Soft Pumpkin Cookies: The Best Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting, are you ready to dive into a world of autumnal bliss? Imagine sinking your teeth into a pillowy, spiced cookie, bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin, all topped with a luscious, creamy frosting. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a hug in dessert form, perfect for crisp autumn evenings or festive holiday gatherings.

Pumpkin cookies, in their various forms, have been a cherished treat for generations, particularly in North America, where pumpkins are synonymous with fall. They represent the bounty of the harvest and the cozy feeling of home. While the exact origins are debated, the use of pumpkin in baking dates back centuries, with early settlers finding creative ways to utilize this versatile squash.

What makes soft pumpkin cookies with frosting so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The cookies themselves are incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the pumpkin puree. The spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, add a warm, aromatic depth that complements the pumpkin beautifully. And then there’s the frosting – a sweet, creamy counterpoint that elevates the cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you prefer a classic cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze, it’s the perfect finishing touch. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect treat for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:
• 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
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 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

Preparing the Cookie Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving each cookie that perfect pumpkin spice flavor. Set this mixture aside for now.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie. Don’t rush it! It usually takes about 3-5 minutes of beating on medium speed to achieve the right consistency. You want the mixture to be pale and airy.
3. Add Pumpkin Puree, Egg, and Vanilla: Beat in the pumpkin puree until well combined. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until everything is smooth. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure that all ingredients are fully incorporated. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor, while the egg binds the ingredients together.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer (up to 24 hours). Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, which results in softer cookies. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This is a very important step, so don’t skip it!

Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Scoop and Shape the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. The cookies will spread slightly during baking, so it’s important to give them enough space.
3. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. You want the cookies to be soft and slightly underbaked for the best texture.
4. Cool the Cookies: 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. This prevents the cookies from breaking apart while they are still warm and soft.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the best results. This will ensure that the frosting is smooth and lump-free.
2. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar too quickly, or it will create a cloud of dust! Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Vanilla Extract and Milk: Beat in the vanilla extract. Then, add milk (or heavy cream) one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You may need more or less milk depending on the humidity and the consistency of your cream cheese and butter. The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.

Frosting and Serving

1. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a knife, spatula, or piping bag to apply the frosting. Get creative and have fun with it!
2. Optional Decorations: If desired, decorate the frosted cookies with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon. These additions can add a festive touch and enhance the flavor of the cookies.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the frosted cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cookies are best enjoyed within a few days of baking, as they tend to dry out over time.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much and for developing the flavor.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and cream cheese will ensure that the frosting is smooth and creamy.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar.
• Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a more complex flavor.

Variations:

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Pumpkin Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
• Maple Glazed Pumpkin Cookies: Instead of cream cheese frosting, drizzle the cookies with a maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup.
• Spiced Pumpkin Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice to the dry ingredients for a more intense spice flavor.

Storage Instructions:

• Cookies: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Frosted Cookies: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before frosting. You can also freeze the frosting separately in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw the frosting in the refrigerator overnight and then re-whip it before using.

Troubleshooting:

• Cookies are too flat: This could be due to not chilling the dough long enough, using too much butter, or not measuring the flour correctly. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour, use the correct amount of butter, and measure the flour using the spoon and level method.
• Cookies are too dry: This could be due to overbaking the cookies or using too much flour. Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set, and make sure to measure the flour correctly.
• Frosting is too thin: This could be due to adding too much milk or not using enough powdered sugar. Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
• Frosting is too thick: This could be due to not adding enough milk or using too much powdered sugar. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice and the satisfying chew of a perfectly baked cookie. The combination of the soft, spiced cookie and the sweet, creamy frosting is simply irresistible.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The pumpkin puree keeps the cookies incredibly moist, while the spices add a depth of warmth that’s both comforting and exciting. And let’s not forget the frosting! It’s the perfect finishing touch, adding a touch of sweetness and elegance to these rustic treats.

Beyond the taste, these cookies are also incredibly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Even if you’re a beginner baker, I’m confident you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies with ease.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these cookies are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking. For a simple variation, try adding chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist. You could also experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or ginger, to create your own unique flavor profile.

For serving, these cookies are perfect with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also a great addition to any holiday dessert table or potluck gathering. Imagine serving these at your next Thanksgiving celebration – they’re sure to be a hit!

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use these cookies to make ice cream sandwiches. Simply sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies and enjoy! Or, crumble them over a bowl of yogurt or granola for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations and serving suggestions. The possibilities are endless!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of baking these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting for yourself. I know you’ll love them as much as I do.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some magic!

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Once you’ve tried the recipe, please share your photos and comments with me. Let me know what you thought of the cookies, what variations you tried, and how you served them. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating delicious and inspiring recipes for you. You can tag me on social media using #PumpkinCookieLove or leave a comment on my blog post. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking!

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