Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting – Best Fall Dessert
These incredibly soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are autumn’s answer to the perfect dessert! Bursting with warm spices and topped with luscious frosting, they’re easier to make than pumpkin pie but just as satisfying.
Here’s a fun fact: Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting were originally created as a way to use leftover pumpkin puree from jack-o’-lantern carving! These cookies are special because they stay moist for days and require just one bowl for mixing. They’re quicker than our popular snickerdoodles and perfect for family gatherings or cozy afternoons.
What Are Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting?
Ever wondered why these delightful treats are called pumpkin cookies? Well, it’s quite simple – they’re packed with real pumpkin puree! But here’s the twist: they taste more like autumn magic than actual pumpkin. Think of them as sugar cookies’ cozy cousin who went to a pumpkin spice latte convention.\
As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these cookies definitely pave that path with cinnamon-scented perfection. Ready to fall in love with fall flavors?
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting:
Incredibly Soft and Cake-Like Texture
These aren’t your typical crispy cookies – they’re pillowy soft with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The pumpkin puree creates an incredibly moist texture that stays fresh for days, unlike traditional sugar cookies that can become dry overnight.
Budget-Friendly Fall Dessert
Making these at home costs a fraction of bakery prices while yielding twice the satisfaction. A single can of pumpkin puree makes enough cookies to feed a crowd, and most ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have.
Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosting
The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the warm spices, creating a flavor combination that’s reminiscent of carrot cake but uniquely its own. It’s similar to our popular cinnamon roll cookies but with autumn’s signature taste.
How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting:
Quick Overview
These delightful cookies combine the convenience of drop cookies with the elegance of frosted treats. The secret lies in the perfect balance of pumpkin, warm spices, and that cloud-like cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
Cooling & Frosting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 36 cookies
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Cookie Dough
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Create the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps cookies tender.
Baking the Cookies
- Shape and Space: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan.
- Cool Completely: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cookies must be completely cool before frosting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream the Base: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sweetness: Gradually beat in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until smooth.
- Perfect the Consistency: Add vanilla, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat until smooth and spreadable. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.
- Frost and Enjoy: Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies. Let set for 15 minutes before serving.
What to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting With:
These versatile cookies pair beautifully with hot apple cider, chai tea, or a steaming cup of coffee. For a complete autumn dessert spread, serve alongside caramel apple slices, vanilla ice cream, or warm bread pudding. They also complement savory fall dishes – try them after a hearty soup dinner or alongside a cheese and crackers board. For parties, arrange them with other fall treats like pecan pie bars or apple crisp for an irresistible dessert table.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Cookies with Frosting:
Don’t Overbake the Cookies
The key to soft, cake-like cookies is removing them while centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll finish cooking on the hot pan and stay incredibly tender.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened for smooth, lump-free frosting. Leave them out for 2-3 hours or microwave in 10-second intervals.
Chill the Dough if Too Sticky
If your dough seems too wet to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This makes scooping easier and helps cookies hold their shape better.
Ingredient Substitutions
Replace vegetable oil with melted butter for richer flavor, or use coconut oil for dairy-free cookies. Swap cream cheese frosting for simple powdered sugar glaze if preferred.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storage: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent frosting from sticking.
Freezing: Unfrosted cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months in freezer bags. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving. Avoid freezing frosted cookies as the texture changes.
Make-Ahead Tips: Bake cookies up to 2 days ahead and store covered. Make frosting the same day for best texture and flavor.
Freshness: These cookies actually improve after a day, becoming even more moist and flavorful as the spices meld together.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (with frosting) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 85mg |
| Total Carbs | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 25% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast a sugar pumpkin, puree the flesh, and drain excess moisture through cheesecloth for 2 hours. Fresh pumpkin has more water content, so this step is crucial for proper cookie texture.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This usually indicates the dough is too warm or contains too much liquid. Chill the dough for 30 minutes and ensure you’re measuring flour correctly by spooning it into the cup rather than scooping.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. Coconut oil (solid, not melted) also works well in the cookie dough.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for edges that are set and centers that still appear slightly soft and shiny. They should spring back lightly when gently touched but not be completely firm.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?
Yes! Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or white chocolate chips after combining wet and dry ingredients. Don’t exceed 1/2 cup to maintain proper texture.
What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?
Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip for decorative swirls, or simply spread with an offset spatula for a rustic look. For easiest application, ensure frosting is at room temperature but not warm.
Pro Baker Secrets
The Pumpkin Spice Blend Secret
Create your own signature spice blend by toasting whole spices (cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, ginger) in a dry skillet for 2 minutes before grinding. This intensifies the flavors dramatically.
Texture Enhancement Trick
Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to your dry ingredients for extra tender cookies that stay soft even longer.
Frosting Flavor Variations
Transform the basic cream cheese frosting by adding maple syrup (2 tablespoons), brown butter (2 tablespoons), or even a hint of bourbon (1 tablespoon) for adult gatherings.
These pumpkin cookies with frosting represent everything wonderful about fall baking – they’re comforting, beautiful, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to autumn flavors, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results every single time. The combination of tender, spiced cookies and tangy cream cheese frosting creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated.
Save this recipe and share it with fellow autumn lovers – your kitchen will smell like heaven, and your family will thank you for bringing these seasonal treats to life!
