Description
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, warmly spiced, and frosted with the perfect tangy-sweet cream cheese layer. Ideal for cozy fall gatherings or simply indulging at home, these cookies offer a perfect balance of comfort and charm.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets and slightly flatten each cookie.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until just set.
7. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually with vanilla, beating until creamy.
9. Once cookies are completely cool, frost using an offset spatula or piping bag. Optionally garnish with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Notes
Let cookies cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the icing.
For extra depth of flavor, add a tiny splash of maple extract to the frosting.
If using homemade pumpkin puree, be sure to strain excess liquid for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pumpkin cookies, cream cheese frosting, fall desserts