Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Soft, spiced, and slathered with tangy frosting — Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall treat that blends cozy flavors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies offer the best of both worlds: the tender chew of classic sugar cookies and the earthy warmth of pumpkin spice. Whether you’re planning a fall party or a quiet baking afternoon, this easy, festive dessert will bring comforting autumn flavors to every bite.

Why These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Fall Baking List

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting check all the right boxes — easy to make, packed with fall flavors, and perfect for sharing. There’s no need to chill the dough, which means you get soft, chewy cookies faster. Plus, the luscious cream cheese frosting adds a sweet-tangy balance that complements the warm spices perfectly.

These cookies are:

Soft and chewy without being cakey
Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves

Kid-friendly and great for potlucks or bake sales
Easily customizable for dietary needs
Perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or cozy nights in

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Cookies and Frosting

• Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and that signature autumn flavor
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb
• Brown Sugar: Adds richness and molasses notes
• Unsalted Butter: Gives a soft texture and buttery flavor
• Egg Yolk: Helps with structure while keeping the cookie chewy
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives the cookies form
• Baking Powder: Offers a light lift to keep them soft
• Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavor
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and fall aroma
• Nutmeg & Cloves: Deepen the spiced flavor and complement the pumpkin

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• Cream Cheese: Tangy and rich — the star of the frosting
• Butter: Adds creaminess and helps with consistency
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor depth to the frosting
• Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out the taste

Ingredient Swaps and Customization Ideas

No Cream Cheese? Use mascarpone for a slightly milder, still creamy finish.
Gluten-Free? Swap with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend without compromising structure.
Dairy-Free? Use vegan butter and plant-based cream cheese to make the cookies entirely dairy-free.
Lower Sugar Option: Try coconut sugar or a monk fruit sweetener; the texture may change slightly.
Want to Elevate the Texture? Stir in mini white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for a bit of crunch.

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat the Oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in another bowl.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix!
Scoop and Space: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough onto baking sheets. Leave room between each cookie.

Bake: Cook for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set and tops look dry. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
Frost the Cookies: Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over each one.

Expert Tips to Perfect Your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling — the latter contains added sugar and spices.
Don’t overmix once the flour goes in, or the cookies might turn out tough.
Cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting.

Add a pinch of nutmeg to the frosting for an extra fall spice kick.
Store frosted cookies in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Creative Pairings & Fun Variations

Pairing Ideas:

Sip with a chai latte or hot apple cider for the ultimate fall experience.
Add a drizzle of caramel over the frosting for a sweet, decadent twist.

Fun Variations:

Mini Sandwich Cookies: Make sandwich cookies using two pumpkin cookies with frosting in the middle.
Toppings: Try cinnamon sugar, chopped pecans, or pumpkin spice sprinkled over the frosting.
Make Ahead: Bake cookies in advance and frost them just before serving for the freshest flavor.

The Cozy Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Beyond flavor, pumpkin brings nutritional benefits to your baking. It’s rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants — making these cookies a little more wholesome than your average sweet treat. The natural moisture from the pumpkin also allows you to use less fat without sacrificing texture.

Wrapping Up the Perfect Fall Treat

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting bring together the best of autumn in one delicious bite. With their soft, chewy texture, warm spices, and rich frosting, these cookies are a must-have for any seasonal gathering or cozy night in. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to be a favorite whether you’re baking for kids, coworkers, or just yourself. Don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes your go-to every fall — it’s that irresistibly good.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it tightly wrapped in the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before scooping and baking. Since there’s no chilling required, the dough stays soft and scoopable even after refrigeration.

Why are my cookies too cakey or too flat?

Overmixing the dough or using too much flour can cause cakey cookies. Too little flour or too much butter may lead to flat cookies. For best results, measure ingredients accurately and mix just until combined. Use room-temperature butter for proper texture.

Can I skip the frosting or use something else?

Absolutely! While the cream cheese frosting adds tang and richness, you can leave the cookies unfrosted for a lighter option. Alternatively, try maple glaze, chocolate drizzle, or cinnamon sugar dusting for different flavor profiles that still complement the pumpkin.

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