Easy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting 🎃🍪✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a sweet fall treat, these pumpkin sugar cookies with luscious cream cheese frosting are the perfect choice. Combining the warm flavors of pumpkin with a soft, chewy texture and topped with creamy frosting, this fall cookie recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend dessert, these cookies are simple, delicious, and beautifully festive.
2. Ingredients for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Preparation of Dough
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use your KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients until the dough forms.
Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into your favorite cookie shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
While cookies are baking, make the frosting. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy.
Frost the Cookies
Once cookies are cooled completely, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top. Decorate as desired with fall-themed sprinkles or extra cinnamon.
4. Storage Tips for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Store these fall cookie recipe delights in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To keep the cookies fresh and the frosting intact, ensure they are well sealed.
5. Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin sugar cookies are perfect served with a warm beverage like apple cider or pumpkin spice latte. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of extra frosting for presentation. They also make a charming addition to any fall-inspired dessert platter or holiday cookie exchange. For an extra festive touch, you might also want to check out these delicious pumpkin smores cookies.
6. FAQs about Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s cooked and pureed smoothly. Canned pumpkin is more convenient and has a consistent texture.
Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking flour blend.
How long does it take to prepare these cookies?
The total preparation time, including chilling, baking, and frosting, is approximately 2 hours.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cream cheese frosting a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using.
7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer — Make mixing the frosting a breeze and ensure a smooth, fluffy texture with this reliable stand mixer.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Perfect for baking cookies evenly on a durable, nonstick surface.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Ideal for quick and easy preparation of pumpkin puree or other ingredients.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 — Great for reheating leftovers or making additional treats with less oil.
Using these kitchen tools can streamline your baking process and improve your overall experience with this fall cookie recipe.
8. Conclusion
These easy pumpkin sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Combining the warm spices with softcookie dough and topped with cream cheese frosting makes for a decadent treat that everyone will love. Gather your ingredients, bake with love, and enjoy this seasonal masterpiece with friends and family!
Print
Easy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Celebrate the flavors of fall with these delightful Easy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies topped with Cream Cheese Frosting. Soft, chewy pumpkin cookies infused with warm spices and beautifully decorated with creamy frosting are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weekend treats.
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients until the dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- While cookies bake, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Cool cookies completely before spreading or piping frosting on top. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps make it easier to handle and enhances flavor.
- Adjust baking time for thicker or thinner cookies to prevent overbaking.
- Decorate with fall-themed sprinkles or toppings for a festive look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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