Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall. These cookies are soft, thick, and packed with warm spices, making them ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. With a sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting on top, these cookies will surely become a family favorite during the pumpkin season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a rich, inviting taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or an everyday treat, these cookies fit right in.
• Frosting Delight: The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy texture and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Serve them as dessert or alongside coffee for an afternoon snack.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies, make sure you have the right tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Refrigerator

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: Makes mixing the cookie dough and frosting effortless and quick.
• Baking sheet: Provides a surface for baking your cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Add the melted butter, pumpkin puree, white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl. Combine until smooth.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Incorporate the dry ingredients—flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt—into the mixture. Stir until a consistent cookie dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 25 minutes. Chilling helps enhance the flavor and texture.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Remove the dough from the fridge. Roll it into balls about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons in size. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (you should be able to make around 12-14 cookies).

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 18 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer until well combined. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Once baked cookies have cooled completely, spread about one tablespoon of cream cheese frosting on each cookie. Optionally sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Savor your homemade Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! Perfect for sharing or indulging alone!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful cookies are perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. With their soft texture and creamy frosting, they can be served in various ways to delight your guests.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate, garnishing with cinnamon sticks or star anise for a seasonal touch.

Paired with Hot Beverages

• Serve alongside hot apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or herbal teas to complement the warm flavors of the cookies.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with twine or ribbon for a thoughtful party favor that friends and family will love.

With Ice Cream

• Top with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that brings out the cookie’s spices.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the ultimate pumpkin spice sugar cookies, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and spices are fresh for optimal flavor and rise.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill ensures your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; they should be lightly golden but still soft in the center.
• Frost when cool: Wait until the cookies have completely cooled before adding cream cheese frosting to prevent it from melting.
• Experiment with spices: Add extra cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a personalized flavor boost.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin spice sugar cookies pair well with several side dishes, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

1. Chai Tea: The spiced flavors of chai complement the warmth of pumpkin spice beautifully. Brew strong and serve hot.
2. Caramel Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices drizzled with caramel provide a refreshing crunch alongside the soft cookies.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup offers a savory contrast to sweet cookies, perfect for fall gatherings.
4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich mashed potatoes can balance out dessert sweetness when served at holiday dinners.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly bitter taste pairs well with sweet desserts, providing a unique flavor combination.
6. Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad topped with nuts and dried cranberries adds color and balances rich flavors on your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting turn out perfectly, watch out for these common mistakes.

• Not chilling the dough: Many skip this step, thinking it’s unnecessary. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and improves texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft, tender cookie.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cookie consistency. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees for best results.
• Using expired ingredients: Old spices or baking powder can impact flavor and rise. Check expiry dates before starting your recipe.
• Neglecting frosting preparation: Waiting too long to prepare the frosting can result in hard cookies. Prepare it while the cookies bake to keep everything fresh.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Separate layers with parchment paper and seal tightly.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a pan on low heat, covering it briefly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

What makes these cookies special?

These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are unique due to the perfect blend of pumpkin flavor and warm spices, making them ideal for fall celebrations.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it is well-drained and not too watery for the best results.

How do I customize the frosting?

You can add flavors like maple or cinnamon to the cream cheese frosting. This adds a delightful twist!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How do I store leftover frosting?

Store any leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. With their soft texture and rich flavor, they are sure to impress family and friends. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or different spices. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!