Description
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the moist sweetness of pumpkin puree for a delicious fall treat. Soft and cakey cookies are topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, making them perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a better cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined, creating a moist and flavorful dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping cookies tender.
- Scoop Dough: Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them adequately to allow the cookies to spread without merging.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on a wire rack completely.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, then beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, frost each cookie generously with the cream cheese frosting, then serve or store as desired.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth frosting.
- Do not overmix the dough once adding dry ingredients to keep cookies tender.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a spicier flavor, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ginger.
- If using canned pumpkin puree, ensure it is 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
