Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall baked into a tender, delightful treat, then this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one you absolutely need to try. These cookies strike the perfect balance between fluffy and moist thanks to the rich pumpkin puree, while warm spices create that nostalgic autumn vibe we all crave. Topped with a luscious, creamy frosting, every bite melts in your mouth and leaves you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just because, this recipe feels like a warm, sweet hug in cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to build deep flavor, tender texture, and that beautiful soft orange hue. Each element plays its own role to make these cookies not just tasty, but unforgettable.

• Unsalted butter (1 1/2 cups total): Provides richness and tenderness to the cookie dough and cream cheese frosting alike.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough with just the right amount of crunch during baking.
• Baking powder and baking soda (1 teaspoon each): Help the cookies rise gently while staying soft and fluffy.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Delivers that warm, spicy aroma we associate with pumpkin treats.
• Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): A special blend that perfectly complements the pumpkin puree’s natural sweetness.
• Egg (1 large): Adds structure and moisture for soft, tender cookies.
• Vanilla flavoring (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a sweet floral note in both the dough and frosting.
• Pumpkin puree (1 cup, blotted dry): The star ingredient that makes these cookies irresistibly moist and subtly sweet.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the structure while keeping the texture soft rather than cakey or crunchy.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Key to the rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that crowns each cookie perfectly.
• Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting into a smooth, dreamy finish.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. This simple first step ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily without sticking or burning.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Combine Dry Ingredients

Using an electric mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for about a minute until creamy and fluffy. Add granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, then blend until everything is fully incorporated and beautifully fragrant.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients and Flour

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing thoroughly until you see no yellow streaks left. Then, add the blotted pumpkin puree and mix again until fully combined. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add in the flour and increase speed to medium until your dough is just mixed—a little wet and sticky, which is exactly what you want for tender cookies.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Use a heaping tablespoon or a medium cookie scoop to drop evenly sized dough balls onto your prepared sheet, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops look set and no longer wet to the touch. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Frost Cookies

While your cookies cool, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl until perfectly smooth and lump-free. Sift in the powdered sugar, add the vanilla, and continue to beat for about 2 minutes until your frosting is glossy, creamy, and ready to spread. Frost each cooled cookie generously for that perfect sweet finish.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting adds texture and an extra layer of warm flavor. If you’re feeling festive, tiny edible gold stars or orange sugar crystals can turn these cookies into a showstopper for any autumn party.

Side Dishes

These soft pumpkin delights pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or spiced latte for cozy afternoons. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm mug of creamy hot chocolate. The cream cheese frosting cuts through richness with its subtle tang, keeping the balance just right.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your cookies into a layered “pumpkin cookie cake” with frosting between each layer—perfect for gatherings. Or place them in a rustic basket lined with a warm, plaid napkin to instantly create an inviting holiday gift or centerpiece. Wrapping a few in cellophane with a cinnamon stick tied on top makes a thoughtful treat to share with neighbors and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe cookies keep perfectly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To maintain their soft texture, avoid refrigerating unless your kitchen is unusually warm, but if you must, bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frosted cookies freeze best after the frosting has fully set—wrap each one individually to avoid smudging. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked softness without melting the frosting too much. Alternatively, pop them in a warm oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes to refresh their tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to puree the fresh pumpkin thoroughly and reduce its moisture by cooking it down or straining, otherwise the dough may become too wet. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient, but fresh pumpkin gives a lovely natural sweetness and flavor, too.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but be aware that the texture might change slightly. Look for blends with xanthan gum included for the best results in keeping that signature soft texture.

Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the dough and refrigerate it overnight. This actually helps deepen the flavors. Just bring it to room temperature before scooping and baking to ensure even cooking.

What’s the best way to get the cream cheese frosting really smooth?

Be sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. Beat them thoroughly before adding powdered sugar, and sift the sugar to avoid lumps. A couple of minutes of beating after adding vanilla ensures a creamy, smooth frosting perfect for spreading.

How do I prevent my pumpkin cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your dough isn’t too warm before baking; if it feels very soft, chilling for 15 minutes can help hold the shape while baking. Using parchment paper also helps cookies bake evenly without spreading excessively.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it’s easy to see why they become a favorite fall tradition. The tender, spiced pumpkin cookies paired with tangy, creamy frosting create a wonderfully comforting treat perfect for sharing or savoring solo. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of autumn in every single bite.

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