Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat to celebrate fall! These cookies are soft, spiced, and topped with a creamy frosting that balances sweetness and tang. Ideal for gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights at home, these cookies will surely become a seasonal favorite. With the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices, every bite captures the essence of autumn.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a rich flavor that is both comforting and festive.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to whip up a delightful batch in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—from Halloween parties to Thanksgiving dessert tables—these cookies will impress your guests.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookies are thick and chewy, making them an irresistible treat that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting elevates these cookies to another level of deliciousness.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delectable Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly to achieve the right cookie dough texture.
• Electric mixer: Speeds up the process of blending cream cheese frosting smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking your cookies evenly without sticking.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish

• Cinnamon

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s ready when you place your cookies inside.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add:
* Melted butter
* Pumpkin puree
* White sugar
* Large egg
* Vanilla extract

Combine these ingredients until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Now add:
* All-purpose flour
* Pumpkin pie spice
* Baking powder
* Salt

Mix until a cookie dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 25 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge. Roll it into balls about 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons in size. Arrange them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. You should get approximately 12-14 cookies.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl:
* Combine softened cream cheese and unsalted butter.
* Beat with an electric mixer until well mixed.
* Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.

Refrigerate the frosting until your cookies are completely cooled.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once baked cookies have cooled completely, spread about a tablespoon of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Sprinkle with cinnamon or extra pumpkin pie spice for garnish.

Step 9: Enjoy!

These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are now ready to be enjoyed! Share them with family or savor them all yourself!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any fall gathering. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive party, these cookies are sure to impress your guests.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a decorative plate alongside other fall treats like caramel apples and mini pumpkin pies.

At a Coffee Bar

• Serve alongside coffee and tea for a delightful afternoon snack; the spices complement warm drinks beautifully.

Wrapped as Gifts

• Package individual cookies in cellophane bags tied with twine for charming homemade gifts during the holiday season.

On a Fall-Themed Table

• Add these cookies to your Thanksgiving dessert table for an attractive and festive touch.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the best results with your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and spices are fresh for optimal flavor.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough prevents spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese and butter for frosting to come to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Customize Your Frosting: Feel free to add extra spices or even maple syrup to your cream cheese frosting for a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Below are some delicious options.

1. Apple Cider: This refreshing drink complements the spices in the cookies perfectly.
2. Chai Tea: The warm flavors of chai enhance the cozy vibe of pumpkin spice treats.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A savory pumpkin soup can balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Cheese Board: Include sharp cheeses that contrast nicely with the sweet flavors of pumpkin.
5. Mixed Nuts: A mix of spiced nuts adds crunch and pairs well with creamy frosting.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness and balances richness from frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect your results.

• Using too much flour: Adding too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 25 minutes to maintain their shape.
• Overbaking: Overbaking can turn soft cookies into hard ones. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they are lightly golden at the edges.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or cream cheese can prevent proper mixing and texture. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before use for a smooth frosting.
• Not adjusting spices: If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, feel free to adjust the pumpkin pie spice in the dough. Taste testing can help you find your perfect balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until slightly soft.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on high for about 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a cookie with a lid on for about 1 minute until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it’s well-pureed and not too watery, as this can alter the cookie’s texture.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the cream cheese frosting adds a lovely tangy sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored properly, these cookies will last up to one week in the refrigerator or about three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delightful but also versatile. Their soft texture combined with creamy frosting makes them an irresistible fall treat. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!

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Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x

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Description

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. These cookies boast a soft, chewy texture infused with comforting pumpkin and warm spices, making them a seasonal favorite. Each cookie is generously topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that balances sweetness with a tangy twist. Perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or as a charming homemade gift, these cookies will add warmth and joy to any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you’ll find this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels seeking to indulge in autumn’s finest flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, pumpkin puree, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Mix in flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms.
4. Chill the dough for 25 minutes.
5. Shape into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for about 18 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
7. For frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter; add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
8. Spread frosting on cooled cookies and sprinkle with cinnamon.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg