Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Frosting

Autumn is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of warm, spiced pumpkin cookies? These aren’t your average pumpkin cookies, though. We’re talking about incredibly soft and chewy pumpkin cookies, bursting with the delightful flavors of fall spices, and topped with a luscious, creamy cream cheese frosting that takes them to the next level. Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that’s perfectly balanced – the warm, comforting spices of the pumpkin cookie base perfectly complementing the cool tang of the cream cheese frosting. This recipe is the epitome of autumn baking, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your soul. It’s a recipe that’s both simple enough for a weeknight treat and impressive enough for a holiday gathering. Get ready to experience the ultimate fall indulgence with our Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Frosting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe for Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Frosting. First and foremost, the flavor is simply phenomenal. The blend of pumpkin puree, warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and the sweet brown sugar creates a symphony of fall flavors that’s irresistible. Each bite offers a delightful balance of spice and sweetness, a true taste of autumn. The texture is another winner: these cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy, with a delightful moistness that keeps them from being dry or crumbly. This is achieved through the perfect balance of wet and dry ingredients, and a careful attention to baking time.

Beyond the exceptional taste and texture, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Want to add some chocolate chips for an extra decadent treat? Go for it! Prefer a different type of frosting? Feel free to experiment! The recipe is also incredibly forgiving. If you accidentally overmix the dough or slightly underbake the cookies, it won’t drastically impact the final product. This makes it a perfect recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Finally, this recipe is incredibly satisfying to make. The process is simple and straightforward, but the results are incredibly rewarding. The aroma of the spices baking in the oven is enough to make your kitchen feel instantly cozy and inviting. The final product, a beautiful tray of perfectly frosted pumpkin cookies, is a true testament to your baking skills.

The cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch. Its creamy texture provides a delightful contrast to the chewy cookies, while its tangy flavor perfectly complements the warm spices. It’s the perfect amount of sweetness without being overly sugary. And, let’s not forget the visual appeal: a tray of these beautifully frosted cookies is a feast for the eyes, making them ideal for sharing with friends, family, or even as a special treat for yourself. This recipe for Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Frosting offers a delightful combination of flavor, texture, and ease of preparation, making it a true autumn baking masterpiece. You’ll be making these again and again throughout the fall season! Check out other amazing fall recipes on our blog, like this Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

In a world brimming with countless cookie recipes, our Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Frosting stands out for several compelling reasons. First, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. These cookies are universally loved, appealing to both children and adults. Their comforting flavors and soft texture make them an ideal treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Second, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners. The instructions are clear and concise, and the process itself is straightforward and enjoyable. The recipe is broken down into manageable steps, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. No special equipment or culinary expertise is needed to achieve perfect results.

Third, this recipe offers excellent value. The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive. You likely already have many of the necessary items in your pantry. The recipe yields a generous amount of cookies, providing plenty to share or to enjoy over several days. This makes it a cost-effective option for satisfying your fall cravings. Fourth, this recipe is incredibly customizable. You can easily adjust the spices to your preference, add nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins, or even experiment with different types of frosting. This allows you to create a truly unique and personalized treat that reflects your individual taste.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this recipe brings a sense of warmth and comfort. The aroma of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen is undeniably cozy, creating a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for autumn. The act of baking itself can be a therapeutic and enjoyable experience, and sharing the finished cookies with loved ones adds another layer of warmth and connection. This recipe isn’t just about making cookies; it’s about creating a memorable fall experience. Consider trying other seasonal treats, such as our Skinny Pumpkin Fluff for a lighter dessert option.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To embark on this delightful baking journey, you’ll need a selection of readily available ingredients and a few essential kitchen tools. Let’s delve into the specifics, ensuring your baking success:

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Frosting:

• For the Cookies:
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for our cookies. Consider using a high-quality flour for best results. Keyword: all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, creating a light and airy texture. Keyword: baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and a classic autumnal flavor. Keyword: ground cinnamon, fall spices
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle spiciness and depth of flavor. Keyword: ground ginger, fall spices
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Contributes a warm, slightly pungent note. Keyword: ground cloves, fall spices
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. Keyword: salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming. Keyword: unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. Keyword: granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor. Keyword: brown sugar
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness. Keyword: egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of warmth. Keyword: vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree: The star ingredient! Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Keyword: pumpkin puree
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy and tangy frosting. Make sure it’s at room temperature. Keyword: cream cheese
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Keyword: unsalted butter
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and creates a light and fluffy texture. Keyword: powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting. Keyword: vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. Keyword: salt

Necessary Utensils:

• Two medium-sized mixing bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients. Keyword: mixing bowls
• Large mixing bowl: For creaming the butter and sugar. Keyword: mixing bowl
• Whisk: To combine the dry ingredients. Keyword: whisk
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer): For creaming butter and sugar. A stand mixer is preferable, but a handheld mixer works just fine. Keyword: electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements. Keyword: measuring cups, measuring spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: To incorporate the wet and dry ingredients and fold in the pumpkin puree. Keyword: rubber spatula, wooden spoon
• Baking sheets: To bake the cookies. Use at least two for efficient baking. Keyword: baking sheets
• Parchment paper: To prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheets. Keyword: parchment paper
• Rounded tablespoons: For measuring and scooping cookie dough. Keyword: tablespoon
• Wire rack: For cooling the cookies. Keyword: wire rack
• Offset spatula or butter knife: For spreading the frosting evenly. Keyword: offset spatula, butter knife

Detailed Recipe Steps

Making the Pumpkin Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for even baking. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated.
2. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Whisk together the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the spices. Avoid lumps.
4. Cream together the butter and sugars. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter, resulting in soft and chewy cookies. Creaming for at least 3-5 minutes is key.
5. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Add the egg and vanilla to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
7. Stir in the pumpkin puree. Gently fold in the pumpkin puree until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Do not overmix.
8. Drop the dough onto prepared baking sheets. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
10. Cool the cookies. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely prevents the frosting from melting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer works perfectly for this step.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add it in small amounts to prevent a powdered sugar cloud.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
4. Frost the cookies. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting using an offset spatula or butter knife.

Tips and Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, there’s always room for customization and improvement. Here are a few tips and variations to elevate your Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Frosting experience:

• Chill the dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the gluten to relax and prevents overspreading.
• Add mix-ins: Enhance the cookies with your favorite mix-ins. Chocolate chips, chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well), dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds add delightful textures and flavors.
• Spice it up: Adjust the spices to your liking. Increase the cinnamon for a stronger cinnamon flavor, or add a dash of nutmeg or allspice for a more complex spice profile.
• Different frosting: Experiment with different frostings! A simple vanilla buttercream, a maple-flavored frosting, or even a cream cheese frosting with a hint of orange zest are all delicious options.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure to check the specific instructions on your gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.
• Avoid overbaking: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around 10 minutes and remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.

Nutritional Values and Benefits

While indulging in these delicious Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Frosting, it’s helpful to understand their nutritional composition and the health benefits of some key ingredients:

Please note that the exact nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. The following is an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie (assuming a batch of 24 cookies):

• Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Protein: Approximately 2-3 grams
• Fat: Approximately 10-12 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30 grams

Benefits of key ingredients:

• Pumpkin Puree: An excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. It also contributes fiber, which is beneficial for digestion.
• Cinnamon: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can also aid in digestion.
• Cream Cheese: Provides calcium, a crucial mineral for bone health.

FAQs

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Frosting are the perfect embodiment of fall baking. Their warm spices, soft texture, and creamy frosting create a truly irresistible treat. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight baking project, yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering. We’ve provided detailed instructions, helpful tips, and variations to ensure your baking success. Don’t forget to try out our other delicious fall recipes on our blog, like our Pumpkin Spice Cake or Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!

We encourage you to try this recipe and share your baking experience in the comments below. Don’t hesitate to share your photos on social media using #PumpkinCookiesWithCreamyFrosting. Happy baking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Pinterest board! RecipesEbook Pinterest

Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies bursting with warm spices, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. A perfect fall treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter softened
• 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup Packed light brown sugar
• 1 Large egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Pumpkin puree

Frosting Ingredients

• 4 ounces Cream cheese softened
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter softened
• 3 cups Powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• Pinch Salt

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls (2)
• Baking Sheets
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Electric Mixer (handheld or stand)
• Rubber spatula

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Stir in pumpkin puree until evenly distributed.
6. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
8. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla and salt.
10. Once cookies are completely cool, frost generously.

Notes

For extra spice, add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the cookie dough. Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.