Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Why Make This Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat, perfect for any autumn gathering or simply to brighten your day. The warm flavors of pumpkin spice combined with the rich, creamy frosting make these cookies irresistible. They’re soft, chewy, and have the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and brings the cozy taste of fall right into your kitchen.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, pumpkin puree, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Next, add the dry ingredients: flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a cookie dough forms.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chill the dough for 25 minutes.
5. Remove the dough from the fridge. Roll it into balls that are about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons in size.
6. Place the cookie dough balls on a parchment paper-prepared baking sheet. You should be able to make 12-14 cookies.
7. Bake the cookies in the oven for 18 minutes.
8. While the cookies are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese and softened butter. Beat using an electric mixer until well combined. Then, mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Place the frosting in the fridge until the cookies are baked and cooled.
9. Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
10. Spread about a tablespoon of frosting on top of each cookie. For the finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top.
11. Enjoy your delicious cookies!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These cookies are best served fresh. You can present them on a nice plate for a cozy gathering or pack them up for a sweet gift. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate autumn experience.

How to Store Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them without frosting for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly.

Tips to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Make sure your butter is melted but not hot, as hot butter can affect the dough texture.
• Chill the dough to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Don’t skip the cream cheese frosting; it adds a delicious creaminess that complements the cookies perfectly.
• For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough.

Variation

You can easily switch things up by adding different spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor. To make them even more festive, try adding orange zest to the frosting for a citrusy kick.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure you’re using pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.

How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
The edges of the cookies should be lightly golden, and the center may look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.