Description
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, fluffy, cake-like cookies that embody the cozy flavors of fall. Infused with warm spices and topped with creamy, tangy frosting, these cookies are perfect for autumn gatherings, bake sales, or enjoying with a hot drink on a chilly day.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
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312 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for sprinkling)
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1/2 tsp salt
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170 g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
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150 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
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100 g (1/2 cup) packed light brown sugar
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305 g (1 1/4 cups) canned pumpkin puree
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1 large egg, room temperature
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the frosting:
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226 g (8 oz) block-style cream cheese, softened but cool
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56 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened but cool
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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210 g (1 3/4 cups) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Instructions
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Preheat & prepare:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. -
Mix dry ingredients:
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a medium bowl. -
Cream butter & sugars:
In a stand mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about 3 minutes until fluffy. -
Add wet ingredients:
Mix in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla until smooth. -
Combine:
Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Dough will be soft and sticky. -
Scoop & bake:
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake 12–14 minutes until set. Cool on sheets briefly, then transfer to a wire rack. -
Make frosting:
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, then mix in sifted confectioners’ sugar until fluffy. Adjust consistency with milk or more sugar as needed. -
Frost cookies:
Once cooled, frost cookies and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.
Notes
Chill sticky dough for 20 minutes if needed.
Do not overbake—the cookies are meant to be soft.
Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Store frosted cookies in the fridge; freeze unfrosted ones for later.
Piping bags create cleaner frosting presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes per batch
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American