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Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 61 reviews

Deliciously soft and flavorful pumpkin cookies topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. These autumn-inspired treats combine warm spices with moist pumpkin puree for a perfect seasonal cookie that’s great for any fall gathering or holiday dessert table.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cookie Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream), for desired consistency

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create tender cookies.
  3. Add Pumpkin Puree, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated, then add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the batter is smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to mix evenly.
  4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, to firm up the dough and enhance the flavors.
  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Scoop and Shape the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set, indicating the cookies are done but still moist inside.
  9. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
  10. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese (Frosting): In a clean bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, creating the base of the frosting.
  11. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar (Frosting): Add the powdered sugar gradually in increments (about one cup at a time), beating on low speed to keep the mixture smooth and without dust clouds.
  12. Add Vanilla Extract and Milk (Frosting): Mix in the vanilla extract, then add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your preferred consistency—spreadable but thick enough to hold its shape.
  13. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie evenly.
  14. Optional Decorations: If desired, decorate the frosted cookies with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a light dusting of cinnamon for an added festive touch.
  15. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious pumpkin cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough improves texture and flavor by allowing the spices to meld and dough to firm up.
  • Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
  • If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce powdered sugar quantity slightly.
  • Cookies can be frozen un-frosted for up to 2 months; thaw and then frost before serving.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: pumpkin cookies, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, autumn cookies, spiced cookies, soft cookies

Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/pumpkin-cookies-recipe/