Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect fall treat! Bursting with rich flavors from pumpkin puree and warm spices, these cookies are soft, thick, and topped with a delightful cream cheese frosting. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, these cookies will surely impress. Their unique flavor profile makes them a standout choice for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll whip these cookies up in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spice, and cream cheese creates a scrumptious taste that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Fall: These cookies capture the essence of autumn with their seasonal flavors, making them ideal for Thanksgiving or Halloween.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even as part of your holiday cookie platter.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Baking these cookies is a great activity for families; kids will love helping out in the kitchen!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to blend ingredients smoothly without spills.
- Electric mixer: Makes beating ingredients quick and effortless, especially for frosting.
- Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and allows easy cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add the melted butter, pumpkin puree, white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
2. Combine these ingredients until smooth.
Next:
3. Add in the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix until a cookie dough forms.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for about 25 minutes to firm up the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Remove the dough from the fridge:
1. Roll it into balls about 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons in size.
2. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should have around 12-14 cookies.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until lightly golden at the edges.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies are baking:
1. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and unsalted butter.
2. Use an electric mixer to beat until well combined.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while mixing until fluffy. Chill in the fridge until ready to use.
Step 7: Frost Your Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled completely:
1. Spread about a tablespoon of cream cheese frosting over each cookie.
2. Finish with an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat perfect for any fall gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve these delicious cookies.
With a Warm Beverage
- Coffee: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon snack.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them alongside rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a cozy dessert.
- Tea: A soothing herbal tea complements the warm spices in the cookies beautifully.
As Party Favors
- Cookie Bags: Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with twine for a charming party favor.
- Gift Boxes: Create small boxes filled with cookies to share with friends and family during gatherings.
On a Dessert Platter
- Dessert Table: Arrange your cookies on a platter with other seasonal treats like pies or muffins for an inviting dessert spread.
- Themed Decor: Use autumn-themed decorations to enhance the presentation and make your dessert table pop.
With Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to make ice cream sandwiches for an extra special treat.
- A La Mode: Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough helps prevent spreading and keeps them thick.
- Use Fresh Spices: Fresh pumpkin pie spice enhances flavor; consider grinding your own spices for the best taste.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth frosting consistency.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste test the frosting; feel free to add more powdered sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
- Decorate Creatively: Add toppings like chopped nuts or chocolate chips to personalize each cookie.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options.
- Apple Cider: This sweet drink pairs perfectly with the warm spices in the cookies, enhancing their flavor profile.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses and crackers provides a savory contrast to sweet cookies, making them an excellent choice for gatherings.
- Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup can be served as an appetizer before indulging in sweet desserts, creating a lovely fall theme.
- Roasted Nuts: Spiced roasted nuts add crunch and complement the cookie’s flavors, offering a delightful snacking option.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance the richness of the cookies while adding freshness to your spread.
- Spiced Hot Cider Donuts: For true pumpkin spice lovers, serving donuts coated in cinnamon sugar will surely impress guests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you get it right.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is melted for the right cookie texture.
- Skipping the chill: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 25 minutes.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can create tough cookies. Combine ingredients until just mixed for a soft texture.
- Not measuring flour accurately: Using too much flour will make your cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cookie texture. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees before baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Place unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to three months.
Reheating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that may help you.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
You can use fresh pumpkin puree, but ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your cookies.
How do I make vegan Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies?
Substitute butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a delicious plant-based version.
How can I customize my frosting?
Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or cloves to the cream cheese frosting for extra flavor. You could also use maple syrup instead of powdered sugar.
What are some variations of Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits like cranberries to enhance these pumpkin spice sugar cookies.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delightful but also versatile! Customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making them perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this warm, cozy treat during the fall season or whenever you’re craving something sweet!
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the quintessential fall treat that will whisk you away to cozy autumn days. These soft, thick cookies are infused with rich pumpkin flavor and warm spices, then generously topped with creamy, decadent frosting. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations, they provide a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, making them impossible to resist. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you can bake up a batch in no time. Your friends and family will be begging for this recipe!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, pumpkin puree, white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt; mix until a cookie dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 25 minutes.
- Roll into balls (1½ – 2 tablespoons each) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 18 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- For frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter together; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cookies and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
