Description
Soft, chewy pumpkin cookies with warm fall spices and tangy cream cheese frosting. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for holiday gifting and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (245g) pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 ½ cups (300g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- 4 oz (113g) full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Mix in the pumpkin puree until just incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place on baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
- Spread frosting onto cooled cookies and serve.
Notes
Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and enhance flavor. Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best texture. Cookies continue to cook on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: pumpkin cookies, fall baking, holiday cookies, cream cheese frosting, easy pumpkin recipe, autumn treats