Description
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, warmly spiced, and frosted with tangy cream cheese icing. A perfect fall treat for cozy days and festive gatherings.
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
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Scoop the dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop and drop onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops no longer look wet. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. While cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
9. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency if needed.
10. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost generously and serve.
Notes
Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor and texture.
Cool cookies completely before frosting to avoid melting the icing.
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months for later use.
For added texture, mix in white chocolate chips or crushed pecans before baking.