Get ready to indulge in the warm flavors of fall with my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosted Cookies! These soft and chewy treats combine sweet pumpkin puree with rich cream cheese frosting for an irresistible delight. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, I’ll guide you through each easy step, from mixing the dough to frosting the cookies. Let’s bring that autumn taste right to your kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Cookies
– 1 cup pumpkin puree: This gives the cookies their rich flavor and moist texture.
– 1 cup brown sugar: This adds a deep sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This helps balance the sweetness and adds lightness to the dough.
– Spices:
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: It brings a warm, cozy flavor.
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: This adds a slightly nutty taste.
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: It gives a nice, zesty kick.
– 1/4 teaspoon salt: This enhances all the flavors.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
– 8 oz cream cheese: Use softened cream cheese for a smooth frosting.
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter: This adds richness to the frosting.
– 2 cups powdered sugar: This creates a sweet, fluffy texture.
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely aroma and flavor.
– 1-2 tablespoons milk: Use this to adjust the frosting’s thickness. Add more if it needs to be creamier.
These ingredients come together to create cookies that are soft, sweet, and simply delightful. Each bite will remind you of cozy fall days.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Dough
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly.
2. In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. The mixture will be thick and creamy.
Baking the Cookies
1. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This adds great flavor.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make cookies tough.
3. Using a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the sheets.
Making the Frosting
1. While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of softened butter. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar. Mix until combined and fluffy. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. If the frosting is too thick, adjust the consistency with 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Mix until you reach a spreadable texture.
Once your cookies are cool, spread a generous amount of frosting on each. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin cream cheese frosted cookies!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Cookies
To make the best pumpkin cookies, avoid overmixing the dough. When you add the dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. This keeps your cookies light and fluffy.
Spacing on the baking sheet is key. Place dough balls about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread and helps them bake evenly.
Before you frost, let the cookies cool completely. This allows the frosting to sit nicely without melting.
Frosting Techniques
For a smooth cream cheese frosting, start with softened cream cheese and butter. Beat them until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. If it’s too thick, add milk a little at a time.
Using piping bags can add flair to your cookies. Fill the bag with frosting and pipe it on in fun shapes. This makes your cookies even more inviting.
Want to change the flavor of your frosting? Try adding a hint of orange zest or a splash of maple syrup. These variations can make your cookies even more special.
Variations
Flavor Substitutions
You can switch up the pumpkin puree if you want. Try using mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash. Both give a nice flavor too. For sugar, brown sugar adds moisture and depth. You can also use coconut sugar for a more caramel taste. Granulated sugar makes the cookies sweet and light.
Spices can change your cookie’s taste. Besides cinnamon, you can add allspice or cloves. These spices give warmth and a cozy feel. If you want a little zing, try adding a touch of cardamom.
Frosting Options
Want to switch the frosting? You can use chocolate frosting for a rich twist. Maple frosting adds a sweet, fall flavor. For more fun, consider adding citrus zest, like orange or lemon, to the cream cheese frosting. Almond extract can also give a nice touch to your frosting.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free cookie, use almond flour or oat flour. Both work well and keep the cookies soft. For vegan options, swap butter for coconut oil and cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese. These changes keep the cookies tasty while meeting dietary needs.
Storage Info
Storing Unfrosted Cookies
To keep your unfrosted cookies fresh, use airtight containers. This stops air from making them dry. You can stack them with parchment paper between layers. Store them at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, use the fridge. They can last about a week there.
Storing Frosted Cookies
Frosted cookies need care to keep the frosting nice. Always store them in a single layer. Use an airtight container to keep the freshness. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, put them in the fridge. They can last up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze cookies both before and after frosting. To freeze them unfrosted, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They last up to three months. For frosted cookies, freeze them on a tray, then wrap them well. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps the frosting smooth and tasty.
FAQs
How do I know when the cookies are done?
To know if the cookies are done, look for golden edges. The centers should still feel soft but not wet. You can also use a toothpick to check. Insert it into the center of a cookie. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cookies are ready.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Store them unfrosted in an airtight container for up to a week. For best flavor, frost them right before serving. If you want to reheat them, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes. This brings back their soft texture.
What can I do if my frosting is too runny?
If your frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar. Start with a few tablespoons and mix well. If it’s too thick, add a drop of milk. Mix until you reach the right spreadable consistency. This will help you frost the cookies nicely without any mess.
You now have everything you need to make delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. Remember, your cookies should be soft and flavorful, with a creamy topping. Don’t hesitate to try new flavors or make adjustments as you go. With these guidelines, you can create treats that impress friends and family. Enjoy the baking process, and most importantly, have fun sharing your yummy results!
