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Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Deliciously soft pumpkin cookies topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for autumn and special occasions.

  • Total Time: 72 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 to 5 minutes).
  3. Add Pumpkin and Other Wet Ingredients: Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  9. Cool the Cookies: Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  10. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream together the softened cream cheese and remaining butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and mix well.
  11. Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add vanilla and milk or cream to reach desired consistency.
  12. Frost the Cookies: Frost the cooled cookies generously with the cream cheese frosting.
  13. Decorate (Optional): Add sprinkles or nuts as decoration if desired.
  14. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy immediately or store for later.

Notes

For a lighter treat, these cookies can be made without frosting.

  • Author: jessica-baker
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pumpkin cookies, cream cheese frosting, autumn cookies, holiday baking, soft cookies