Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat perfect for the fall season. These cookies are soft, thick, and bursting with warm spices that will bring comfort on chilly days. With a sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting, they make an excellent dessert for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply to enjoy at home with loved ones. Their unique blend of flavors makes them an irresistible choice for pumpkin lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a rich, flavorful cookie.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy family night, these cookies fit right in.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: They stay soft even after baking, ensuring a delightful eating experience.
• Versatile Topping Options: Customize the frosting with different spices or add-ins to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients properly and avoiding mess.
• Electric mixer: Makes mixing the frosting effortless and ensures it becomes smooth and creamy.
• Baking sheets: Provides a stable surface for cookies to bake evenly without sticking.

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 (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients:
1. Stir in the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
2. Mix until you have a cohesive cookie dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 25 minutes. Chilling helps achieve better texture in your cookies.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

After chilling:
1. Remove the dough from the refrigerator.
2. Roll into balls about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons in size.
3. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet (you should get around 12-14 cookies).

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

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

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies are cooling:
1. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter.
2. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 8: Frost the Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Spread about a tablespoon of frosting on each cookie.
2. Sprinkle an extra dash of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top if desired.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are now ready to be enjoyed! Share them with family and friends for a delightful treat this fall season!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, serving them right can elevate the experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the warm spices in the cookies.
• Tea: A cup of chai or spiced tea enhances the pumpkin taste beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a sweet pairing with creamy hot chocolate for an extra treat.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Serve alongside other fall-themed cookies for variety.
• Fruit Slices: Fresh apples or pears add a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
• Cheese Board: Pair with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a gourmet touch.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Gift Boxes: Package them in cute boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family.
• Party Favors: Offer them as take-home treats at holiday parties for guests to enjoy later.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting involves a few simple techniques that can enhance their taste and texture.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and spices ensures even distribution and a finer texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be soft when taken out of the oven.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly, especially for the frosting.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to find your preferred flavor balance.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp offers contrasting textures and flavors to balance sweetness.
2. Pumpkin Pie: Staying on theme, serve mini pumpkin pies as another decadent option.
3. Caramel Dip: A creamy caramel dip pairs wonderfully, adding richness to each bite.
4. Pecan Pie Bars: These chewy bars bring nutty goodness to your dessert spread.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.
6. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts provides crunch and savory notes alongside the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the Chill: Not chilling the dough can lead to overly flat cookies. Always chill your dough for at least 25 minutes to help maintain their shape while baking.
• Incorrect Measurements: Using too much or too little flour can ruin your cookies’ texture. Measure ingredients accurately, preferably using a kitchen scale for best results.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long after adding dry ingredients can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft and tender result.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can affect cooking times and texture. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees before baking.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt off. Allow your cookies to cool completely before adding cream cheese frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze cookies without frosting for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for added protection.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 300 degrees, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that may help you get started.

How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies more flavorful?

Adding extra pumpkin pie spice or a hint of nutmeg can enhance flavor depth in your cookies.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin; just ensure it is well-pureed and excess moisture is removed for proper texture.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cream cheese?

You could use mascarpone or Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting recipe.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting stay fresh in the refrigerator for about one week when stored properly.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for fall! Their soft and thick texture paired with luscious cream cheese frosting makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips for additional flavors. Enjoy them at gatherings or as a delightful snack throughout the season!