Soft Pumpkin Cookies: The Best Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

The leaves are turning, and there’s a crispness in the air that heralds the arrival of fall—what better way to embrace this season than with a batch of soft pumpkin cookies? These delightful treats are like a warm hug on a chilly day, blending rich pumpkin spice flavors with a tangy cream cheese frosting that simply melts in your mouth.

I first whipped up these cookies during a cozy afternoon when I craved something comforting and sweet. The pillowy texture and scrumptious frosting made for a magical moment that had everyone asking for the recipe. It’s no surprise; these cookies not only promise a delightful bite but also bring back fond memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations.

With a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can turn your kitchen into a haven of warm aromas and laughter. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking to indulge in a comforting treat, these soft pumpkin cookies are sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and make your kitchen the place to be this autumn!

Why are Soft Pumpkin Cookies irresistible?

Warm, Cozy Flavors: The comforting blend of pumpkin and spices creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Decadent Creaminess: Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, these cookies bring a rich texture that melts in your mouth, enhancing every bite.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up in no time!
Versatile Treat: Adapt them by adding chocolate chips or spices for a personal twist, making them suitable for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These cookies are sure to impress at parties or family get-togethers, leaving everyone asking for seconds!
Rediscover the joy of homemade treats with this classic recipe that’s bound to be a family favorite!

Soft Pumpkin Cookies Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need to make the best soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting!

For the Cookies

All-purpose flour – Provides structure; can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Baking soda – Helps cookies rise and become fluffy.
Ground cinnamon – Adds warm spice flavor; for a twist, use pumpkin pie spice blend.
Ground nutmeg – Enhances the autumnal spice profile perfectly.
Ground cloves – Imparts a rich, aromatic flavor.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
Unsalted butter (2 sticks) – Adds moisture and richness; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies; feel free to reduce quantity for less sweetness.
Pumpkin puree – Provides moisture and flavor; use fresh or canned (not pie filling).
Large egg – Binds the ingredients and contributes to a fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor.

For the Frosting

Cream cheese (8 ounces) – Forms the primary frosting component, delivering delightful creaminess; opt for vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Powdered sugar (4 cups) – Sweetens the frosting; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
Milk or heavy cream (2-4 tablespoons) – Adjusts frosting consistency to make it spreadable.

Discover the comfort of these soft pumpkin cookies, enhanced with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s truly hard to resist!

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This blend creates the perfect spice base for your cookies.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This crucial step helps to achieve that light, airy texture.
Mix in Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla: Add in the pumpkin puree, large egg, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until the batter is smooth and well combined, bringing all those warm flavors together.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredient blend into the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want fluffy cookies, not tough ones!
Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and enhances flavor.
Preheat Oven: When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto your baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
Bake Cookies: Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. They should look soft but not undercooked!
Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key!
Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until incorporated and creamy.
Adjust Consistency: Stir in the vanilla and milk or heavy cream until the frosting reaches your desired thickness—smooth and spreadable is the goal!
Frost Cookies: Once cookies are completely cool, generously frost each with the cream cheese frosting. Feel free to get creative with optional toppings like sprinkles or chopped nuts.
Serve: Enjoy these soft pumpkin cookies fresh, sharing joy with family and friends, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Optional: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra autumn touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These soft pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator, which also amplifies the flavors. Just scoop the dough onto baking sheets and leave them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. The cream cheese frosting can be made up to 3 days prior; store it in an airtight container in the fridge for optimal freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the cookies, allow them to cool, and frost them for a delightful finish. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, delicious soft pumpkin cookies with minimal effort on those busy weeknights!

How to Store and Freeze Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness.

Fridge: For extended freshness, keep cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where they will stay good for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a cozy, fresh-out-of-the-oven experience—perfect for indulging in those soft pumpkin cookies again!

What to Serve with Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

These charming cookies are a delightful addition to any gathering, and pairing them with other dishes can elevate your autumn desserts to a whole new level.

Warm Spiced Apple Cider: The sweet and spicy notes complement the pumpkin flavor, creating a cozy fall drink that’s perfect alongside your cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Soft and creamy, ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced cookies, making each bite a delightful treat.
Ginger Snap Cookies: The spicy crunch of ginger snaps creates an exciting texture contrast with the soft pumpkin cookies, enhancing the cookie platter experience.
Chai Latte: With its warm spices, a chai latte is a comforting beverage that pairs beautifully with the cookies, creating a lovingly cozy vibe.
Candied Pecans: The crunchy sweetness of candied pecans offers a delightful texture contrast, providing a nutty richness that complements the cookies.
Maple Whipped Cream: Light and airy, drizzling this over the cookies creates an indulgent dessert that feels perfectly festive for gatherings and celebrations.

Picture a beautifully set table with these sweet treats and drinks. It’s all about creating those warm, memorable moments shared with loved ones!

Soft Pumpkin Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own with fun and tasty variations!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix to create a deliciously soft texture without the gluten.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of unsalted butter and vegan cream cheese for the frosting to enjoy these treats free of dairy.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of ground ginger or cardamom to the spice mix for a unique flavor dimension that warms the soul.
Nutty Delight: Fold in half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added crunch and richness.
Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate chocolate chips into the mix for a delightful surprise with every bite, balancing the pumpkin spice beautifully.
Frosting Variations: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or maple in the frosting for a tasty twist on traditional cream cheese.
Pumpkin Spice Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream for a scrumptious dessert-perfect for autumn gatherings!
Cinnamon Crumble: Top the cookies with a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar before baking for an added layer of sweet goodness and a delightful crunch.

Embrace these variations to make each batch uniquely yours, infused with love and creativity!

Expert Tips for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

• Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing the dough to ensure your cookies stay tender and fluffy—mix until just combined.

• Chill for Success: Chilling the dough for at least one hour helps prevent spreading and promotes richer flavors in your soft pumpkin cookies.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best frosting consistency; cold ingredients can create lumps.

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your frosting and adjust the sweetness of powdered sugar based on your preference; everyone loves a personalized touch!

• Perfect Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they’re done when the edges are golden brown and the centers are set yet soft.

Rediscover the joy of homemade baking with these tips for the best soft pumpkin cookies!

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs

What kind of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely! You want to use pure pumpkin puree, which can be fresh or canned. Just ensure to pick one that states “100% pumpkin” on the label. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added spices and sugar that will alter the flavor of your cookies.

How should I store my cookies for maximum freshness?
To keep your soft pumpkin cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For even longer storage, you can refrigerate them, and they’ll last about 5 days. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing them away!

Can I freeze these cookies, and if so, how?
Very! Freezing your soft pumpkin cookies is a great way to enjoy them later. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once they’re firm, transfer the cookies to a zip-top bag or airtight container, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. It’s best to use them within 3 months for optimal flavor!

What do I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too thin, don’t worry—it happens to the best of us! To fix this for the future, ensure that your dough is well-chilled before baking. You can also try adding a little more flour to the dough. If you’re using an oven with uneven temperature, consider rotating the trays halfway through baking for even results.

Are these cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
While these soft pumpkin cookies are delicious for humans, they are not suitable for pets, as ingredients like sugar and butter can be harmful to them. Additionally, if anyone has allergies, please note that the recipe contains common allergens such as wheat (gluten) and dairy. Always check with guests regarding dietary restrictions before serving.

Can I modify the frosting for dietary needs?
Certainly! If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative, and use plant-based milk instead of regular milk or heavy cream. You can also adjust the sweetness by reducing powdered sugar to fit your taste while keeping the texture creamy.