Soft Pumpkin Cookies, Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate Fall Comfort Treat
These soft pumpkin cookies are infused with warm spices and real pumpkin puree, topped with a creamy and sweet cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall baking, they deliver a cozy, tender bite that feels like a hug in cookie form.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 72 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
2–4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting consistency)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
Beat in the pumpkin puree until well combined, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are set.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until creamy and smooth.
Add vanilla extract and milk (or cream), one tablespoon at a time, until desired frosting consistency is reached.
Once cookies are completely cooled, frost them using a knife or piping bag.
Optionally decorate with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough helps with flavor development and shape retention.
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for a smooth frosting.
- Add chocolate chips, nuts, or extra spices for flavor variations.