Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a must-bake for fall. Soft and spiced, they deliver a delightful combination of pumpkin flavors and creamy frosting. Whether for a cozy gathering, a festive party, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies will charm everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices complement the pumpkin perfectly, making each bite a taste of autumn.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delightful cookies.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just because you want something sweet.
• Soft Texture: These cookies are tender and soft, providing a comforting mouthfeel that pairs beautifully with the frosting.
• Frosting Delight: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that elevates the cookies to another level.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without any mess.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy, ensuring a light texture for your cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless when baking on sheets.

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Ingredients

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting contain flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.

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 the 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.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (approximately 2–3 minutes).

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Step 5: Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough using a cookie scoop. Drop them onto prepared baking sheets with enough space between them.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While cookies cool down, prepare your frosting by beating together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Step 9: Add Sugar to Frosting

Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until you achieve a light, fluffy consistency. Adjust as needed with more powdered sugar or milk for desired thickness.

Step 10: Frost Your Cookies

Once cookies have cooled completely, frost generously with your cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your autumn gatherings. These cookies are versatile and pair well with various items, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies.
• Tea: A warm cup of tea enhances the spices in the cookies, creating a cozy experience.
• Hot Chocolate: Pairing with hot chocolate adds an extra layer of sweetness and comfort.

As Dessert Platters

• Cookie Tray: Arrange these cookies on a festive tray alongside other treats for a beautiful dessert display.
• Gift Baskets: Include them in gift baskets along with homemade jams or chocolates for a personal touch.

For Special Occasions

• Birthday Celebrations: Use them as part of a dessert bar at birthday parties for a unique twist.
• Holiday Gatherings: Serve during Thanksgiving or Halloween to add seasonal flair to your festivities.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are flawless, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading during baking.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor profile, making your cookies more aromatic and flavorful.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
• Bake Until Just Set: Remove cookies from the oven when they are set but still soft; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
• Let Cool Completely: Ensure cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the cream cheese frosting.
• Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding sprinkles or nuts on top of the frosting for added texture and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

When serving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, consider these delicious side dishes that complement their flavors perfectly.

1. Apple Cider Donuts: These sweet, spiced donuts enhance the autumn theme and pair well with pumpkin flavors.
2. Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon adds a crunchy contrast to soft cookies.
3. Caramel Dipping Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over cookies creates a decadent treat that guests will love.
4. Pumpkin Pie Bars: Continue the pumpkin theme by serving these rich bars alongside your cookies.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses pairs nicely with the sweetness of the cookies and adds sophistication.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance out the richness of the frosting, providing freshness to your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be delightful, but some common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or cream cheese can lead to lumpy frosting and dense cookies. Always ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding the flour can create tough cookies. Stir until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure the correct amounts for each ingredient.
• Skipping the cooling time: Frosting warm cookies can cause the icing to melt and slide off. Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
• Using stale spices: Old spices lose their flavor. Always check your spice jars for freshness to ensure your cookies are as flavorful as possible.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze cookies without frosting for better texture; they last up to 3 months.
• For frosted cookies, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once solid.

Reheating Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?

Yes, you can substitute pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if you prefer a more straightforward approach.

How do I make my frosting thicker?

To thicken your cream cheese frosting, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use other types of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can try using gluten-free flour blends specifically designed for baking; just follow package instructions for substitutions.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels overly sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when scooping onto baking sheets.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips or adjusting the spice levels. Perfect for fall gatherings or simply enjoying at home, this recipe is sure to please everyone. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth of autumn in every bite!