Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect fall treat that will bring warmth and joy to any occasion. With their soft, spiced texture and creamy frosting, they are ideal for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or even a sweet afternoon snack. The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a festive flavor that captures the essence of autumn. Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tang that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe features simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: Warm spices paired with the creaminess of the frosting create a memorable taste experience.
• Versatile Occasions: Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just a chilly day, these cookies fit right in.
• Soft Texture: Enjoy cookies that are tender and fluffy, melting in your mouth with every bite.
• Customizable Frosting: Adjust the sweetness or add flavors to the cream cheese frosting to match your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready allows for a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients effectively.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar or mixing frosting.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking cookies evenly.
• Cooling rack: Allows air to circulate around cookies, preventing sogginess.

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.

For the Cookies

• 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

For the Frosting

• 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 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 will ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together:
1. The softened unsalted butter.
2. Granulated sugar.
3. Brown sugar.

Mix until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now add:
1. The pumpkin puree.
2. Egg yolk.
3. Vanilla extract.

Mix until everything is fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
– All-purpose flour.
– Baking powder.
– Salt.
– Ground cinnamon.
– Ground nutmeg.
– Ground cloves.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet mixture:
– Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps cookies tender.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop:
– Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly apart.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 10–12 minutes:
– Look for edges that are set while tops appear dry.
– Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While cookies cool:
– Beat together cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.

Step 9: Add Remaining Frosting Ingredients

To the mixture:
– Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency using more powdered sugar or a drop of milk if necessary.

Step 10: Frost Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool:
– Frost generously with your delicious cream cheese frosting before serving.

Enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a festive holiday party, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your cookie experience.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Tea: A warm cup of chai or spiced tea enhances the autumn spices in the cookies.
• Hot Chocolate: The richness of hot chocolate pairs perfectly with the creamy frosting.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Assorted Cookies: Include different flavors like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin for variety.
• Fruit: Fresh slices of apples, pears, or seasonal fruits add a refreshing crunch.
• Nuts: Offer candied pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor contrast.

Serve at Gatherings

• Parties: These cookies are a hit at potlucks or family gatherings during fall and winter.
• Holiday Events: Showcase them on dessert tables for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas celebrations.

Gift Them

• Cookie Jars: Package cookies in cute jars tied with ribbons for thoughtful gifts.
• Homemade Treat Boxes: Include these cookies as part of a larger gift box filled with other homemade treats.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is simple with these handy tips.

• Chill Your Dough: Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision to ensure consistent results every time.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in dry ingredients to keep the cookies soft and tender.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor and aroma significantly; consider grinding your own if possible.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool before frosting to maintain the integrity of the cream cheese frosting.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, sift in more powdered sugar until desired thickness is achieved.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These sweet pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider these options that complement their flavors.

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider infused with cinnamon brings out the fall essence.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup provides a savory counterpart to the sweet cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer sharp cheeses like aged cheddar to balance the sweetness of the frosting.
4. Caramelized Nuts: Sweet and crunchy caramelized nuts make an excellent crunchy side option.
5. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle over each cookie adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a refreshing side that contrasts nicely with rich cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or cream cheese can prevent proper mixing. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft and tender results.

• Skipping the cooling step: Frosting warm cookies can cause the icing to melt. Always let your cookies cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can affect the texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for best results.

• Baking on an unprepared pan: Not lining your baking sheets can result in sticking. Always use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months, but frost them after thawing.

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum.

How do I store leftover cream cheese frosting?

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and works perfectly in this recipe.

What is the best way to frost the cookies?

Using a spatula or piping bag will give you great control over how much frosting you apply.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices of your choice. Try making these cozy treats this fall; they are sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them!