Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Deliciously soft pumpkin cookies topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall gatherings.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 72 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream), for desired consistency
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Beat in the pumpkin puree until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined.
- Beat in the vanilla extract. Then, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting.
- If desired, decorate the frosted cookies with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, ensure butter is at room temperature and chill dough properly before baking.