Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Picture this: soft, pillowy cookies bursting with warm pumpkin spice, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. These soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are autumn comfort in cookie form!
Just like our popular snickerdoodles, they’re incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to disappear from your cookie jar. Get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible treat!
What Are Soft Pumpkin Cookies?
Ever wondered why we call them “soft” pumpkin cookies? Well, unlike their crispy cousins, these beauties are tender, cake-like, and practically melt in your mouth! They’re the cookie equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. You know what they say – the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and these cookies are definitely the express route! Ready to become the neighborhood cookie hero?
Why You’ll Love This Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Irresistibly Soft Texture
These aren’t your average pumpkin cookies. Each bite delivers an incredibly tender, cake-like texture that’s miles away from tough, dry cookies. The secret lies in the perfect balance of pumpkin puree and butter, creating cookies so soft they practically dissolve on your tongue.
Budget-Friendly Home Baking
Skip the expensive bakery cookies! Making these at home costs a fraction of store-bought alternatives. With simple pantry staples and one can of pumpkin puree, you’ll have enough cookies to feed a crowd. Plus, you control every ingredient, ensuring quality and freshness.
Heavenly Cream Cheese Frosting
The crowning glory is that rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the warm spices. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the pumpkin flavors to shine through. Similar to our beloved carrot cake cookies, this frosting transforms simple cookies into bakery-worthy treats. Why not whip up a batch today and taste the difference homemade makes?
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Quick Overview
These soft pumpkin cookies are surprisingly simple to make and require no special equipment.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
The key to their incredible texture is not overmixing the dough and baking just until the edges are set. The cream cheese frosting comes together in minutes with just four ingredients!
Key Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies
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 cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This ensures even distribution of spices throughout your cookies.
Step 4: Create the Dough Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix – this is crucial for maintaining that soft texture.
Step 5: Shape and Bake Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly set but centers still look slightly underdone.
Step 6: Cool Completely Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They must be completely cool before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Frosting Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth and spreadable.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy Spread frosting generously on cooled cookies. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
What to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies With
These versatile cookies pair beautifully with numerous beverages and accompaniments:
Hot Beverages: Serve alongside spiced chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or classic hot chocolate for the ultimate fall experience.
Cold Drinks: Try them with cold milk, iced coffee, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine for evening treats.
Dessert Platters: Include them on autumn dessert tables with apple crisp, pecan pie, or cinnamon rolls for variety.
Breakfast Treats: Surprisingly delightful with morning coffee as a special weekend breakfast cookie.
Top Tips for Perfecting Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Don’t Overbake
The secret to soft cookies is slightly underbaking them. Remove when edges are set but centers still look a bit underdone – they’ll finish cooking on the hot pan.
Use Real Pumpkin Puree
Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added spices and sugars that will throw off your recipe balance.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure your egg and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
Proper Storage is Key
Store unfrosted cookies in airtight containers to maintain softness. If making ahead, freeze cookies unfrosted and add frosting before serving.
Spice Substitutions
No nutmeg? Use extra cinnamon. Missing cloves? Try allspice. The key is maintaining the total spice amount for balanced flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Short-term Storage: Keep frosted cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Options: Unfrosted cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags.
Frosting Storage: Leftover frosting keeps in the refrigerator for up to a week. Re-whip before using if it separates.
Serving Temperature: For best taste, let refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Bake cookies up to 2 days ahead, store unfrosted, then add frosting the day of serving for freshest appearance.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (with frosting) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Total Carbs | 32g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 24g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 35% DV |
Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! Replace the egg with 1/4 cup applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water. Let the flax mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for edges that are set and lightly golden. The centers should still appear slightly soft and underdone – they’ll continue cooking on the hot pan.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead?
It’s not recommended as pie filling contains added spices and sugars that will alter the recipe balance. Stick with pure pumpkin puree for best results.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This usually happens when the dough is too warm or contains too much liquid. Chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking if this occurs.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. The taste and texture will be nearly identical to the original.
How long do these cookies stay soft?
When stored properly in airtight containers, they’ll maintain their soft texture for up to 5 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Definitely! Fold in 1/2 to 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips after combining wet and dry ingredients for a delicious variation.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut it into small cubes and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave in 10-second intervals until soft but not melted.
Pro Baker Secrets for Extra Special Cookies
The Brown Butter Trick: For deeper flavor, brown your butter before mixing. Let it cool slightly before adding to prevent cooking the egg.
Spice Bloom Method: Toast whole spices in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes, then grind fresh for incredibly aromatic cookies.
Texture Enhancement: Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to your flour mixture for even softer cookies.
Professional Frosting: Add a pinch of salt to your cream cheese frosting to balance sweetness and enhance flavor complexity.
Size Consistency: Use a cookie scoop for perfectly uniform cookies that bake evenly every time.
These soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are more than just a recipe – they’re your ticket to becoming the neighborhood baking legend. With their incredible texture, foolproof method, and irresistible frosting, they’re destined to become your new fall favorite. Happy baking!
