Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
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There’s nothing like the smell of fresh pumpkin cookies wafting through the house on a crisp fall day! I love making these cookies whenever I’m in the mood for a cozy treat, especially with that rich cream cheese frosting on top. They come together in just about 15 minutes, so it’s perfect for those times when I want something sweet but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. The soft texture and warm spices give them that perfect autumn vibe, making them great for everything from family gatherings to cozy nights on the couch with a good book. Honestly, once you try these cookies, you’ll be reaching for them again and again whenever the weather turns cool. Trust me, they’re just that good!
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Perfectly Spiced: These cookies are bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavors that capture the essence of fall in every bite. They’re like a cozy hug from the inside!
- Creamy Frosting Delight: The rich cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish that takes these cookies to the next level. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making every bite a treat.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With just about 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these cookies without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re a great option for those busy days when you still want something homemade.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a wonderful soft and chewy texture that makes them incredibly satisfying to eat. They practically melt in your mouth, leaving you wanting more!
- Great for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to brighten someone’s day, these cookies are perfect for sharing. They’re sure to impress friends and family, and you might even make a few new fans!
Ingredients Needed To Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- 1.1 GF flour or all purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- Butter, room temperature
- Pumpkin spice
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
- Cream cheese, room temperature
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Preheat the oven and prepare the cookie sheets.
- Mix together the sugar and butter until fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture.
- Scoop the dough onto the cookie sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake until the cookies are set, then cool them on the sheets.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cookies and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
How can I store leftover pumpkin cookies?
To keep your pumpkin cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can last for up to three months.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking, as cold dough can spread less evenly.
Get all the best baking tips!
Wondering how in the world to get the BEST bake every time? We’ve laid it all out for you.
What’s the best way to frost the cookies?
For a smooth and even layer of cream cheese frosting, make sure your cookies are completely cooled before applying the frosting. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon works well to spread the frosting. If you’re feeling creative, you could even pipe the frosting for a fancier look!
Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to the cookie dough before baking. Just remember that adding extra ingredients might slightly change the baking time, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
How do I reheat pumpkin cookies?
If you want to enjoy your pumpkin cookies warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you can pop them in a preheated oven at a low temperature for a few minutes until warmed through. Just be careful not to overheat them, as this can dry them out.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find your cookies spreading too much, it could be due to the butter being too warm or the dough not being chilled before baking. To fix this for next time, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping and baking to help maintain their shape.
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- 2 Cookie sheets
- Ice cream scoop or cookie scoop
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 ½ cups 1.1 GF flour or all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 10 tbsp butter room temperature
- 2 ½ tsp pumpkin spice
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Make the Cookie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and butter on high speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and egg yolk, mixing in one at a time. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cookies
- Using an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop, form equal-sized cookie dough balls and place them on the lined cookie sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too runny, add up to 1 more cup of powdered sugar to thicken it to your desired consistency.
Frost the Cookies
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, top them with the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!
Nutrition
These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are always a hit, whether I’m enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them at a fall gathering. They have the perfect balance of spice and sweetness, and the creamy frosting just takes them over the top!
