Description
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, spiced delights perfect for the fall season. Featuring a tender pumpkin-infused dough packed with classic autumn spices and topped with a rich, smooth cream cheese frosting, these cookies are sure to satisfy your seasonal cravings with every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for the dough.
- Add Pumpkin and Egg: Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, giving the dough moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves evenly distributing the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.
- Scoop and Bake: Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies apart to allow for spreading, and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Frost Cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, frost each cookie generously with the cream cheese frosting for a rich finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother frosting.
- To get evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting before it sets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
