🍂 Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting – A Comforting Treat for Every Season
Growing up, one of my favorite memories was baking with my grandmother during the crisp fall days. Surprisingly, she would also whip up her signature treats on warm summer evenings. Her pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting were the kind of dessert you’d sneak out of bed for. That perfect combination of soft pumpkin-spiced cookies and tangy-sweet frosting made every bite unforgettable. Now, I’m sharing a version of that beloved recipe that keeps all the charm and flavor, perfect for both summer and winter indulgence.
Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace or enjoying a sunny backyard picnic, these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting offer a sweet, spiced hug in every bite. They are a year-round treat that feels nostalgic and festive no matter the season.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These cookies are soft and pillowy, with a rich texture that melts in your mouth. The flavor of pumpkin is perfectly enhanced by cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger. When topped with cream cheese frosting, the sweet and tangy balance is simply irresistible. These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting also make a delightful gift or a treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea. They’re easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cookies
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in chopped nuts if using.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and creamy.
Once the cookies are cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting over each cookie.
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting for Every Occasion
These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are the perfect companion to your morning coffee or a cozy dessert after dinner. During autumn, they are the ideal way to celebrate pumpkin season. In summer, serve them chilled for a cool, sweet snack that still feels homemade and satisfying. No matter when you serve them, pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are always a crowd-pleaser.
Variations and Add-ins
Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are incredibly versatile. Try adding mini chocolate chips for a double treat. Dried cranberries bring a tart balance, and chopped walnuts add texture. You can even experiment with flavored cream cheese like maple or cinnamon to elevate the frosting.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting will firm up slightly, making them perfect for stacking with parchment paper in between. If you’re planning ahead, the dough for pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be refrigerated for 24 hours before baking. Unfrosted cookies also freeze well for up to 2 months.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Use canned pumpkin puree for consistency. Homemade puree might be too watery.
- Let the cookies cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
- If you like a spicier cookie, increase the cinnamon or add a dash of cloves.
Healthier Swaps
To lighten up the recipe, substitute half the butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt. Use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar. You can even use low-fat cream cheese for the frosting. Even with these changes, your pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting will remain delicious.
A Sweet Seasonal Gift
Wrap a batch of these cookies in parchment and tie with twine for a homemade gift. Friends and family will love receiving pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting during the holidays, at housewarmings, or just as a thoughtful surprise.
Kid-Friendly Fun
Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are great for baking with children. Let them help mix the dough or decorate the cookies with sprinkles. Turn baking day into a fun family activity with tasty results.
A Dessert for All Seasons
Pumpkin isn’t just for autumn. Thanks to canned pumpkin, pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting can be made any time of year. They’re light enough for summer and comforting enough for winter. Bring them to picnics, bake sales, potlucks, or simply enjoy them at home.
Read more : https://chefnip.com/pumpkin-donut-holes/
Hosting with Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re planning a fall gathering or a cozy brunch, consider making pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting your dessert centerpiece. Stack them on a tiered serving tray or create a “cookie bar” with different toppings like mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, and cinnamon sugar for guests to sprinkle on top.
For a warm beverage pairing, serve these cookies with homemade apple cider or a spiced chai latte. The spices in the drink complement the flavors of the cookies beautifully.
Hosting in summer? Serve chilled cookies with iced coffee or a cold brew to balance the richness of the frosting with a refreshing drink.
Perfect for Gifting
Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are a heartfelt homemade gift. Use small bakery boxes or cellophane bags, line them with parchment paper, and add a ribbon. They make thoughtful treats for holidays, teacher appreciation, birthdays, or just to brighten someone’s day.
Include a handwritten card with the recipe if you want to make it extra special. Homemade gifts like these cookies show care and bring joy in the sweetest way.
Creative Presentation Ideas
If you’re presenting these cookies at a bake sale or festive event, you can add a few decorative elements to make them stand out:
- Top with a single pecan or walnut half for a classy touch.
- Dust with cinnamon or pumpkin spice.
- Use colored sugar sprinkles to match a holiday theme.
- Drizzle a maple glaze over the cream cheese frosting for added flair.
Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also a treat for the eyes when styled with care.
Serving Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting at Parties
These cookies are fantastic for holiday parties, office events, or casual get-togethers. They don’t require utensils, making them an ideal finger food dessert. You can even serve mini versions by making smaller cookie scoops and adjusting the bake time accordingly.
Arrange them on a rustic wooden tray with a few decorative mini pumpkins or cinnamon sticks for a seasonal display. The inviting look and incredible aroma will attract guests before they even take a bite.
Fun Activity: Pumpkin Cookie Decorating with Kids
Make baking pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting a family activity. Kids can help mix the dough, use the cookie scoop, and decorate the cookies with frosting and sprinkles.
Set up a mini cookie decorating station. Provide different colored frostings, edible glitter, and toppings like crushed graham crackers or mini marshmallows. Not only will they have fun, but they’ll also build memories in the kitchen.
Why These Cookies Work for Every Season
While pumpkin is traditionally a fall ingredient, the flavors in pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are truly versatile. In winter, their warming spices make them perfect for cozy moments. In spring and summer, the frosting adds a cool, creamy contrast, making the cookies feel light and refreshing.
Thanks to canned pumpkin, you’re not limited by the seasons. These cookies are a go-to year-round favorite.
Pairing Ideas
Here are some great pairings to complement your pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting:
- Fall: Hot apple cider, chai tea, or mulled wine.
- Winter: Peppermint mocha, eggnog, or a dark roast coffee.
- Spring: Earl grey tea or fresh fruit smoothies.
- Summer: Iced vanilla latte, cold brew, or even a scoop of frozen yogurt on the side.
No matter the drink, these cookies bring comfort and flavor to every table.
Seasonal Decorating Ideas
For fall, decorate your cookies with a dusting of pumpkin spice or tiny fondant leaves. In winter, try snowflake sprinkles or edible glitter. For spring, consider pastel-colored icing swirls, and in summer, bright citrus zest adds a pop of freshness.
Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are like a blank canvas. You can adapt them for any occasion just by changing the presentation.
Nutritional Notes (approximate per cookie with frosting)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portions. For a lighter option, try using reduced-fat cream cheese and less sugar in the frosting. Pumpkin itself is rich in vitamin A and fiber, so there’s a small boost of nutrition in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?
Yes, they should be refrigerated because cream cheese frosting is perishable. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
2. Can I use cream cheese frosting on cookies?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with cookies like pumpkin, gingerbread, red velvet, or sugar cookies.
3. What are the best add-ins for pumpkin cookies?
Popular add-ins include chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, walnuts, dried cranberries, or a dash of cinnamon chips.
4. Can I add pumpkin puree to cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can! Add a tablespoon or two of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the frosting for an extra seasonal flavor boost. Just don’t overdo it or the frosting may become too runny.
5. Can I eat cream cheese frosting that was left out overnight?
No, it’s not safe. Cream cheese frosting should not sit out for more than 2 hours. After that, bacteria can grow rapidly.
6. Do pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting have to be refrigerated?
Yes, just like the cookies, pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting should be stored in the refrigerator for food safety.
7. Should you refrigerate cookies with cream cheese icing?
Yes. Any cookies topped with cream cheese icing must be refrigerated to avoid spoilage.
8. What type of frosting is best for cookies?
It depends on the cookie! Cream cheese frosting is ideal for soft, spiced cookies like pumpkin or carrot. For sugar cookies, royal icing or buttercream works best if you want a firmer finish.
