There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of fresh pumpkin cookies wafting through your kitchen. Imagine biting into a soft, warm cookie topped with luscious cream cheese icing that melts in your mouth, leaving you in a state of bliss. These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing are an autumnal hug for your taste buds, perfect for cozy evenings and festive gatherings.
As soon as you take a bite, you’ll be transported to a world where fall is eternal—where leaves crunch underfoot and every sip of cider feels like a warm embrace. This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating memories with friends and family during those chilly days when everyone gathers around the table, ready to indulge in something sweet.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin cookies are incredibly simple to prepare, making them perfect for any baking novice
- The flavor profile balances sweet and spicy notes that evoke autumn nostalgia
- Their vibrant orange color makes them visually appealing and irresistible on any dessert platter
- Whether enjoyed solo or shared at gatherings, they are versatile enough for any occasion
I remember the first time I baked these delightful cookies. My friends’ reactions were priceless—there was laughter, joy, and maybe a little bit of frosting smeared on cheeks.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor without additives.
-
All-Purpose Flour: Use standard all-purpose flour for the perfect cookie texture; no need for fancy flour here!
-
Baking Powder: Essential for helping the cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
-
Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): These spices create that cozy, homemade flavor that screams fall.
-
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth to the sweetness; don’t skimp on it.
-
Eggs: One large egg binds everything together nicely; it’s like a hug for your ingredients.
-
Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for easy mixing and rich flavor.
-
Powdered Sugar: This will give your cream cheese icing its lovely sweetness and smooth texture.
-
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for that dreamy icing—don’t forget to let it warm up!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat That Oven!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather all your ingredients. It’s like waking up your kitchen!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined. The scent should be heavenly by now!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll want this mixture to look like clouds—fluffy clouds!
Add Pumpkin and Egg
Beat in canned pumpkin puree and egg into the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated. The batter will be thick but oh-so-satisfying.
Combine Mixtures Carefully
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined; avoid overmixing unless you want tough cookies!
Scoop Those Cookies!
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart. They will spread slightly; give them space to breathe!
Bake!
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell like pure happiness!
Create Your Icing!
While cookies cool down, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This icing is what dreams are made of!
Icing Time!
Once cooled completely, generously frost each cookie with that luscious cream cheese icing. Feel free to go wild here—more is more!
Now sit back with a cup of coffee or tea (or both), indulge in these delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing, and relish every bite!
These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re a celebration of flavors that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Enjoy every moment spent baking—and eating!
You Must Know
- Baking pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing is a delightful experience!
- The aroma fills your kitchen with warmth, and the texture is soft and chewy
- Just remember, overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so keep an eye on them
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while mixing the cookie dough. This ensures that your pumpkin cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to your dough for extra texture and flavor. A pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the spices!
Storing & Reheating
Store your pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For soft pumpkin cookies, chill the dough before baking; this helps them spread less
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for better flavor, and don’t skip the cream cheese icing—it’s heavenly!
- Adjust spices according to your taste for a personalized touch
Baking these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing always reminds me of cozy fall gatherings with friends. Their smiles as they bite into the soft, sweet treat make all the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I freeze pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing?
Yes, freeze them without icing; add icing after thawing for best results.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly, they can last up to five days at room temperature.
What if I don’t have pumpkin spice?
You can mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger as a substitute for pumpkin spice.
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
Indulge in the irresistible warmth of pumpkin cookies topped with creamy icing, perfect for autumn gatherings. These soft, flavorful cookies combine the rich taste of pumpkin with cozy spices, creating a delightful treat that brings everyone together. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or share them at your next festive celebration!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the pumpkin puree and egg until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- For the icing, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost cooled cookies generously with cream cheese icing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Leave a Comment