Name: Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup pumpkin puree; 1 egg yolk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 51 reviews

There is just something endlessly comforting about soft, spiced cookies paired with luscious frosting, and that’s exactly what makes the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe an absolute favorite in my kitchen. These cookies are perfectly tender with a subtle pumpkin flavor, warmly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and topped with a creamy, tangy frosting that balances every bite beautifully. Whether it’s fall or you’re just craving some cozy sweetness, this recipe delivers a satisfying treat that’s as charming to share as it is to enjoy alone with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a thick, creamy, light brown mixture that has a smooth, swirled texture, with visible soft peaks and ridges throughout. There is no spoon or utensil in the bowl, and the bowl is set on a white marbled surface. The mixture fills most of the bowl, showing some mixture residue along the sides. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, but each item plays a unique role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color for these delightful cookies. From the richness of butter to the warm spices and creamy frosting components, everything combines effortlessly to bring out the best in this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened butter adds creaminess and helps create tender cookies with a rich flavor.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with a pleasantly crisp edge.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
1/3 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, providing moisture, color, and that unmistakable fall vibe.
1 egg yolk: Contributes richness and binds the dough for a soft yet sturdy structure.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds an inviting aroma.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie that balances structure and tenderness.
1/2 tsp baking powder: A gentle leavening agent to keep the cookies from being too dense.
1/4 tsp salt: Amplifies sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses earthy warmth and a classic spice note.
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a sweet, slightly nutty taste for depth.
1/8 tsp ground cloves: Provides a hint of aromatic spice without overpowering.
4 oz cream cheese: For the frosting, it adds tang and smooth richness.
2 tbsp unsalted butter: Creamed with the cream cheese to make the frosting luxuriously smooth.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Gives the frosting a lovely, aromatic lift.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting for a well-rounded taste.

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for a perfect batch every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This step is key for a tender cookie texture and a lovely crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg Yolk, and Vanilla

Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This blend adds moisture, rich flavor, and brings that irresistible pumpkin essence to your cookies.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Combining the spices and leavening agents in the dry ingredients ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender and soft rather than tough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie a couple of inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft for that perfect chewy texture.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare Frosting

Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack while you whip up the cream cheese frosting. Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This frosting will be creamy, tangy, and irresistibly rich.

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy

Once your cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on each one. The cool frosting against the warm-spiced cookie is absolutely divine and really makes this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe shine.

How to Serve Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows two round orange cookies with a soft texture, each topped with a smooth layer of white frosting sprinkled with light brown spice. One cookie is placed on a white marbled surface, and the other cookie, which has a bite taken out of it, rests partly on the corner of a wooden board. In the background, there is a white plate filled with similar cookies slightly out of focus, all having the same frosting and spice topping. The overall setting is clean and bright with a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a touch of elegance or fun, sprinkle your cookies with a bit of extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans. A light dusting of pumpkin pie spice atop the frosting can also enhance those cozy flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with warm drinks—think spiced chai, fresh coffee, or a creamy latte. For a daytime gathering, a glass of cold milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves or miniature pumpkins for a festive touch. You can also stack them in a jar tied with a ribbon as a charming gift idea. For parties, consider decorating some with colored sugar sprinkles for extra visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your frosted cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cool temperature helps maintain the cream cheese frosting’s texture and keeps the cookies soft and flavorful.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later, you can freeze un-frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready, thaw completely and frost before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring out that fresh-baked warmth, gently warm unfrosted cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid reheating with frosting to prevent melting; instead, frost after warming for a delightful experience.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually the most common choice for convenience and consistent texture.

Can I substitute the spices if I don’t have ground cloves?

Yes, you can simply omit the cloves or replace them with a pinch of ground allspice or ginger for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.

How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for about 15 minutes before baking if you find they spread too much in your oven.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives, but keep in mind the texture and tanginess might be slightly different.

Are these cookies good for holiday gift-giving?

Definitely! Their festive flavors and beautiful frosting make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a perfect, heartfelt gift during the holidays or any special occasion.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe always feels like spreading a little cozy happiness. The way those soft, spiced cookies marry with creamy frosting is truly irresistible. I encourage you to try making these soon—you may find yourself baking this batch again and again, sharing it with friends, family, or simply savoring the delightful warmth by yourself. Happy baking!