sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, pumpkin dessert, fall cookies, Halloween baking
