Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting -

When the leaves start turning and the air gets crisp, it’s time to indulge in one of the most beloved flavors of fall: pumpkin. But what makes pumpkin even better? When it’s baked into soft, flavorful cookies and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat to usher in the cozy season. Whether you’re looking for the ideal dessert for a fall gathering, a sweet snack to enjoy with a warm cup of tea, or something to bring to your next potluck, these cookies are bound to become a family favorite.

In this article, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make the most mouthwatering pumpkin cookies that are soft, fluffy, and full of seasonal spices. I’ll also show you how to create the perfect cream cheese frosting to top them off, transforming these cookies into a deliciously irresistible dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect balance of soft, spiced pumpkin goodness and a sweet, creamy topping. Here’s why they’re sure to become your new favorite fall treat:

Soft and Fluffy: These pumpkin cookies are incredibly soft and tender, almost cake-like, with a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth.
Perfect Fall Flavor: Pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves come together in these cookies to create a warm and comforting flavor that’s just perfect for fall. The spices are balanced, so it’s not overwhelming, but just enough to give you that cozy autumn feeling.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting adds a rich, creamy layer that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly. It’s the perfect contrast to the pumpkin spice flavor.
Easy to Make: These cookies are simple to prepare, with basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. You don’t need any special tools or complicated techniques, so anyone can make them.
Great for Any Occasion: These pumpkin cookies are versatile! Whether it’s a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner, or just a weekend treat, they’re always a hit. Plus, they store well, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them all week long.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make both the cookies and the cream cheese frosting:

For the Pumpkin Cookies:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for the base of the cookies)
1 teaspoon baking soda (to help the cookies rise)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for that signature fall flavor)
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds warmth to the cookies)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (for a hint of spice)
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (a warm, aromatic addition)
1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance out the sweetness)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (adds richness and helps the cookies spread)
1 cup brown sugar, packed (adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
1 large egg (to bind the dough together)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for added flavor)
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (this is the star ingredient that gives the cookies their soft texture and rich flavor)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened (for a smooth, tangy frosting)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (to make the frosting extra creamy)
2-3 cups powdered sugar (to sweeten the frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (to enhance the flavor)
Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Now that we have everything ready, let’s walk through the process of making these delicious pumpkin cookies and topping them with the perfect cream cheese frosting.

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Pumpkin:
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined. The pumpkin puree will make the mixture slightly thicker, but that’s perfect for keeping the cookies soft.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to denser cookies.
Scoop the Dough:
- Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to scoop out dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The cookies should be soft in the center, but set around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as ovens vary in temperature.
Cool the Cookies:
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies firm up before you frost them.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency and sweetness. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Frost the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, use a butter knife or a piping bag to spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. You can be as generous as you like with the frosting it’s the perfect creamy complement to the spiced pumpkin flavor.
Serve and Enjoy:
- After frosting, serve the cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well if you want to make them ahead of time.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This ensures everything mixes together smoothly and creates the best texture for both the cookies and the frosting.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the cookie dough can lead to dense cookies. Mix the dough just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet ingredients to keep the cookies light and airy.
Chill the Dough for Extra Thickness: If you want thicker cookies, you can chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better as they bake.
Check for Doneness Early: These cookies should be soft and pillowy, so be careful not to overbake them. Start checking at 10 minutes and remove them as soon as the edges are golden.
Store Frosted and Unfrosted: You can store the cookies unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Frost them right before serving for the freshest taste. If you have leftover frosted cookies, keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

While these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to make them your own. Here are some ideas for customizing the recipe:

Add Chocolate Chips: If you love the combination of chocolate and pumpkin, stir in chocolate chips into the cookie dough for added sweetness and texture. Semi-sweet or white chocolate chips both pair wonderfully with the spiced pumpkin flavor.
Nuts for Crunch: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the cookies.
Add a Spiced Drizzle: Instead of frosting the cookies with cream cheese frosting, drizzle them with a simple spiced glaze made from powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk. This gives the cookies a lighter finish while still keeping them flavorful.
Make It Gluten-Free: To make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You might need to adjust the texture slightly, but the cookies will still have that soft, pillowy texture you’re craving. Make sure to choose a good quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help bind the cookies together.
Vegan Version: To make these pumpkin cookies vegan-friendly, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) and use a plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese for the frosting. The texture and flavor will remain deliciously close to the original, and you won’t miss the dairy or eggs at all!
Add a Touch of Caramel: For an extra indulgent treat, you can drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting or mix it into the cream cheese frosting for a rich, sweet twist. This adds a buttery depth that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.
Maple Flavor: If you’re a fan of maple, replace part of the powdered sugar in the cream cheese frosting with maple syrup for a warm, natural sweetness. You can also add a teaspoon of maple extract to the cookies or frosting to really enhance that maple flavor.

