Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

The Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall treat! These cookies are light, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Each bite melts in your mouth, making them perfect for gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy night in. Their delightful flavor and texture make them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies without any hassle.
• Deliciously Spiced: The combination of warm spices brings out the best in pumpkin, creating an inviting aroma and taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or an office party, these cookies are sure to impress.
• Frosted Delight: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and creamy touch that complements the soft cookie beautifully.
• Makes a Generous Batch: This recipe yields 24 cookies, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your soft pumpkin cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: It helps achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming butter and sugars together.
• Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients prevents clumping and ensures even mixing.
• Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet promotes even cooking and browning of your cookies.

Ingredients

The ultimate fall treat! Light, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, each cookie melts in your mouth.

For the Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures even baking for your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
– Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep cookies soft.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto greased or lined baking sheets:
– Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow room for spreading.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes:
– Look for lightly golden edges. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

While cookies cool:
1. Beat the softened butter until smooth.
2. Add cream cheese; beat until silky smooth.
3. Gradually mix in icing sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost the Cookies

Once cooled:
– Generously spread cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Optionally sprinkle with cinnamon for extra flair.

Enjoy your delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies can be served alongside different accompaniments to enhance their flavor.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee or Tea – Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy experience. The spices in the cookies complement the warmth of your drink perfectly.
• Hot Chocolate – Enjoy these cookies with a rich hot chocolate for an extra indulgent treat, especially during chilly evenings.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Platter – Arrange your soft pumpkin cookies on a festive platter with other seasonal treats like ginger snaps and sugar cookies for an inviting dessert spread.
• Cheese Board – Include them on a cheese board alongside creamy cheeses and dried fruits for an unexpected yet delightful combination.

During Celebrations

• Birthday Parties – These cookies make great party favors. Package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for guests to take home.
• Fall Gatherings – Serve them at Thanksgiving or Halloween parties as a seasonal treat that everyone will love.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Achieving the perfect soft pumpkin cookie is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you create the best batch every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure that your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and fluffy ones.
• Chill the Dough (Optional) – If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This can help the flavors meld together and improve the texture.
• Check Oven Temperature – Make sure your oven is properly preheated. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy, leading to perfectly baked cookies.
• Frost When Cool – Wait until cookies are completely cooled before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and losing its beautiful appearance.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft Pumpkin Cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options you might consider serving alongside your delicious treats.

1. Apple Slices – Fresh apple slices add a crispness that contrasts nicely with the softness of the cookies.
2. Candied Nuts – Sweet, crunchy candied nuts provide an excellent textural contrast and enhance the fall flavors.
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte – Enjoy these cookies with a homemade pumpkin spice latte for an ultimate fall experience.
4. Caramel Dip – A small bowl of caramel dip can elevate your cookie experience, adding rich sweetness.
5. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruit to create a refreshing side dish that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
6. Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites offer another creamy dessert option that pairs well with pumpkin flavors, making for an indulgent dessert table.
7. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides freshness and acidity, helping to cleanse the palate between bites of sweet cookie goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Always use a scale or proper measuring cups for precision.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and fluffy.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter does not cream well with sugar, affecting texture. Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for the best results.
• Skipping the cooling step: Frosting warm cookies can cause it to melt and slide off. Allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different; using an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: Keeps the cookies fresh for up to one week.
• Layer with parchment paper: Prevents sticking between layers.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze before frosting: Place un-frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to three months.
• Thaw before frosting: Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before applying frosting.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, ensuring they do not burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

How do I make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

To make these delicious cookies, follow the recipe provided above. The key is using fresh pumpkin purée and softening your ingredients properly.

Can I substitute pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree as alternatives if you prefer different flavors while maintaining the cookie’s texture.

How should I store my Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage without frosting.

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies often result from using melted butter or too much sugar. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and measure your sugars accurately.

Final Thoughts

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect fall treat that everyone will love. Their delightful flavor and fluffy texture make them versatile enough for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips!