Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Are you ready for the coziest cookie of the season? These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are everything you love about fall desserts: soft, spiced, sweet, and topped with a swirl of creamy goodness. If you’re someone who finds themselves adding pumpkin puree to everything once October hits, you’ll absolutely love these.

These cookies bake up pillowy and tender, thanks to the moisture from the pumpkin and the richness of brown sugar. They’re not your typical crisp sugar cookie—they’re softer, with warm cinnamon notes and a thick swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting that sets them apart from any store-bought option. Whether you’re baking for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dessert table, or just your own fall cravings, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the ingredients, let’s talk prep and gear. Because these cookies are all about that soft-baked texture and lush frosting, having the right tools matters:

• Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming the butter and sugar to fluffy perfection, and for making the smoothest frosting.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few—one for the dry ingredients, one for the wet, and another for the frosting.
• Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper: Keeps the cookies from sticking and promotes even baking.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform size so they bake evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Because frosting warm cookies is a no-go.
• Piping Bag with Tip (optional): For that bakery-worthy swirl on top.

Set up your workspace with these essentials and you’ll breeze through the baking process with confidence.

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Ingredients for the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building texture, flavor, and structure. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show, it brings moisture, color, and that earthy fall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and body to the cookies.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents that give the cookies a soft lift.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Ground Ginger: These warm spices infuse the dough with cozy fall notes.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create that soft-baked texture.
• Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of molasses; granulated sugar helps with structure.
• Egg Yolk: Adds richness without thinning the dough like a full egg might.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor profile.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: Tangy and smooth, it’s the perfect topping for these cookies.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.

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How To Make the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger. This ensures even spice distribution and proper rising.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This builds the cookie’s airy texture.

Step 3: Add the Pumpkin and Flavor

Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. The dough may look slightly separated—totally normal!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to help with shaping.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Scoop out dough using a cookie scoop and place on the sheet 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but centers look soft.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Let cookies sit on the tray for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack. They must be fully cool before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Use a piping bag or spoon to frost each cookie with a swirl. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These cookies are best served at room temperature when the frosting has had time to set and the flavors have melded beautifully. They pair wonderfully with a warm mug of chai, spiced apple cider, or your favorite latte. For a festive presentation, serve them on a tiered dessert stand with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top right before guests arrive.

To store, place cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. Because of the cream cheese frosting, they should be refrigerated and will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months and frost fresh when ready to serve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, just make sure it’s not too watery. Blot excess moisture with a paper towel if needed before adding it to the dough.

Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?

If using salted butter, omit the added salt in the dough and frosting to avoid overly salty results.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Because of the cream cheese in the frosting, it’s best to keep them chilled when not being served.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts?

Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips or toasted pecans would complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

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Want More Fall Dessert Ideas?

If you’re all about baking your way through autumn, you might enjoy some of these cozy dessert creations too. The Apple Enchiladas: A Sweet and Comforting Treat offer a caramel-soaked twist on pie. Or maybe the Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is more your style for breakfast-to-dessert crossover.

If you’re after something fuss-free but indulgent, the No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are always a hit. For cookie lovers, the Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies deliver that rich, satisfying texture. And if you’re craving a layered treat, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars might just win your heart.

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If you give these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting a try, I’d genuinely love to hear from you. Did you add a sprinkle of spice on top? Did you go classic or switch up the frosting? Leave a comment and share your twist.

And for more cozy seasonal bakes and everyday treats, check out my Pinterest board: LadyPlate on Pinterest.

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