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Soft Pumpkin Cookies: The Best Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft Pumpkin Cookies: The Best Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are a delightful fall treat that blends rich flavors and warm spices.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cream cheese frosting, easy cookie recipe, fall desserts, homemade cookies, pumpkin recipes, soft pumpkin cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 180kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment Paper
  • Refrigerator
  • Oven

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon For a twist, use pumpkin pie spice blend.
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Reduce quantity for less sweetness.
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree Use fresh or canned (not pie filling).
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese Opt for vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
  • 4 cups powdered sugar Adjust based on sweetness preference.
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream Adjusts frosting consistency.

Instructions

Directions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  • In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy—about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until smooth.
  • Gradually mix the dry ingredient blend into the pumpkin mixture until just combined.
  • Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
  • Using a tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto your baking sheets.
  • Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until incorporated.
  • Stir in the vanilla and milk or heavy cream until the frosting reaches desired thickness.
  • Frost each completely cooled cookie with the cream cheese frosting.
  • Enjoy or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

Optional: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra autumn touch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Iron: 0.5mg