Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate treat: Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! These soft, spiced cookies topped with rich cream cheese frosting will brighten your day. In this article, I’ll walk you through every step, from mixing ingredients to perfect baking tips. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack or planning a special gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. Let’s get baking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Festive: These cookies capture the essence of fall with warm spices and pumpkin flavor, making them perfect for seasonal celebrations.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful treats with ease.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The rich and tangy cream cheese frosting elevates these cookies, adding a luscious finish that complements the spices beautifully.
- Perfect for Sharing: With a generous yield of 24 cookies, they are ideal for gatherings, parties, or simply sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Cookie Ingredients
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons milk
Pumpkin cookies need simple, fresh ingredients. I love using canned pumpkin puree for its rich flavor. The butter should be soft for easy mixing. Both brown and granulated sugar add sweetness and depth. Don’t forget the egg and vanilla extract; they help bind the mix and add taste.
In a separate bowl, mix flour with baking soda, baking powder, and spices. The spices create the warm flavor we love. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring a hint of fall to every bite.
For the cream cheese frosting, the softened cream cheese and butter create a smooth base. Powdered sugar sweetens it up, and vanilla gives extra flavor. Use milk to reach your desired thickness. A little extra milk can help make the frosting spreadable.
This blend of ingredients makes every cookie soft and flavorful. The frosting adds a creamy touch that you will adore.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pumpkin Cookies
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cookies bake evenly.
– In a bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
– Add in 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
– In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt. This step ensures spices spread evenly.
– Gradually combine the dry mix with the wet mixture. Do not over-mix; this keeps cookies soft.
Baking the Cookies
– Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto a lined baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each scoop for spreading.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and set centers. Cool for 5 minutes, then move cookies to a wire rack.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
– In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of softened butter until creamy.
– Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Adjust milk for your desired thickness.
Frosting the Cookies
– Wait until cookies cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting.
– Generously spread cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Let it cascade slightly over the edges for a lovely finish.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring the Best Texture
– Avoid over-mixing: Mix just until the dough comes together. Over-mixing makes cookies tough.
– Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter and cream cheese mix well. Cold ingredients can lead to lumps and uneven texture.
Frosting Techniques
– How to achieve a smooth finish: Beat cream cheese and butter well. Add powdered sugar slowly. This keeps the frosting light and fluffy.
– Tips for a decorative touch: Use a spatula to spread frosting. Let it drip slightly over the edges for a lovely look. You can also use a piping bag for fun designs.
Baking Tips
– Monitoring baking time: Check cookies at 12 minutes. They should be lightly golden and set in the middle.
– Using parchment paper for easy removal: Line your baking sheet with parchment. This makes it easy to lift cookies off without breaking.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, opt for freshly ground spices instead of pre-ground ones. This enhances the aromatic qualities of your cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
- Test for Doneness: To ensure your cookies are perfectly baked, look for lightly golden edges while the centers remain soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust the milk in the cream cheese frosting to achieve your desired consistency. Thicker frosting works great for spreading, while thinner frosting can be drizzled for a decorative touch.
Variations
Spice Adjustments
You can change the spices for a different taste. If you like more warmth, add more cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices bring out the pumpkin flavor well. Want to spice it up? Add a pinch of cloves for extra flavor. Cloves give a rich, warm taste that pairs nicely with pumpkin.
Alternative Frosting Ideas
Cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, but you can try other frostings too. Vanilla frosting works great if you want a simpler taste. Chocolate frosting is another fun option for chocolate lovers. You can even add some citrus zest to your frosting. A bit of lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor and adds a fresh twist.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need gluten-free cookies, you can easily swap the flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to check the blend for best results. You may need to adjust the baking time. Gluten-free cookies might bake a bit faster, so keep an eye on them.
Storage Info
Storing Cookies
To keep your pumpkin cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This will prevent sticking. At room temperature, they stay fresh for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze both un-frosted and frosted cookies. For un-frosted cookies, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. For frosted cookies, use wax paper between layers in a container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw cookies on the counter for a few hours. This keeps their taste and texture intact.
Shelf Life Tips
Enjoy your cookies within their best time frame. Freshly baked cookies taste best within a week. After that, the flavor may fade. Signs of spoilage include a hard texture or off smell. If they look dry or have mold, it’s time to toss them. Always trust your senses!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and mash it well. Fresh pumpkin may have more moisture, so drain it before using. This helps keep your cookies light and fluffy. Canned pumpkin is often more consistent in texture, but fresh adds a lovely flavor.
How do I make the cookies less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, cut back on both sugars. Try using half a cup of brown sugar instead of a full cup. You may also add a pinch of salt to balance the flavor. This adjustment still gives you tasty cookies without being overly sweet.
What can I do if my frosting is too thick or thin?
If your frosting is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time. Mix until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually. This way, you can get the perfect cream cheese frosting for your cookies.
How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
To make dairy-free cookies, substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter. For the frosting, use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk. These changes keep the flavor while making the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
Are these cookies good for shipping or gifting?
Yes, these cookies are great for shipping or gifting! Make sure they are fully cooled before packing. Use a sturdy box and place parchment paper between layers. This helps keep them fresh and prevents them from sticking together during transit.
You can create delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting using simple steps. We covered the key ingredients, precise instructions, and tips for perfect texture. Remember to avoid over-mixing and use room temperature ingredients for the best results. Don’t be afraid to customize flavors or try gluten-free options.
In the end, these cookies are not just treats; they bring joy. Enjoy baking and sharing them with friends and famil
