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Craving a taste of fall? These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing are the perfect treat! Imagine soft, spiced cookies topped with a tangy-sweet icing – a simple recipe that brings cozy autumn vibes right to your kitchen. Get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible cookies!

Why You’ll Love These Soft Pumpkin Cookies

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing are destined to become your new favorite fall bake! Here’s why:

Unbelievably Soft: These cookies practically melt in your mouth.
Perfectly Spiced: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a warm, inviting flavor.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe a breeze.
Creamy Dreamy Icing: The cream cheese icing adds a tangy sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
Fall Flavors: Nothing says autumn like pumpkin spice!
Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for later.

These cookies are easier to clean up after than most and rekindle cozy family memories. Prepare yourself for an irresistible and effortless baking experience!

Ingredients Needed for Your Pumpkin Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing. Let’s gather our ingredients:

Cookie Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 cup (245g) canned pumpkin puree – be sure it’s puree, not pumpkin pie filling!
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients:

4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened – full-fat cream cheese works best!
1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk – adjust to reach your desired consistency.

Spice Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast your spices in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding them to the flour. This will help to release their aromatic oils.

You can find high-quality vanilla extract at most grocery stores or online.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles – A delightful twist for white chocolate lovers.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes baking these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing a breeze!

Mixing Bowls: Different sizes for wet and dry ingredients.

Soft pumpkin cookies topped with cream cheese frosting.

Electric Mixer: For creaming butter and sugar. A hand mixer will work just fine!

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key.

Whisk: For combining dry ingredients.

Baking Sheets: To bake your cookies to golden perfection.

Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly.

Spatula: For scraping bowls and spreading icing.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 32-35 minutes
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy

Scale up this recipe for a party, or halve it for a smaller batch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing:

Step 1: Get Ready to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Use an electric mixer for best results. The mixture should be pale and airy.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Beat in the pumpkin puree until well combined, then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Make sure the pumpkin is evenly incorporated into the batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies spring back when touched.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking apart.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While cookies cool, prepare the icing: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla

Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Mix in vanilla extract. Make sure there are no lumps in the icing.

Step 10: Adjust Consistency

Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired spreading consistency is reached. Be careful not to add too much milk, as this can make the icing too thin.

Step 11: Ice the Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese icing onto each cookie. Get creative with your icing designs!

Step 12: Store

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy your delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing!

CHECK OUT: Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – An indulgent twist on the classic!

Tips for Success

Close-up of a pumpkin cookie with icing swirl.

Here are a few tips to ensure your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing turn out perfectly every time:

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
Cool Completely Before Icing: Icing warm cookies will cause it to melt and slide off.
Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.

For easier mixing, use a stand mixer if you have one.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing? Here are a few ideas:

Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
Use Different Spices: Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Soft Pumpkin Cookies

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas for serving and pairings:

Serve with Warm Milk: A classic combination.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: The spices complement a warm beverage perfectly.
Add to a Dessert Platter: Perfect for parties and gatherings.
Enjoy as an Afternoon Snack: A sweet treat to brighten your day.

Health Benefits

While these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits. Pumpkin is a good source of Vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune function. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, and nutmeg contains antioxidants.

Storage & Reheating

To store these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing:

Store: In an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.

No reheating is needed; these cookies are best served cold or at room temperature. Cool the cookies completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Make the Cookies Softer?

Ensure your butter is properly softened, and don’t overbake the cookies. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Can I Use Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Pumpkin Puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. Use plain pumpkin puree for the best results.

How Can I Prevent the Icing from Being Too Thin?

Add the milk one tablespoon at a time, and stop when you reach your desired consistency. If the icing is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Can I Add Nuts to the Cookie Dough?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the dough. Add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts.

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost them. You can also freeze the unfrosted cookies for longer storage.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 cookie with icing
Calories: Approximately 120
Macros: The exact stats need a nutrition calculator.

Pile of homemade pumpkin cookies on a plate.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more delicious fall treats? Check out these recipes:

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Muffins – A delightful twist on a classic treat.
Apple Pumpkin Muffins with Oat Topping – A perfect blend of fall flavors.
Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe – Start your day with a taste of autumn.

Conclusion

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing are a fast, flavorful, and a crowd-pleasing dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Whip them up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece!

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