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Craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall? These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing are the perfect treat! Imagine sinking your teeth into a pillowy cookie, bursting with pumpkin spice and topped with a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting. Ideal for an afternoon snack, holiday gathering, or simply a cozy night in. Let’s bake some magic!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Effortless Baking: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy bakers.
Ultimate Comfort: The soft, spiced cookies evoke a cozy, homey feeling.
Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties and gatherings.
Perfectly Spiced: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates the quintessential fall flavor.
Irresistible Icing: The tangy cream cheese frosting complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
Kid-Friendly: A delightful treat for kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Cookies can be baked ahead of time and frosted later.
Better Than Store-Bought: Freshly baked cookies bursting with flavor, unlike anything you can buy.

Ingredients Needed for Pumpkin Cookies

For the Cookies:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cookie.
1 cup (245g) pumpkin puree: Ensure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pie filling.
1 large egg: Provides structure and richness.
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors.
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour: Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurement, preventing dry cookies.
1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become soft.
1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes.
1/2 teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg: Provides a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) ground cloves: A small amount adds depth and complexity.
1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened: Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich, creamy frosting.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth frosting.
3 cups (360g) powdered sugar: Sift the sugar to prevent lumps in the frosting.
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk: Add gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

Ingredient Tip: For the spices, consider using freshly ground spices for a more intense flavor. YOU MIGHT LOVE: Roasted Carrot, Quinoa, and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing – A vibrant and healthy dish perfect for any occasion.

Essential Equipment List

Large bowls: For mixing the cookie dough and frosting.
Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar much easier and faster.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success.
Baking sheets: Use light-colored baking sheets for even baking.
Parchment paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Wire rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly.

Recipe Details

Soft pumpkin cookies topped with cream cheese icing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Get Started

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie. It may take 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Vanilla

Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated to prevent a grainy texture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed, which is important for the cookie’s texture and flavor.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. It is important to make sure the butter and cream cheese are really smooth, otherwise you will have some pieces in your icing.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Sift the sugar before adding it to the mixture, this make sure that the icing is smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency. Add milk gradually to prevent it from becoming too thin.

Step 9: Frost and Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese icing. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.

CHECK OUT: Cucumber, Chickpea, and Red Onion Salad with Dill – A refreshing and easy salad that’s perfect as a side or light lunch.

Tips for Success

Soften Butter Properly: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for both the cookies and the frosting.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough leads to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.

Cool Completely: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
Sift Powdered Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps in your frosting.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly.

Variations & Substitutions

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the cookie dough for extra warmth.
Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolate-pumpkin combination.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water). Use vegan cream cheese for the icing.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Warm Beverage: Pair these cookies with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a pumpkin spice latte.
Dessert Platter: Include them on a dessert platter with other fall treats like apple pie or caramel apples.
Ice Cream: Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Gift Giving: Package them in a decorative tin or box to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Health Benefits

Pumpkin: Rich in vitamin A, which is important for eye health and immune function.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fiber: Pumpkin provides some dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their warmth and softness. Frozen cookies can be thawed at room temperature before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is not too soft. If it’s melted, the cookies will spread. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which will alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. Stick with 100% pumpkin puree.

How do I make the cream cheese icing smoother?

Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature and fully softened. Sifting the powdered sugar also helps prevent lumps. If the icing is still lumpy, beat it for a longer period of time or add a touch more milk.

Can I freeze the cream cheese icing?

Cream cheese icing doesn’t freeze well, as it can become grainy. It’s best to make it fresh.

What can I use instead of vanilla extract?

If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use almond extract or maple syrup as a substitute. Start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 Cookie
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 150mg

Close-up of a stack of iced pumpkin cookies.

Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 20g
Protein: 3g

Even More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving even more delightful treats? Dive into these amazing recipes:

Moist Chocolate Pumpkin Bread – A decadent twist on classic pumpkin bread, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Classic Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping and Maple Glaze – A fall favorite, elevated with a crunchy streusel and sweet maple glaze.
Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping – Warm spices and sweet apples combine in a comforting cake that is a great addition for breakfast.

Conclusion

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing are fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress! Whip up a batch tonight and fill your home with the cozy aroma of fall spices. Let us know how they turn out in the comments below!

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Happy cooking!

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing