The Best Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving soft, moist, and irresistibly flavorful cookies, look no further than these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. This is truly The Best recipe you’ll find for capturing that perfect balance of warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, topped with a luscious, tangy frosting that just melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy fall afternoons or any time you want to treat yourself to a little homemade comfort, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With simple pantry staples and fresh pumpkin puree, this recipe brings together essential ingredients that provide rich flavor, tender texture, and a delightful color that screams autumn. Each item here plays a crucial role in making these cookies The Best you’ve ever tasted.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to our soft pumpkin cookies.
• Baking soda: A gentle leavening agent to help our cookies rise just right.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice that complements pumpkin perfectly.
• Ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle nutty warmth enhancing the overall spice profile.
• Ground cloves: Adds a hint of deep, aromatic flavor that makes these cookies unique.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.
• Unsalted butter: Brings rich creaminess and moisture to the dough and frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and lightens the cookie texture.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient—the natural pumpkin flavor keeps cookies moist and tender.
• Large egg: Acts as a binder and adds to the softness.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor with sweet, aromatic notes in both dough and frosting.
• Cream cheese: The secret to that dreamy frosting with tang and creaminess.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.
• Milk or heavy cream: Balances frosting texture to your preference.

How to Make The Best Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This mix of spices with the flour forms the aromatic base that makes these cookies so unforgettable, distributing the warm flavors evenly throughout the dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using softened butter, cream it together with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it introduces air, helping create that tender texture that defines The Best pumpkin cookies.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin Puree, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the pumpkin puree until it’s fully incorporated, then add the egg and vanilla extract. The pumpkin adds moisture and a natural sweetness, while the egg helps hold everything together for those soft, chewy bites you’re after.

Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed. Be gentle here—overmixing can toughen the cookie dough, and that’s the last thing you want when aiming for The Best soft cookie texture.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to scoop and helping the flavors meld, which truly elevates these cookies to The Best level.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking, resulting in perfectly shaped treats every time.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This careful spacing gives each cookie room to spread just enough, guaranteeing that ideal soft center with lightly crisp edges.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the centers set gently. Watch closely—this timing delivers that signature soft yet structured texture that makes these pumpkin cookies The Best you’ll ever eat.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling is important so the cookies firm up without getting too hard and so your cream cheese frosting won’t melt when spread.

Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar one cup at a time until well combined. Adding vanilla extract next brings out the rich, tangy flavor that makes this frosting The Best complement to the warm pumpkin spice.

Step 11: Adjust Frosting Consistency

Add milk or heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your perfect spreading consistency—smooth, soft, and easy to dollop generously without sliding off.

Step 12: Frost and Finish

Once the cookies are fully cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting generously on top. If you want to get creative, sprinkle with chopped nuts, a dash of cinnamon, or your favorite sprinkles for extra flair.

How to Serve The Best Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes like finely chopped pecans, toasted pumpkin seeds, or a light dusting of cinnamon powder not only adds texture but enhances the visual appeal and flavor contrast, making your cookies feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced chai, hot apple cider, or a creamy latte. The cozy drinks harmonize beautifully with the spices in the cookies, creating a perfect snack or dessert combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your pumpkin cookies on a rustic wooden platter layered with autumn leaves for a charming fall presentation. For parties, stack them with parchment paper between layers inside a decorative tin or box—making gift-giving a breeze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen, making leftovers taste even better.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough before baking or freeze baked cookies (unfrosted) in a sealed bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting to preserve freshness and texture.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked feel, warm cookies briefly in a microwave or oven at low heat—just 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes at 300°F (150°C) gives you a soft, warm bite reminiscent of The Best bakery treats.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree because canned pumpkin pie filling contains additional sugar and spices that can throw off the balance of flavors and texture in the cookies.

How do I make these cookies dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives; be sure to use a firm vegan cream cheese for the frosting to keep the best creamy consistency.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. This keeps the texture soft and delicious without sacrificing flavor.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, which controls spreading during baking and improves the depth of flavor—chilled dough equals The Best cookie texture and taste.

What’s the best way to store frosted cookies for a party?

Store them in a single layer or separated by parchment paper in airtight containers in the fridge, then bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing The Best Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. They bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of fall magic to any table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly discover why these cookies hold a top spot in my heart and kitchen. Happy baking!

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