Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

The Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall treat! Light, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, each cookie melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy gatherings, festive celebrations, or even a simple afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress everyone. The creamy frosting adds an extra layer of delight that makes them irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a delightful taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can whip these up quickly.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, holidays, or just because—they’re a perfect sweet addition to any occasion.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies stay soft and chewy, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience every time.
• Creamy Frosting Delight: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand can make baking your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Electric mixer
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth and fluffy texture for both the cookie dough and frosting.
• Baking sheets: Provide an even surface for cookies to bake uniformly.
• Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool properly without becoming soggy from steam.

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Ingredients

The ultimate fall treat! Light, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, each cookie melts in your mouth.

For the Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix until smooth and combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
– Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
– Stir until just combined—do not overmix!

Step 5: Form Cookies on Baking Sheet

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased or lined baking sheet:
– Ensure there is about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake for 12-15 minutes:
– The edges should be lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

While cookies are cooling:
1. Beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add in the cream cheese and beat until silky smooth.
3. Gradually mix in icing sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once cookies are completely cooled:
– Spread cream cheese frosting generously on top. Optionally sprinkle some cinnamon for extra flair.

Enjoy your deliciously soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with a few serving suggestions. Whether for a cozy gathering or a festive event, these ideas will elevate your cookie experience.

With a Cup of Tea

• Enjoying your cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea adds a soothing touch. The combination of spices in the cookies complements the flavors of chai or cinnamon tea beautifully.

As Dessert Sandwiches

• Spread some extra cream cheese frosting between two cookies to create delicious dessert sandwiches. This option is sure to impress guests and children alike.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside seasonal fruits like apple slices and pomegranate seeds. This presentation not only looks appealing but also adds freshness to your dessert table.

With Ice Cream

• Pairing your soft pumpkin cookies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream creates an indulgent treat. The warm cookie contrasts perfectly with the cold ice cream.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• For an added layer of flavor, drizzle some caramel sauce over the frosted cookies. The sweet and gooey texture enhances the overall taste experience.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your soft pumpkin cookies turn out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips that focus on texture and flavor.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allow butter, egg, and cream cheese to come to room temperature for better mixing, resulting in smoother batter and frosting.
• Do not overmix the dough – Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies instead of soft ones.
• Chill the dough (optional) – If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help improve the cookie’s texture and prevent spreading during baking.
• Check for doneness – Bake until edges are lightly golden but centers appear slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Store properly – Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you’ve added frosting. This helps maintain their softness.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for side dishes that complement soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, consider these delicious options that enhance your dessert spread.

1. Apple Cinnamon Salad – A refreshing mix of diced apples tossed in cinnamon yogurt dressing adds crunch and sweetness alongside your cookies.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte – This classic fall beverage pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors, making it an ideal drink choice during cookie time.
3. Cheese Platter – Include some mild cheeses such as brie or gouda for a savory contrast to the sweet cookies; add crackers for crunch!
4. Autumn Fruit Medley – A blend of seasonal fruits like pears, figs, and grapes brings natural sweetness and color to your serving table.
5. Candied Pecans – These sweet nuts provide a deliciously crunchy side that complements both the soft texture of the cookies and their spiced flavor profile.
6. Hot Chocolate Bar – Set up a hot chocolate station where guests can customize their drinks with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and sprinkles—perfect alongside those soft cookies!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes will help you create the perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Always measure flour and sugars carefully using standard measuring cups.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Applying frosting on warm cookies leads to a melted mess. Make sure your cookies are completely cooled before frosting them.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or cream cheese can result in uneven mixing. Allow these ingredients to come to room temperature for smoother batter and frosting.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can affect baking time and cookie texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking conditions.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• For frosted cookies, freeze individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cookies for about 5 minutes until they are soft again.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

How do I ensure my Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting turn out fluffy?

To achieve fluffiness, make sure not to overmix the dough and use room temperature ingredients.

Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting?

Yes, you can use mascarpone or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer. Just ensure it has a similar consistency.

What spices can I add to my Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

You can experiment by adding allspice or cardamom for additional flavor while keeping the original spice blend intact.

How long do these pumpkin cookies last?

Soft Pumpkin Cookies can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! Freeze them unfrosted or frosted; just remember that frosted ones may need more careful handling.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delightful treats but also versatile options for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips! Dive into this delicious recipe today and enjoy every bite!