Description
Delight in the cozy flavors of autumn with these Pumpkin Pie Cookies topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. Soft, spiced pumpkin cookies blended with warm cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg make the perfect treat, complemented by a creamy, sweet frosting that’s ideal for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for desired consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Sprinkles (fall-themed)
- Cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Pumpkin Puree: Mix in the pumpkin puree gently until just combined to maintain the dough’s consistency.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour and spice mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 to 3 hours, to firm up the dough and enhance flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Scoop and Arrange Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which is crucial before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy using a mixer on medium speed.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, adding it one cup at a time on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor balance of the frosting.
- Adjust Consistency: Add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time, beating until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable texture perfect for piping or spreading.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the pumpkin cookies have completely cooled, use a spatula or piping bag to frost each cookie generously with the cream cheese frosting.
- Optional Garnish: Top the frosted cookies with your choice of chopped pecans, fall-themed sprinkles, or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for added texture and festive flair.
Notes
- Do not overmix the cookie dough after adding the dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent spreading and to develop flavors.
- You can adjust the amount of milk or cream in the frosting to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the frosting fresh.
- These cookies freeze well without frosting; add frosting after thawing.
