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Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 60 reviews

Delightfully soft pumpkin sugar cookies with warm spices and a luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ⅓ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ginger
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

For Rolling:

  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature before baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until well combined, then set aside.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg to combine the spices evenly.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in a few additions, beating on low speed and scraping the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl after each addition to blend thoroughly. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  6. Prepare Rolling Mixture: While the dough chills, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for rolling the cookies.
  7. Form Cookies: After chilling, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
  8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Press down slightly using a spoon or your palm to flatten them lightly.
  9. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a very light brown.
  10. Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets before frosting.
  11. Prepare Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until combined and smooth.
  12. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
  13. Frost Cookies: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of each cooled pumpkin sugar cookie.
  14. Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle with additional cinnamon for extra flavor. Enjoy your soft pumpkin sugar cookies fresh!

Notes

  • Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
  • Refrigerating the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and develop flavor.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Frosting can also be made ahead and kept refrigerated; bring to room temperature before spreading.

Keywords: pumpkin sugar cookies, soft pumpkin cookies, cream cheese frosting, fall cookies, pumpkin spice cookies, homemade pumpkin cookies

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/soft-pumpkin-sugar-cookies-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/