Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. These cookies are soft, thick, and packed with warm spices, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights at home. The sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting elevates these cookies to a new level of deliciousness, ensuring they become a family favorite during pumpkin season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time.
• Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a rich, warm flavor that is perfect for fall.
• Versatile Dessert: These cookies are great for any occasion—be it a family gathering, Halloween party, or Thanksgiving feast.
• Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tang that complements the sweetness of the cookie perfectly.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and decorating their own cookies!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your wet and dry ingredients without making a mess.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures that your frosting is light and fluffy.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies to perfection.

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. This ensures it’s hot enough to bake your cookies evenly.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, add:
1. The melted butter.
2. Pumpkin puree.
3. White sugar.
4. The egg.
5. Vanilla extract.

Combine until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix in the dry ingredients:
1. Add the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture.
2. Stir until a cookie dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 25 minutes. Chilling helps to solidify the dough for easier handling.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

After chilling:
1. Remove the dough from the fridge.
2. Roll into about 1 1/2 – 2 tablespoon-sized balls.
3. Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (you should have about 12-14 cookies).

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Step 8: Frost Cookies

Once baked cookies have cooled completely:
1. Spread about one tablespoon of frosting on each cookie.
2. Finish with an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon if desired.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Serve your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting at gatherings or enjoy them as an everyday treat!

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. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

For a Cozy Dessert Plate

• Serve alongside a warm cup of chai tea for a comforting fall treat.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla or dairy-free ice cream to complement the spices.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Arrange on a festive platter for holiday parties, garnished with cinnamon sticks.
• Offer them as part of a dessert table alongside other seasonal treats like pumpkin pie.

For an Afternoon Snack

• Enjoy with a glass of cold almond milk for a refreshing snack break.
• Serve with a side of fresh apple slices to balance the sweetness.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with twine as thoughtful party favors.
• Include a small card with the recipe for guests to recreate these cookies at home.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting these cookies is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions for an even better baking experience.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps control spread and results in thicker cookies.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can make them dry.
• Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your pumpkin pie spice is fresh for maximum flavor impact in your cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft and slightly underbaked when you take them out.
• Let Cool Completely: Ensure cookies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting and sliding off.

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

These cookies pair nicely with various side dishes that enhance their sweet and spicy flavors. Consider these options:

1. Spiced Hot Apple Cider: Warm apple cider infused with cinnamon and cloves makes an excellent drink pairing.
2. Creamy Pumpkin Soup: A rich pumpkin soup serves as a savory counterpoint to the sweet cookies, ideal for autumn gatherings.
3. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: This salad brings earthy flavors that contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese; their creaminess complements the frosting well.
5. Caramelized Pears: Sweet, caramelized pears drizzled with honey create a deliciously sweet side that pairs perfectly.
6. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Salty, crunchy pretzels dipped in chocolate add texture and richness alongside the soft cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to perfect results.

• Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill the cookie dough can lead to flat cookies. Always refrigerate for at least 25 minutes before baking.
• Using too much flour: Adding more flour than needed will make the cookies dry. Measure carefully and scoop flour into your measuring cup without packing it down.
• Overbaking: Cookies that are overbaked become hard. Watch them closely in the oven; they should be lightly golden at the edges when done.
• Skipping the frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a delicious tang to the cookies. Don’t skip it, as it enhances the overall flavor.
• Not using fresh spices: Old spices can dull flavors. Ensure your pumpkin pie spice is fresh for vibrant taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze un-frosted cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
• Wrap frosted cookies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm each cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for 1-2 minutes until just warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, you can freeze these cookies. It’s best to freeze them un-frosted or wrap frosted cookies individually.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour gradually until it reaches a manageable consistency.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies?

Yes! You can use dairy-free butter or alternative sweeteners if you prefer. Just keep the ratios similar.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not only a delightful fall treat but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try; your family will love them!