Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These soft, tender pumpkin cookies are spiced and sweetened to perfection, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting for a comforting autumn treat.
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour Structure
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Leavening
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Leavening
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice Plus extra for sprinkling
- ½ teaspoon salt Enhances flavor
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature Moisture and richness
- ¾ cup granulated sugar Sweetness and texture
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar Moisture and depth
- 1 ¼ cups canned pumpkin puree Moisture and flavor
- 1 large egg, room temperature Binding
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Aroma and flavor
For the cream cheese frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Rich texture
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened Creaminess
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Flavor
- 1 ¾ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted Sweetness and texture
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice, then set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; the dough will be soft and sticky.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, until the edges are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar; mix until creamy and well incorporated.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice if desired.
Notes
Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing. Don't overmix the dough once flour is added to maintain softness.