Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Posted on August 25, 2026 ·

by Bellie

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Irresistible Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something special about the combination of pumpkin and cream cheese frosting that makes the fall season truly delightful. These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, moist, and immensely flavorful, making them perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home. If you enjoy baking, this recipe will definitely brighten up your dessert table. Plus, if you love treating yourself with sweet delights, you might also want to check out gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting!

Why you’ll love this Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe

These Pumpkin Cookies are a hit for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal time and effort in the kitchen. Second, the combination of ground spices and pumpkin puree results in a flavor profile that’s rich, warm, and inviting. Not to mention, the luscious cream cheese frosting takes the already delightful cookies to a new level of indulgence. They’re perfect to share with family and friends, making them an excellent option for celebrations or even a simple weeknight treat. You may also find Chicken With Cream Cheese And Bacon Dorito Crunch useful.

“These pumpkin cookies are the best I’ve ever made! They are so fluffy and full of flavor, and the cream cheese frosting is divine!” – A happy baker

Preparing Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making Pumpkin Cookies is straightforward and fun. You’ll start by preheating your oven and preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, you’ll combine your dry ingredients in one bowl and cream together the sugars and butter in another. The real magic happens when you mix in the pumpkin puree and spices, creating a batter that’s both nostalgic and comforting.

For an alternative recipe that features cream cheese, consider trying the soft sour cream sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting!

Ingredients

To whip up these delicious cookies, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

These ingredients come together to create a cookie that embodies everything delightful about baked goods in the fall.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream together the sugars and softened butter until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  6. Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  8. For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  9. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting on top and enjoy!

How to serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

The best way to enjoy these pumpkin cookies is to serve them with a warm beverage like spiced chai or a hot cup of coffee. For added flair, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts to elevate the presentation. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

How to store Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To keep your Pumpkin Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you’d like to preserve them for a longer period, placing them in the freezer is a great option. Just ensure that you properly wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Tips to make This Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe

For the best results, ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start mixing the ingredients. This will help achieve a perfectly smooth frosting and a better cookie texture. If you’re looking to add a twist to your recipe, consider incorporating chocolate chips or cranberries into the dough for extra flavor.

Creative twists

If you’re feeling adventurous, you might try adjusting the spices or even adding a splash of maple syrup for a tasty twist. You could also create a cookie sandwich with these fluffy delights and carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting for a unique dessert experience!

FAQs

What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading?

Ensure that your butter is not overly warm when creaming with the sugars. Additionally, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

While pumpkin pie filling can be used, it typically contains added spices and sugars. If you want to maintain the flavor balance, stick with plain pumpkin puree.

How can I fix cookies that turned out too dry?

If your cookies are dry, it’s usually due to overbaking or too much flour. Adjusting the baking time slightly and measuring flour correctly can help make them more tender.

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only a delicious fall treat but also an easy recipe to whip up and share with loved ones! Enjoy your baking experience and indulge in this festive delight.

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Irresistible Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting


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  • Author: bellie
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, moist, and flavorful, making them perfect for fall celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
  3. Cream together the sugars and softened butter until light and fluffy in a separate bowl.
  4. Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  6. Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  8. Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth for the frosting.
  9. Spread the cream cheese frosting on top of the completely cooled cookies and enjoy!

Notes

For a unique twist, consider adding chocolate chips or cranberries to the dough.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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