Description
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful fall treat combining moist, spiced pumpkin cookies with a rich and creamy frosting. Perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy afternoons, these cookies offer a soft texture and a harmonious blend of warm spices topped with luscious cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air for a tender cookie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Form Cookies and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is creamy and fluffy.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the tops of the cookies. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overmix the cookie dough to maintain softness and prevent toughness.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with non-dairy alternatives.
- Spices can be adjusted to taste, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg for a stronger flavor.
