Description
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, spiced, cake-like cookies topped with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re the perfect handheld treat to celebrate pumpkin season with cozy fall flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Optional: pinch of salt for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients just until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are slightly firm.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Once cookies are completely cool, frost the tops generously with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Let cookies cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
- Frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge—bring to room temp before using.
- Store frosted cookies in the fridge and allow to soften before serving.
- Freeze unfrosted cookies for longer storage; frost after thawing.
- Add mix-ins like white chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie with frosting
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
