Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: Fall’s Sweet Delight
Embrace the Season with These Soft and Spicy Cookies
When the leaves start to turn and there’s a chill in the air, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall. These Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the epitome of autumn in every bite. Soft, cake-like cookies are spiced to perfection and generously topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to savor the flavors of the season, these cookies are a must-try.
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes.
4. Add Pumpkin and Egg:
- Mix in the canned pumpkin puree, followed by the large egg and pure vanilla extract. Continue mixing until well combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Drop Cookie Dough:
- Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.
7. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean.
8. Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy and well combined.
10. Add Sugar and Vanilla:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and pure vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
11. Frost Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, generously frost each cookie with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a butter knife or an offset spatula for even spreading.
12. Enjoy:
- Now, your Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are ready to enjoy! Savor the delightful combination of spiced pumpkin and creamy frosting.
Tips and Variations:
Customizing Your Pumpkin Cookies
Tips:
- If you’d like your cookies to have a stronger spice flavor, you can adjust the amounts of ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves to taste.
- For an extra touch of fall flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or raisins to the cookie dough.
Variations:
- Turn these cookies into sandwich cookies by spreading the cream cheese frosting between two cookies to create a pumpkin cookie sandwich.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate or caramel sauce over the frosted cookies for an elegant touch.
Customization:
- If you’re feeling creative, you can dye the cream cheese frosting with food coloring to match the season. Orange or autumnal hues are perfect for fall.
Storage:
- Store your Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to one week. Be sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.
Cook’s Note:
- These cookies are a fantastic addition to any fall gathering, and they make a delightful treat for Halloween or Thanksgiving celebrations. Enjoy the flavors of autumn in every bite!
