The first whiff of warm spices drifting through my kitchen always transports me to a cozy autumn afternoon. Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are my go-to treat as the leaves begin to change colors and the days grow shorter. With their light, chewy texture and a rich pumpkin flavor, these cookies are not only a delightful dessert but a fantastic way to embrace the season. Quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, they’re perfect for gatherings or simple indulgences at home. Plus, the creamy frosting adds a luscious touch that elevates each bite. Curious how to make these comforting autumn delights? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love These Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Autumn Inspired: These cookies capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, making them a seasonal favorite.
Effortless Preparation: Quick to whip up, even beginner bakers can easily create these delightful treats without fuss.
Versatile Indulgence: Enjoy them fresh from the oven, or transform them into delicious ice cream sandwiches for an irresistible twist.
Crowd Favorite: Perfect for gatherings, these cookies will leave your friends and family asking for seconds. Enhance your fall baking repertoire by pairing them with other seasonal treats like Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins!
Luscious Frosting: The creamy cream cheese frosting adds a rich finishing touch that takes these cookies to the next level of deliciousness.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake these cozy treats!
For the Cookies
- All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure; you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if desired.
- Baking Soda – This leavening agent ensures your cookies rise perfectly.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and comfort to flavor, embodying the essence of autumn.
- Ground Nutmeg – A spice that enhances the fall flavor profile; don’t skip this!
- Ground Cloves – Provides rich aromatics; you can also use allspice as an alternative.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor; opt for sea salt for the best results.
- Unsalted Butter – Contributes moisture and richness; make sure it’s softened at room temperature.
- Granulated Sugar – Offers sweetness; brown sugar will add moisture and a hint of caramel if you choose to substitute.
- Pumpkin Puree – This is the star ingredient for flavor and moisture; use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
- Large Egg – Serves as a binding agent vital for structure; you can swap it for a flax egg for a vegan option.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic sweetness that elevates the flavor profile.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese – The base for a creamy frosting; make sure it’s softened to achieve that smooth consistency.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetness and structure for the frosting; adjust quantity according to your sweetness preference.
- Milk (or Heavy Cream) – Used to adjust frosting consistency; almond milk or dairy-free options work well too.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until thoroughly combined. This process helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and spices, ensuring your Soft Pumpkin Cookies have the perfect balance of flavors and rise. Set this mixture aside to blend seamlessly with the wet ingredients later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3–5 minutes. Look for a light and fluffy texture, which indicates that aeration is achieved. This step is essential to create soft and chewy cookies. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed for even mixing.
Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
To the creamed butter and sugar, add the pumpkin puree, large egg, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. The vibrant orange of the pumpkin will blend beautifully with the creamy butter and sugar, creating a luscious batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your Soft Pumpkin Cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently on low speed until just combined. You want to see no more flour streaks while avoiding overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky—perfect for a chewy texture once baked.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl of dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, resulting in the ideal shape and texture for your Soft Pumpkin Cookies. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and prepare your baking sheets.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Sheets
As your dough chills, line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking. This step not only makes cleanup easier but also ensures even baking. Once your oven is preheated, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes for easier scooping.
Step 7: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a tablespoon, scoop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. The dough might be slightly sticky, so use a spatula to help shape them if needed. Be sure to fill the sheets evenly for consistent baking among your Soft Pumpkin Cookies.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden and the centers are set but still soft. The cookies will appear slightly underbaked, which is perfect for achieving that moist and chewy texture. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 9: Cool on Baking Sheets
Once done, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up and makes it easier to transfer them. Then, gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack using a spatula to cool completely—this ensures they retain their soft and tender texture.
Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined, then stir in a splash of milk or heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency. The frosting should be rich and creamy, perfect for spreading on your cooled Soft Pumpkin Cookies.
Step 11: Frost the Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie using a knife or an offset spatula. Feel free to get creative—drizzle with extra frosting, or sprinkle with cinnamon or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture. Your Soft Pumpkin Cookies are now ready to indulge!
Expert Tips for Soft Pumpkin Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Ensuring you chill the dough prevents spread during baking, yielding nice, thick Soft Pumpkin Cookies. Give it at least an hour for best results.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and cream cheese for frosting allows for a smoother consistency, making it easier to spread the frosting evenly.
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Avoid Overmixing: Be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft texture you’re aiming for.
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Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that chewy experience.
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Frosting Adjustments: You can tweak the sweetness of your cream cheese frosting by adjusting the powdered sugar amount to match your taste preference without sacrificing creaminess.
Storage Tips for Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep your Soft Pumpkin Cookies in the fridge using an airtight container for up to 1 week. This also helps preserve the cream cheese frosting.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, gently reheat in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. Enjoy the comforting flavors all over again!
What to Serve with Soft Pumpkin Cookies
These delightful cookies create the perfect centerpiece for a cozy autumn gathering, inviting warmth and comfort to your table.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai enhance the cozy flavors of the cookies, making each bite a comforting experience. Sip and savor together for the ultimate autumn indulgence.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, soft pumpkin cookies, creating a delightful harmony of textures and flavors.
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Candied Pecans: These crunchy, sweet treats add a delightful contrast that elevates the experience, enhancing the nostalgic flavors of fall in every bite.
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Maple Pecan Praline: The syrupy sweetness and nutty crunch of this praline create a joyous pairing that brings out the cookie’s pumpkin essence. Enjoy as a garnish for added flavor!
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Hot Apple Cider: A steaming cup of spiced apple cider beautifully complements the autumn spices in the cookies, making each moment taste like a warm family gathering.
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Cheesecake Brownies: Go decadent by serving these rich brownies alongside the cookies for a mixed dessert platter, satisfying every sweet tooth at the table.
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Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling this sweet, savory sauce over the cookies adds a touch of extravagance, enhancing their flavor profile and making them even more indulgent.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, keeping it covered to prevent dryness. Additionally, baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their delightful softness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies. When ready to enjoy, simply bake the chilled dough or frost the ready cookies after they cool down. This way, you’ll have warm, delicious cookies to share with loved ones with minimal effort!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to play with these suggestions and make the recipe your own—your taste buds will thank you!
- Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a deliciously sweet surprise inside each cookie.
- Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a unique, subtly sweet, and earthy flavor.
- Spice Adjustments: Elevate the warmth by adding ground ginger or cardamom to the spice mix for a cozy twist.
- Dairy-Free Frosting: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese to make a delightful vegan frosting that’s just as creamy.
- Pumpkin Spice: For extra seasonal flair, include a tablespoon of pumpkin spice mix in the dough for a double dose of fall flavors.
- Yogurt Topping: Instead of frosting, dollop some plain Greek yogurt on top for a tangy upgrade—perfect for breakfast!
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For an indulgent treat, sandwich your favorite ice cream between two Soft Pumpkin Cookies for a delightful dessert!
For more autumn-inspired flavors, check out this Pumpkin Spice Gooey cake or indulge in some Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes. Enjoy experimenting and savoring these cozy variations!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, you want to choose pure pumpkin puree. Look for cans labeled “100% pumpkin” on the ingredient list, avoiding those with added spices or sugars, which are meant for pie filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use freshly roasted pumpkin; just make sure to blend it until smooth!
What’s the best way to store Soft Pumpkin Cookies?
To maintain the soft texture, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to stay fresh longer, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. Just ensure they’re kept in a container that seals tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, very much! To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
What if my cookie dough seems too sticky?
If your dough is a bit stickier than expected, don’t worry! It often depends on how much pumpkin puree was added. If it’s unmanageable, you can gradually add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a workable consistency. Additionally, chilling the dough for longer can help firm it up and make it easier to scoop.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you’re catering to specific diets, there are simple swaps you can make. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. To make it vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit until thickened). Ensure you also choose plant-based cream cheese for the frosting.
How long can the cream cheese frosting last?
For the best taste, use your cream cheese frosting within a week if it’s stored in the fridge. In an airtight container, it keeps well on its own without the cookies for approximately 5-7 days. If you’re not frosting the cookies right away, I recommend preparing the frosting and storing it in the fridge separately until you’re ready to use it.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies: Cozy Autumn Treats You'll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3–5 minutes.
- Add pumpkin puree, large egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on low speed until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
- Cover the bowl of dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Scoop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
- Once cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie.
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