Print

The Best Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

The Best Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 22 reviews

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a moist, flavorful cookie. Infused with warm spices and rich pumpkin puree, they feature a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a tangy sweetness to every bite. The cookies are soft, tender, and easy to make, making them a perfect dessert for gatherings or cozy afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 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
  • 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

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 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 flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add Pumpkin Puree, Egg, and Vanilla: Beat in the pumpkin puree until well incorporated. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed.
  4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, which helps with shaping and flavor development. Dough can be chilled up to 24 hours.
  6. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
  7. Scoop and Shape the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
  9. Cool the Cookies: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese (Frosting): In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  11. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar (Frosting): Add the powdered sugar gradually, about one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to combine fully before adding more.
  12. Add Vanilla Extract and Milk (Frosting): Beat in the vanilla extract. Add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency—spreadable but thick.
  13. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting evenly over each cookie.
  14. Optional Decorations: If desired, decorate the frosted cookies with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a light dusting of cinnamon for added flavor and presentation.
  15. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy the cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Notes

  • Ensure pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
  • Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and improves texture but is optional if you’re short on time.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft and tender.
  • Frost cookies only after they are completely cooled to prevent frosting from melting.
  • Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with milk, but heavy cream will give a richer frosting.
  • For a festive touch, garnish with cinnamon dusting, chopped pecans, or autumn-themed sprinkles.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cookies, soft cookies, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, pumpkin spice cookies, easy cookie recipe

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/the-best-recipe/