Description
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, spiced, and finished with a luscious swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for anyone craving cozy fall flavors in a handheld treat. Whether you’re planning quick breakfast ideas, easy dessert options, or sweet food ideas for gatherings, these cookies deliver. This easy recipe blends warm spices, real pumpkin, and smooth frosting—ideal for autumn baking or a seasonal party platter. A must-have in your collection of dinner ideas or healthy-ish snacks to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup pumpkin purée
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in the egg and vanilla, then add pumpkin purée. Beat until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until no flour remains.
6. Scoop dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Flatten slightly.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops look dry.
8. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla.
10. Spread frosting onto cooled cookies using an offset spatula. Optionally, dust with cinnamon or nutmeg.
Notes
For best results, use canned pumpkin purée—not pumpkin pie filling.
Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Sift powdered sugar to ensure a smooth and fluffy frosting texture.
- Prep Time: 15 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, fall dessert, cream cheese frosting, easy cookies, pumpkin dessert