Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With their soft, pillowy texture and sweet, creamy topping, these cookies are perfect for gatherings, dessert tables, or simply as an afternoon snack. The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a unique flavor that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin puree and aromatic spices creates a rich, cozy flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for fall festivities, holiday parties, or any day when you crave something sweet.
• Perfectly Frosted: The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious touch that complements the cookies beautifully.
• Batch-Friendly: With this recipe yielding 30 cookies, it’s easy to make enough for sharing with friends or saving for later.

Tools and Preparation

To create these tasty pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars effortless and helps achieve a light texture in your cookies.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking your cookies evenly.

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Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (305 g) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces (226 g) block-style cream cheese (softened but still cool)
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (210 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
* All-purpose flour
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Salt
* Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Create the Cookie Dough

In the bowl of your stand mixer or using a hand mixer:
1. Beat together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
2. Add the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the bowl. Mix until fully combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; expect a sticky dough.

Step 4: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon:
– Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
– Space each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven:
– Bake at 350° F for about 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
– Allow cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In another mixing bowl:
1. Beat together softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth—this takes about 30 seconds.
2. Add vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix again just until combined—about another 30 seconds should suffice.

Step 7: Frost Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled:
– Use an off-set spatula or knife to spread cream cheese frosting over each cookie.
– Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if desired before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are delightful treats that can be served in various ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy family evening, these cookies are sure to impress.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea enhances their flavors and makes for a comforting snack.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside other desserts like brownies or mini cheesecakes for an eye-catching display.

For Celebrations

• Serve these cookies at birthdays, holidays, or potlucks. Their festive colors and flavors make them a perfect addition to any celebration.

With Ice Cream

• Top each cookie with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert that combines warm and cold textures.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the best results when making pumpkin cookies, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having butter, eggs, and cream cheese at room temperature allows for better mixing and a smoother batter.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and tender. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.

• Chill the cookie dough: Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Test for doneness: Look for edges that are set but the centers still appear soft; this will ensure you have perfectly fluffy cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

When planning a meal or snack time, consider pairing these delightful pumpkin cookies with complementary side dishes to enhance your experience.

1. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Board: Include assorted cheeses like brie and sharp cheddar to contrast the creamy frosting.
3. Warm Apple Cider: The spiced flavor of apple cider pairs beautifully with pumpkin and creates a cozy atmosphere.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and savory notes that complement the sweet cookie.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that offers texture variance.
6. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: These salty-sweet snacks add an extra layer of fun and flavor to your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure that your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a smooth batter and fluffy frosting.

• Skipping the flour sifting: Not sifting your flour can lead to dense cookies. Sift the flour along with baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice for better texture.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing the cookie dough too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft and pillowy cookies.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups properly to avoid ruining the proportions of your ingredients. Incorrect measurements may affect the cookie’s texture and flavor.

• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so aim for soft edges and a slight bounce back when touched.

• Frosting warm cookies: Allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting them. Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap.
• For frosted cookies, freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a container to maintain shape.

Reheating Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered, for around 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it is well-cooked and mashed finely before adding it to your cookie dough.

How do I store leftover frosted pumpkin cookies?

Store leftover frosted pumpkin cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Can I make these without cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! You can enjoy these pumpkin cookies plain or dusted with powdered sugar if you prefer a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture paired with creamy frosting makes them irresistible! Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy they are to make!