Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall dessert recipe! These delightful cookies combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, topped with a creamy frosting that is sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive parties, these cookies are soft, thick, and bursting with flavor. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how they capture the essence of autumn in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a rich and comforting taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving celebrations, or as a sweet treat anytime during fall.
• Kid-Friendly: These cookies are fun to make with kids and will be a hit with the whole family.
• Perfectly Frosted: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced cookie base.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delightful cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool ensures that your butter and cream cheese blend smoothly, creating a light frosting.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet helps distribute heat evenly for perfectly baked cookies.

Ingredients

To make these Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need 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 your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it reaches the right temperature for baking your cookies.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Add melted butter, pumpkin puree, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
2. Combine until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next:
1. Add flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
2. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap:
– Place it in the refrigerator for about 25 minutes to chill.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

After chilling:
1. Remove dough from the fridge.
2. Roll into 1½ – 2 tbsp sized balls.
3. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (12-14 cookies).

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While cookies bake:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and softened butter.
2. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.

Step 8: Frost the Cookies

Once cookies are completely cooled:
– Spread about a tablespoon of frosting on each cookie.
– Sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top if desired.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are ready to be enjoyed! Share them with loved ones or indulge yourself in their deliciousness!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy these cookies.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of brewed coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
• Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea complement the pumpkin flavor, making it a perfect match.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy the sweetness of hot chocolate alongside the spiced cookies for a cozy dessert.

At Fall Gatherings

• Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter as part of your fall dessert spread.
• Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a station where guests can add their favorite toppings or extra frosting.

As Gifts

• Gift Boxes: Pack cookies in decorative boxes tied with ribbons for an adorable homemade gift.
• Party Favors: Wrap individual cookies in clear bags for guests to take home after gatherings.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results!

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground pumpkin pie spice enhances flavor and aroma, making your cookies even more delicious.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off to avoid dense cookies from too much flour.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove them when they are just set for soft and chewy cookies.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let cookies cool fully to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting when spreading it.

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

While these cookies are delightful on their own, serving them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp adds a fruity contrast to the spiced flavors of the cookies.
2. Pumpkin Soup: Serve a small bowl of creamy pumpkin soup as a savory start that pairs nicely with sweet treats.
3. Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses like brie and sharp cheddar to balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Spiced Nuts: Offer a mix of spiced nuts for added crunch and flavor that complements the cookie spices.
5. Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of tart cranberry sauce can provide an exciting flavor contrast to sweet cookies.
6. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings brightness and freshness that pairs well with rich cream cheese frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final results.

• Using cold ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother dough and better texture.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough for at least 25 minutes is crucial. It prevents spreading and allows the cookies to maintain their shape during baking.

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurately measure flour and sugar using proper techniques. Overpacking flour can lead to dry cookies, while under-measuring sugar may result in less sweetness.

• Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees before baking. An unheated oven can cause uneven baking and affect cookie texture.

• Overbaking cookies: Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove cookies when they are set but still soft; they will firm up as they cool.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
• They can last for about 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, covering it to warm cookies gently without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree as long as it’s well-drained and has a similar consistency to canned pumpkin.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm as they cool on the baking sheet.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or even Greek yogurt for a lighter frosting option.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips make a great addition to these cookies, enhancing the flavor profile beautifully.

How should I store leftover frosting?

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

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. With their soft, thick, and flavorful profile, these cookies will surely become a favorite during pumpkin season. Give this recipe a try!