Fluffy Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Cozy autumn afternoons always feel magical when pumpkin cookies fill your kitchen with warm, spicy aromas.

Crisp leaves dance outside while sweet scents swirl through the air.

Comfort wraps around you like a soft blanket, promising delightful moments ahead.

Baking becomes an art of connection, blending memories and seasonal joy.

Soft, pillowy textures mingle with rich cream cheese frosting, creating a delectable treat.

Seasonal ingredients transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Are a Perfect Fall Treat

• Craft Seasonal Delights: Transform ordinary baking into a festive autumn experience with these mouthwatering pumpkin cookies that capture the essence of fall's warm, cozy flavors.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe offers simple steps and forgiving techniques that guarantee delicious results without complicated skills or professional equipment.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: These soft, spiced cookies with luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting will impress family and friends, making them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or weekend baking adventures.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows quick modifications like adjusting spice levels or frosting consistency, giving bakers creative freedom to personalize their sweet treats.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The essential base that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, rich flavor, and beautiful orange color to the cookies.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet background flavor that complements the pumpkin.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender texture and adds depth of flavor to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy cookie texture.

• Cream Cheese: Offers a tangy, creamy base for the frosting with a smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfect spreading consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.

• Cinnamon: The primary warming spice that gives the cookies their signature autumn flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Cookie Dough Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Pumpkin pie spice

In another bowl, cream butter using an electric mixer until smooth. Add white and brown sugars, beating until fluffy and light. Pour in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain cookie softness.

Step 2: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing each dollop 3 inches apart. The dough will be slightly sticky – that’s perfect! Bake for 12-15 minutes until tops look set and edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 3: Create Luscious Cinnamon Frosting

Blend softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Gradually incorporate cream cheese, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and additional pumpkin pie spice. Adjust frosting consistency with milk if needed, creating a smooth, spreadable texture.

Step 4: Frost and Enjoy Cookies

Once cookies have cooled completely, generously spread cinnamon cream cheese frosting across each cookie. For an extra indulgent touch, microwave frosted cookies for 5-10 seconds to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. These autumn-inspired treats are guaranteed to delight family and friends.

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to maintain soft, tender cookie texture.
• Control Frosting Consistency: Add milk gradually to cream cheese frosting, one teaspoon at a time, to achieve desired spreading thickness.
• Enhance Spice Flavor: Toast ground spices in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding to recipe to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Store Smartly: Keep frosted cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to preserve moisture and prevent sticking.

Variation Ideas for Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes and add extra binding agent like xanthan gum to maintain cookie texture.
• Vegan Pumpkin Comfort: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and cream cheese frosting with cashew-based cream. Use plant-based milk to adjust frosting consistency and maintain creamy smoothness.
• Keto-Friendly Spice Treats: Swap regular flour with almond flour, replace sugars with erythritol or stevia, and use sugar-free cream cheese. Reduce pumpkin quantity to lower carbohydrate content while keeping rich autumn flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• Pair Creamy Autumn Delight with Warm Beverages: A steaming mug of chai latte complements the pumpkin spice notes, creating a cozy flavor explosion that wraps you in comfort.
• Enhance Dessert with Contrasting Drink: A crisp, cold apple cider provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy frosting, balancing the sweet and spicy cookie profile.
• Elevate Cookie Experience with Nutty Companion: A glass of toasted hazelnut milk brings out the warm, earthy undertones of the pumpkin and cinnamon, adding depth to each delightful bite.
• Indulge with Complementary Wine Pairing: A late-harvest Riesling offers a sweet, slightly acidic note that beautifully highlights the cookie's complex spice blend and creamy texture.

Storage Advice for Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain frosting's texture and prevent spoiling.
• Place completely cooled, unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Arrange frosted cookies on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper. They'll stay fresh for 2 months.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 8-10 seconds.

FAQs About Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• Why do I need to be careful not to overmix the cookie dough?

Overmixing can make the cookies tough and dense instead of soft and tender. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

While fresh pumpkin can work, canned pumpkin puree is more consistent in moisture and texture. If using fresh pumpkin, make sure to strain and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess liquid in the dough.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for set tops and slightly golden edges. The cookies should look soft but not wet. They’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet for those first few minutes.

Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent pumpkin cookies with cinnamon cream cheese frosting bring autumn’s warmth to your dessert table. Spiced with nutmeg and drizzled with creamy frosting, these cookies offer a delightful seasonal treat you’ll crave all year long.

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Ingredients

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Pumpkin Spice Mix:

• 2.5 teaspoons (2.5 tsp) cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon (0.5 tsp) ground ginger

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2.67 cups (2 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1.25 teaspoons (1 1/4 tsp) baking powder
• 1.25 teaspoons (1 1/4 tsp) baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) salt

Wet Ingredients and Sugars:

• 0.5 cup (1/2 cup) butter, room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 0.67 cup (2/3 cup) granulated sugar
• 1.5 cups (1 1/2 cups) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1.5 teaspoons (1 1/2 tsp) vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 1.5 cups (1 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
• 4 ounces (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) reserved spice mix

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Instructions

1. Create a harmonious blend of dry ingredients by whisking together spices, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.
2. Cream butter using an electric mixer for approximately 30 seconds, then incorporate both sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy.
3. Integrate pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation without overmixing to maintain cookie softness.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Carefully fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent toughening the dough.
6. Utilize a cookie scoop to distribute dough onto prepared baking sheets, maintaining 3-inch spacing between cookies.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cookie tops appear set and edges slightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Whip softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy, gradually adding cream cheese while beating thoroughly.
10. Incorporate vanilla extract and reserved spice mix into the frosting, adjusting consistency with milk if needed.
11. Once cookies have cooled completely, generously apply cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
12. Optional: Briefly microwave frosted cookies (5-10 seconds) for an enhanced melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Notes

• Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture in your cookie dough.
• Measure pumpkin puree precisely, as too much moisture can make cookies dense and cakey.
• Consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a perfect cookie shape.
• Experiment with additional warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the seasonal pumpkin flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg