Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy treat bursting with fall flavors, you are going to love this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between crisp edges and tender centers, infused with warm spices and a luscious pumpkin base. Topped with a dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, they are an irresistible seasonal indulgence that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe will become your go-to for pumpkin-flavored delights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in delivering that perfect texture and flavor you crave. From the soft pumpkin puree adding moisture and depth, to the blend of spices that create that unmistakable autumn aroma, these components come together simply but oh so effectively.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the sturdy base for the cookies while allowing them to stay tender.
• Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes each bite delightful.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just a subtle lift for a light finish.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A classic warm spice that instantly evokes fall feelings.
• Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and a zing that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Contributes a hint of nuttiness and spice.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup): Adds richness and helps with that tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cookie and helps with crisp edges.
• Egg yolk (1): Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
• Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): Brings moisture, subtle sweetness, and that iconic pumpkin flavor.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): The star of the frosting for a tangy, creamy finish.
• Unsalted butter, softened (4 tablespoons): Creates a smooth, luscious texture in the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups): Sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky smooth.

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

First, grab a large bowl and combine your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. This spice-infused mix forms the flavorful backbone of your cookies, so mixing these thoroughly is key.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another big bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar at high speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is where you start building the cookie’s tender texture and sweet flavor.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Next, add in your egg yolk and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until everything is smooth and well incorporated. This gives the dough richness and depth.

Step 4: Incorporate Pumpkin Puree

Now, add the pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and beat until it’s evenly blended. This is what makes these cookies stand out from plain sugar cookies, adding moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin essence.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Reduce your mixer speed and slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until you get a fine, soft dough that’s ready to chill. This gentle integration keeps the cookies tender without overworking the batter.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This rest time firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring your cookies bake evenly.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough, place them on the sheet, and gently press each one flat. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Once out of the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, whip up your frosting by beating softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is glossy and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and Finish

Spread the cream cheese frosting generously on each cooled cookie. For an extra cozy touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top. Now, your delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans adds a lovely texture and aromatic punch when served. You can also experiment with a little drizzle of melted white chocolate for a more decadent presentation that wows guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair amazingly well with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. If you want to make a snack board, add sliced apples, dried cranberries, and a selection of cheeses to create a festive autumn spread that complements the cookies’ flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies into a neat tower tied with twine for an eye-catching gift or party centerpiece. Using mini pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters instead of the classic round shape can add a whimsical seasonal twist that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting is cream cheese-based, so chilling them preserves freshness and flavor. They’ll stay wonderfully tasty for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely before frosting so your cream cheese topping stays fresh and luscious.

Reheating

Since the cookies have a delicate texture and cream cheese frosting, avoid microwaving. Instead, bring them to room temperature before serving. If you prefer warm cookies, try briefly warming unfrosted cookies in the oven and then add frosting afterwards.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly here and is the most convenient option. Just make sure it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains additional spices and sugar.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading and keeps the cookies thick and chewy. Also, make sure your butter is softened but not melted to maintain the structure.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting for something else?

You can swap out the cream cheese frosting for a simple vanilla glaze or buttercream if preferred, but the cream cheese frosting is what gives the recipe its signature tang and creaminess.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not in their original form. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just keep an eye on the texture, as gluten-free doughs often behave differently.

How long do the cookies last without refrigeration?

Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep these cookies refrigerated. If unfrosted, they can sit at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Making these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is like inviting autumn into your kitchen in the most delicious way. They’re straightforward to bake, beautifully spiced, and perfectly paired with that rich, tangy frosting. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, gifting them during the holidays, or savoring a quiet moment alone, I know this recipe will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth over and over again. Trust me—give it a try and watch these cookies become a new seasonal favorite!

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