Description
These delicious pumpkin pie cookies are soft, spiced to perfection, and topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall, these cookies are the ideal treat for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations. Rich with warm spices and pumpkin flavor, they’ll melt in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for desired consistency)
Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes:
Chopped pecans or walnuts
Sprinkles (fall-themed)
Cinnamon sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Incorporate Pumpkin Puree: Mix in the pumpkin puree until just combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably 2-3 hours).
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop and Arrange Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown and centers are set.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, on low speed.
Add Vanilla and Salt: Beat in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
Adjust Consistency: Add milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Frost the Cookies:
Once cookies are completely cool, frost with cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag.
Optional Garnish: Top with chopped pecans, fall-themed sprinkles, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Notes
Chill Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for soft cookies and preventing spreading.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and cream cheese are softened for smooth frosting.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
