Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat to welcome the fall season! These delightful cookies combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices, topped with a creamy frosting that adds an irresistible sweetness. They’re perfect for gatherings, cozy nights at home, or just a sweet indulgence on a chilly day. With their soft and thick texture, these cookies will quickly become a go-to favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a warm, inviting flavor that screams autumn.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• Frosting Delight: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the cookies perfectly.
• Family Favorite: These cookies are sure to please both kids and adults alike!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating delicious cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Refrigerator

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Electric Mixer: Helps achieve a creamy frosting texture effortlessly compared to manual mixing.
• Baking Sheet: Provides even heat distribution while baking your cookies, ensuring they cook evenly.

Ingredients

To make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, add:
1. Melted butter
2. Pumpkin puree
3. White sugar
4. Egg
5. Vanilla extract
Combine these ingredients until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, add in:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Pumpkin pie spice
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
Mix until a cookie dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 25 minutes.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Remove the dough from the fridge:
1. Roll into balls about 1 ½ – 2 tbsp in size.
2. Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (you should get about 12-14 cookies).
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies are baking:
1. In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until well combined using an electric mixer.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Refrigerate until cookies are baked and cooled.

Step 7: Frost the Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Spread about a tablespoon of frosting on top of each cookie.
2. Sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon if desired.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Savor these delightful Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting as your new favorite fall treat!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your dessert experience. These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for gatherings, snacks, or cozy evenings at home.

With a Hot Beverage

• Pair with hot apple cider for a warm and comforting flavor combination.
• Enjoy alongside a cup of spiced chai tea to complement the pumpkin spice.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a festive platter with other fall-themed desserts like brownies or mini cheesecakes.
• Include some fruit slices, such as apples or pears, to add freshness.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Serve these cookies during Thanksgiving or Halloween parties for a seasonal treat.
• Package them in gift boxes as homemade treats for friends and family.

With Ice Cream

• Top each cookie with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Create an ice cream sandwich by placing two cookies around a scoop of your favorite flavor.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is easy when you know a few key tips. Follow these suggestions to achieve the best results.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Use fresh spices: Fresh pumpkin pie spice enhances the flavor profile of the cookies significantly.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
• Soften cream cheese properly: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth frosting without lumps.
• Add extra spice: For an added kick, sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top of the frosting before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg add a crunchy contrast to soft cookies.
2. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes adds freshness and balances sweetness.
3. Cheese Plate – Include creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese that complement the rich flavors of the cookies.
4. Caramel Sauce – Drizzling some warm caramel sauce over the cookies creates an extra layer of sweetness.
5. Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of pumpkin soup provides a savory contrast that pairs well with sweet treats.
6. Hot Cocoa – A mug of rich hot cocoa makes for a cozy pairing on chilly days, enhancing all those warm spices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect results.

• Using too much flour – If you add too much flour, your cookies will become dry and crumbly. Measure accurately and spoon the flour into your measuring cup without packing it down.
• Not chilling the dough – Skipping the chilling step can lead to flat cookies. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 25 minutes to help them maintain their shape.
• Overbaking – Baking the cookies for too long can make them hard. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are set but still soft in the center.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature – Using cold cream cheese or butter can affect the frosting’s texture. Make sure both are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Not measuring spices correctly – Too much or too little spice can alter the flavor profile of your cookies. Use precise measurements, especially for pumpkin pie spice.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze frosted cookies, but it’s best to freeze them without frosting first.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on medium for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, covered, to warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting special?

These cookies combine the warmth of pumpkin and spices with a sweet, creamy frosting, making them perfect for fall celebrations or cozy evenings.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s smooth and well-drained for the best results.

How do I customize my Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit to the dough before baking for extra flavor and texture!

Is there a way to make these cookies healthier?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use less sugar without significantly affecting taste.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins or adjust spices according to your preference. Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy a taste of fall!

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Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x

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Description

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate autumn treat, blending the warm flavors of pumpkin and cozy spices into a soft, chewy cookie. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cookies offer an irresistible sweetness that makes them perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Their delightful texture and rich flavor will have everyone reaching for seconds.

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Ingredients

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• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, pumpkin puree, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt; mix until a dough forms.
4. Chill the dough covered in the refrigerator for 25 minutes.
5. Shape dough into 1½ – 2 tbsp balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 18 minutes or until set but soft in the center.
7. For frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together; add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
8. Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional spices if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg