As the leaves turn crisp and a cozy chill fills the air, the aroma of freshly baked Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can transform any ordinary day into a delightful autumn celebration. These cookies blend a soft, thick texture with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices, creating a treat that’s sure to bring smiles to family and friends alike. What makes them even better? You can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under an hour, making it the perfect answer for busy bakers craving a homemade fall dessert. With every bite, the sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting offers a delightful contrast that pairs beautifully with the spiced cookie base. Are you ready to dive into this seasonal favorite and fill your kitchen with the warm scent of fall?
Why are Pumpkin Spice Cookies so irresistible?
Simplicity: This recipe requires only a few straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Quick Preparation: In less than an hour, you can have these delightful cookies ready to enjoy, ideal for those busy days.
Comforting Fall Flavors: Combining warm spices and pumpkin makes each bite a cozy trip to autumn, perfect for gatherings.
Deliciously Creamy Frosting: The sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting beautifully complements the spiced cookie, elevating their flavor.
Versatile Treat: Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, these cookies are a hit with both friends and family. Try serving them with warm cider for the ultimate fall experience!
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Ingredients
• Dive into the warm flavors of Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!
For the Cookies
- Canned Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture and that rich pumpkin flavor; for a twist, try fresh pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potato.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Provides that signature autumn spice blend; substitute with a homemade mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if desired.
- Unsalted Butter – Lends richness and helps the cookies hold their shape; coconut oil can be a great dairy-free alternative.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens these delightful cookies, striking a perfect texture; consider brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Egg – Binds the mixture together and adds moisture; for a vegan option, use a flax egg instead.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor beautifully; try almond extract for a unique spin.
- All-Purpose Flour – Offers structure to your cookies; a gluten-free flour blend is a suitable alternative.
- Baking Powder – Helps leaven the cookies, ensuring they rise nicely; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavors; essential for a well-rounded treat.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese – Forms the base of the frosting with its creamy tang; an equal amount of dairy-free cream cheese works for a vegan version.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it the right consistency; you can reduce the quantity for a less sweet taste.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds extra flavor to the frosting; consider using almond extract for an interesting twist.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies bake evenly and develop a lovely, golden edge. While the oven warms, gather your mixing bowls, baking sheets, and parchment paper, setting yourself up for a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, taking about 2-3 minutes. The creamy consistency lets you know you’re ready for the next step!
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt directly into the wet ingredients. Start mixing gently with a spatula or a spoon until everything is just combined, forming a thick dough. Avoid overmixing; a slightly lumpy dough means you’re on the right track for those perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate the dough for 25 minutes. Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they maintain a delightful thickness. You can take this time to tidy up your workspace!
Step 5: Form Cookie Balls
Once chilled, scoop the dough and roll it into 1.5 to 2 tablespoons-sized balls using your hands. Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading. You should see about 12-15 cookies per sheet, depending on your scoop’s size.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be set, and the tops will appear slightly puffed and golden. When done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
While the cookies cool, make your cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Once fluffy, set aside.
Step 8: Frost the Cookies
After your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies have completely cooled, use a spatula or knife to spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie. Allowing the cookies to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top for an added touch!
Step 9: Serve and Share
Now that your cookies are frosted and beautifully presented, it’s time to enjoy! Serve them with a warm beverage like coffee or cider, perfect for celebrating the flavors of fall. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Indulging in pumpkin spice cookies is a lovely autumn experience, and pairing them with the right accompaniments can enhance that cozy feeling even more.
-
Warm Apple Cider: This seasonal favorite complements the spiced flavors of your cookies, creating a delightful contrast that warms the soul.
-
Chai Latte: The fragrant spices in chai elevate the pumpkin spices in the cookies, balancing sweetness with a hint of creamy warmth.
-
Sliced Pears with Honey: Fresh pears add a crisp texture and natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting.
-
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a creamy contrast to the cookies, making for an irresistible sweet treat.
-
Chocolate Milk: This nostalgic, comforting drink adds a creamy richness that complements the warm spice flavors of the cookies beautifully.
-
Pumpkin Soup: For a unique twist, consider serving small bowls of savory pumpkin soup alongside your cookies for a balanced sweet and savory experience.
-
Mixed Nut Medley: A bowl of mixed nuts provides a satisfying crunch that offsets the cookies’ soft texture, creating a delightful snack spread.
-
Coffee: A classic pairing, coffee’s bold flavors enhance the sweetness of the cookies while elevating your afternoon break to a cozy moment.
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all the ingredients together and refrigerating it in an airtight container. This method helps maintain the flavors and the dough’s texture, so they’ll bake up just as delicious. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. For the frosting, it can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator; simply give it a quick stir before spreading it on cooled cookies. With these make-ahead options, you can enjoy homemade fall treats with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
-
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for 25 minutes helps cookies maintain their shape, preventing any unwanted spreading while baking.
-
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to stop cookies from sticking, ensuring perfect results every time.
-
Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before frosting. This step ensures the cream cheese frosting stays thick and doesn’t melt into a runny mess.
-
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of pumpkin pie spice in the dough for a more intense flavor. Taste testing is encouraged!
-
Experiment with Frosting: For a twist on the classic, add a hint of maple syrup to your cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of fall flavor in your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Fridge: Store your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and soft. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze un-frosted cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight bag, removing as much air as possible.
Dough Storage: You can store the cookie dough in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, freeze raw cookie balls for up to 3 months, baking them directly from the freezer when a craving strikes!
Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy the cookies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Frost after reheating for fresh-tasting Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies!
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delicious cookies to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
-
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Roll cookie balls in cinnamon-sugar before baking for a delightful crunch. This adds a sweet spice boost that complements the pumpkin perfectly!
-
Simpler Frosting: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a light vanilla glaze. This lighter option highlights the cookie’s flavor while still providing a sweet and satisfying finish.
-
Choco-Pumpkin Bliss: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an indulgent twist. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin flavor—an irresistible combination!
-
Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a nutty flavor. This variation brings in an extra layer of texture that makes each bite exciting and satisfying.
-
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free cream cheese in the frosting to create dairy-free Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. They’ll be just as soft and delicious!
-
Gluten-Free Remake: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities. This version will still deliver those cozy pumpkin spice flavors!
-
Pumpkin Pie Revamp: Layer in a dollop of pumpkin pie filling on top of each cookie before baking for a surprise twist. This twist gives you the best of both worlds—cookies and pies!
-
Extra Spice Kick: Elevate the flavor profile by adding a pinch of cayenne or ginger for a subtle heat. This unexpected addition creates a beautiful contrast to the sweetness, perfect for spice lovers.
Looking for more ways to enjoy pumpkin in your baking? Check out these delightful recipes! Try our Pumpkin Spice Frosting for another sweet treat or indulge in Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies for a deliciously chewy dessert.
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
How can I tell if my canned pumpkin puree is fresh?
Make sure to check the expiration date on the can. The puree should be a vibrant orange color, free from any dark spots or foul odors. If it has been opened, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 3 to 5 days for best quality.
What is the best way to store Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To maintain their freshness, place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This will help prevent them from sticking together and keep those delightful flavors intact!
Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, lay your un-frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer—no thawing necessary!
What do I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to the dough being too warm or not enough chilling time. Always ensure you chill the dough for the recommended 25 minutes. You can also try adding a bit more flour to the dough if it seems too sticky when mixing.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
Generally, it’s best to keep Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies away from pets. Ingredients like sugar and cream cheese are not ideal for animals. If you want to include furry friends in the fun, consider baking a pet-friendly treat designed specifically for them!
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix melted butter, pumpkin puree, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt; mix gently until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for 25 minutes.
- Scoop dough into balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 18 minutes or until edges are set and tops are puffed.
- Let cookies cool before preparing the frosting.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Frost the cooled cookies and serve.
Leave a Reply