Name: Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature, or softened coconut oil); 1¼ cups packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; ¾ cup pumpkin puree; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); Cream cheese frosting (optional)

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 14 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful treat that captures the essence of autumn, this Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine soft, moist cookies bursting with warm pumpkin pie spices, perfectly complemented by smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This recipe is a heartwarming favorite I keep coming back to, whether for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever I crave that perfect balance of sweet and spice baked right into a cookie. It’s a simple yet irresistible way to celebrate pumpkin season with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several bowls and ingredients arranged neatly. There are two medium-sized silver bowls, one on the right filled with white flour and the other on the left with light brown sugar. Below them is a small silver bowl filled with bright orange pumpkin puree. To the left, a clear glass bowl holds smooth white frosting. Behind the bowls, there is an egg, an open can with leftover orange pumpkin puree, a small bottle of vanilla extract, a glass bowl with white sugar, and a small glass bowl with brown spices. A set of silver measuring spoons, a stick of butter, a yellow and white whisk, and an orange-striped cloth are also visible around the bowls. The arrangement is clean and ready for baking, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe starts with straightforward, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each one plays an essential role, from providing moisture and sweetness to bringing out those unmistakable pumpkin and spice notes.

½ cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming and a rich, buttery base.
1¼ cups packed brown sugar: Brings warmth and depth with its molasses charm, making the cookies beautifully caramelized.
1 large egg: Adds structure and helps bind the dough for that perfect chewy texture.
¾ cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that infuses moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable fall flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with sweet floral notes.
1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to give those iconic pumpkin cookie vibes.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise, creating a tender crumb.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to ensure lightness and a slight lift.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out flavors.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin — spooned and leveled for accuracy.
Cream cheese frosting (optional): Adds a luscious, tangy finish that squares perfectly with the pumpkin spices.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple preparation ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheets without sticking, making cleanup an absolute breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth, light, and well combined—about one minute. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, helping the cookies achieve that lovely tender texture.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg until it’s fully absorbed, followed by the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients create the moist, tender crumb and infuse every bite with pumpkin’s natural sweetness and warmth.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt evenly over the mixture. Stir to combine, then gradually add the flour. Mix on low speed just until incorporated; be careful not to overmix, or the cookies could turn out tough. You should end up with a soft, thick dough that’s almost like a scoopable batter.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake one sheet at a time for 12 to 15 minutes until the cookies puff up and the tops set nicely. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack — this cooling step helps them finish firming up without drying out.

Step 6: Frost if Desired

Once completely cool, slather on your cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent touch. This frosting adds a lovely creamy tang that pairs perfectly with the spicy pumpkin cookies. If you prefer a simpler option, these cookies are delightful on their own too!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a white round plate with seven pumpkin cookies topped with a thick layer of smooth white frosting arranged on it. One cookie is broken into two pieces with crumbs scattered nearby. Next to the plate is a white cup filled with light brown hot chocolate or coffee, sitting on a white and orange-striped cloth. In the top left corner, there is a cooling rack with a single pumpkin cookie on it. Everything is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting to elevate the presentation and add a subtle crunch or extra warmth in flavor. Even a few pumpkin seeds can add a charming touch.

Side Dishes

Serve these pumpkin cookies alongside a warm cup of chai tea, spiced latte, or even a chilled glass of milk. The comforting drink complements the spicy sweetness of the cookies beautifully and makes for an inviting snack or dessert pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching the cookies with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting in the middle for a delightful change. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosted cookies for a festive look. Presenting them on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves and small pumpkins turns these treats into the star of any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If left unfrosted, they keep well for up to a week. Refrigerate the frosted ones to maintain the cream cheese’s freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted pumpkin cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw completely before frosting for best results.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy your pumpkin cookies warm, gently reheat unfrosted cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in an oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Avoid reheating frosted cookies directly to keep the frosting intact and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe and makes it incredibly convenient. Just be sure not to use pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in equal parts as a homemade alternative that captures the same warm flavor profile.

Is cream cheese frosting necessary?

While cream cheese frosting adds a wonderful tang and richness, the cookies are delicious on their own. You can also try a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze if you want something lighter.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for softened coconut oil or a vegan margarine, use a flax egg substitute, and make or buy vegan cream cheese for the frosting. They will still be soft, aromatic, and utterly delightful.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

Ensure your flour is properly measured by spooning and leveling it into your measuring cup to avoid excess moisture. Also, chilling the dough briefly before baking can help maintain a nice shape.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a warm hug baked into a batch of cookies. It’s a treat that brings smiles, evokes cozy memories, and brightens any day simply by sharing it. Trust me, once you try these pumpkin beauties, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your home.