Nutritional Information and Health Considerations

While these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a treat, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional content. Below is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per cookie (based on 12 cookies):

Calories: 210-250 per cookie (depending on size and frosting)
Protein: 2-3g (from the pumpkin, flour, and cream cheese)
Carbohydrates: 30-35g (from sugar, flour, and pumpkin)
Fat: 10-12g (from the butter and cream cheese)
Fiber: 1-2g (from the pumpkin and flour)
Sugar: 18-22g (from powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and frosting)
Sodium: 80-100mg (from butter and cream cheese)

Health Considerations:

High in Sugar: These cookies are sweet and delicious, but they are also relatively high in sugar. If you’re concerned about your sugar intake, consider cutting back on the powdered sugar in the frosting or using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. You could also opt for a lighter frosting or drizzle instead of a full cream cheese frosting.
Healthy Fats: The butter and cream cheese in the frosting contribute to the richness of the flavor but also provide a good amount of saturated fats. If you’re looking to reduce saturated fat, consider swapping out the butter for a plant-based butter substitute or using low-fat cream cheese for the frosting.
Pumpkin for Nutritional Value: Pumpkin is packed with vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. It also provides fiber, which supports digestion and helps make these cookies a little more filling. So while these cookies are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits as well!
Portion Control: Because these cookies are rich and indulgent, it’s easy to eat a few too many. Consider cutting them into smaller pieces if you want to enjoy the flavor without going overboard. The cookies are sweet enough that a small serving can easily satisfy your cravings.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to take your dessert game to the next level, consider pairing them with these delicious options:

Serve with Hot Apple Cider or Coffee: These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of apple cider or a steaming latte. The spiced pumpkin flavor in the cookies complements the warmth of the beverage, making it the perfect cozy pairing for fall.
Top with Chopped Nuts: Add a little crunch to your cookies by topping them with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds. This will provide a contrast to the soft, creamy texture of the frosting and add an extra layer of flavor.
Fruit Compote: A side of fruit compote made from apples, pears, or berries can complement the rich sweetness of the cookies. The tangy fruit will help cut through the sweetness and add a fresh element to the dessert.
Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve your pumpkin cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream perfectly balances the warm, spiced cookies, and the contrast of textures makes each bite heavenly.
Mini Pumpkin Cookie Sandwiches: Make mini cookie sandwiches by adding extra frosting between two cookies. These cute, bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a fun snack for kids and adults alike.

FAQ Section

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to make them further in advance, you can freeze the un-frosted cookies for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw them and frost them right before serving.

How do I store leftover pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting?
Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The frosting will firm up slightly when chilled, so if you prefer a softer frosting, let the cookies come to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze these pumpkin cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! If you’re making a large batch, freeze the cookies individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. You can store them for up to 3 months. For the best results, freeze the cookies before frosting and add the frosting once they’re thawed.

Can I make these cookies without frosting?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter version, you can skip the cream cheese frosting altogether. These pumpkin cookies are delicious on their own and can be enjoyed without any frosting. You could also glaze them with a simple powdered sugar glaze or dust them with powdered sugar for a less indulgent treat.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour blend you use is suitable for baking, as this will provide the right texture and structure. You can also use gluten-free oats in place of some of the flour for added texture and a slight oat flavor.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a warm, fall-inspired treat, these Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect answer. They’re soft, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible, with just the right balance of spices and sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family get-together, or just because you love fall treats, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments! Have fun customizing your cookies with different flavors, toppings, or frosting variations. And if you take any photos of your pumpkin cookie creations, share them with me on social media I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own.

Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!