Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Name: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1 tsp baking soda; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (preferably dark); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, softened

By Elisa Levine

August 8, 2025

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Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the kind of treats that make you want to dance around the kitchen, twirling like you just won a baking contest. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, spiced cookie that melts in your mouth, leaving behind whispers of cinnamon and nutmeg while the sweet cream cheese frosting crowns it like the cherry on top of a sundae. These cookies are perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or anytime you’re feeling a little festive.

Growing up, I remember my grandma whipping up these delightful cookies every fall when pumpkins were practically begging to be turned into something delicious. The aroma would fill the house, pulling us kids from our forts and video games straight into the kitchen. It was a magical time where laughter mingled with spices, and every bite felt like a hug. Trust me; this recipe will bring those memories rushing back while creating new ones. So grab your mixing bowl and prepare yourself for an amazing flavor experience!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are easy to prepare even for novice bakers
The flavor profile is a heavenly blend of pumpkin spice and creamy sweetness
Visually appealing with their soft texture and luscious frosting, they make any table look festive
Versatile enough for holidays or casual get-togethers, these cookies are sure to impress!

Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookies; sift it well for lightness.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree—not pie filling—for authentic flavor.
Baking Soda: Essential for achieving that perfect rise; make sure it’s fresh!
Ground Cinnamon: A must-have spice that adds warmth and depth to your cookies.
Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch elevates the seasonal flavors; don’t skip this!
Brown Sugar: This brings moisture and richness; go for dark brown sugar if you can.
Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and texture beautifully.
Eggs: Binding agents that keep everything together—use large eggs for best results.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter incorporates well into the dough; let it sit at room temperature.
Cream Cheese: For that rich frosting; let it soften so it’s easy to spread.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick like sad little pancakes.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This is where the magic begins! Sifting helps create that fluffy texture we adore in soft cookies.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the pumpkin puree and eggs one at a time until fully combined. It’s like making a potion—stir well!

Step 4: Blend It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix unless you want cookies tougher than leather boots!

Step 5: Scoop & Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart (they’ll spread out). Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While those beauties cool down, beat softened cream cheese with butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract until creamy and dreamy.

Transfer cooled cookies onto plates or an extravagant cake stand (because why not?). Top each cookie generously with cream cheese frosting for the perfect finishing touch!

Now take a moment to marvel at your culinary masterpiece before diving headfirst into cookie bliss!

You Must Know

Soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not just a dessert; they are a hug in cookie form
These delightful treats are perfect for the fall season and will charm your guests
Ideal for gatherings, they bring a warm, festive spirit to every table

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, start by preheating your oven and gathering all ingredients. Mix wet ingredients first, followed by dry ones. Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake until golden. Frost after cooling for perfect results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your soft pumpkin cookies by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. Swap traditional spices with pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist, or even use gluten-free flour to cater to dietary needs.

Storing & Reheating

Store your soft pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve the perfect soft texture, don’t overmix your dough; mix just until combined
Allowing the cookies to cool completely before frosting helps prevent melting
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth frosting consistency that glides on beautifully

Sometimes I remember the first time I made soft pumpkin cookies for a family gathering; my aunt declared them “better than therapy,” and I knew I had struck gold in the baking world!

FAQs :

What are Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are delightful treats made with pureed pumpkin, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese frosting. These cookies are soft and cake-like in texture, making them a perfect fall dessert or a cozy snack. The combination of pumpkin and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a comforting flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the creamy sweetness of the frosting.

How do I store Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

To preserve the freshness of your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. For even longer storage, you can freeze the cookies without frosting for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them completely before adding the cream cheese frosting.

Can I make Soft Pumpkin Cookies without frosting?

Yes, you can enjoy Soft Pumpkin Cookies without cream cheese frosting if you prefer a lighter option. These cookies are delicious on their own due to their moist texture and flavorful spices. You might also consider dusting them with powdered sugar or serving them plain as a simple treat. However, the cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of richness that many people love.

What can I substitute for pumpkin puree in this recipe?

If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash as alternatives in your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Both options maintain a similar texture and flavor profile while providing necessary moisture. Just ensure that any substitute you use is smooth and not too watery to achieve the best results in your cookies.

Conclusion for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting :

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures perfect for any occasion. Their moist, cake-like consistency paired with the creamy frosting makes every bite irresistible. Whether enjoyed at home or shared at gatherings, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Remember to store them properly for maximum freshness, and feel free to explore alternatives if you lack certain ingredients. Enjoy baking these treats as part of your fall festivities!

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