Fall is the season of cozy sweaters, crisp leaves, and all things pumpkin. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply looking to enjoy a sweet treat, these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect way to indulge in the flavors of the season. Soft, spiced cookies topped with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles make this recipe a hit with both kids and adults. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to create these delicious cookies and share some tips to make them even better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Orange or autumn-colored sprinkles for decoration
Directions: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This step ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined, making sure the pumpkin is fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Shape the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. This step ensures that your cookies will be uniform in size.
- Roll in Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the additional granulated sugar to coat. This gives the cookies a slightly crispy exterior.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten Slightly: Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand. This will help the cookies bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are lightly golden.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is thick and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if necessary.
Step 5: Frost the Cookies
- Frost the Cooled Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. The frosting should be smooth and creamy, making it easy to spread.
- Decorate: If desired, decorate with orange or autumn-colored sprinkles to add a festive touch.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. Arrange them on a platter with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra festive presentation.
- Storage: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Helpful Notes
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- Softened Ingredients: For the best results, ensure that both the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture in both the dough and frosting.
- Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, you can increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger according to your taste.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Alton Brown: “When baking cookies, always use a light touch when mixing your dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.”
- Ina Garten: “For perfect frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at the same temperature. This ensures a smooth, lump-free frosting.”
- Martha Stewart: “If you’re freezing cookies, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a storage container. This prevents them from sticking together.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid overly salty cookies.
Q2: Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with something else?
- You can substitute with sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Q3: Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This can help enhance the flavor. Let the dough come to room temperature before baking.
Q4: What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
- You can make a buttercream frosting by using just butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. It will be sweeter and less tangy than cream cheese frosting.
Q5: How can I make the cookies more festive?
- You can add food coloring to the dough or frosting, use different shaped cookie cutters, or top with themed sprinkles.
Q6: My cookies turned out too soft. What did I do wrong?
- The cookies might be underbaked. Ensure that the edges are set and lightly golden before removing them from the oven.
Q7: Can I add other spices to the cookie dough?
- Absolutely! Spices like cloves or allspice can be added for a more complex flavor profile.
Q8: How can I make the cookies gluten-free?
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for structure.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, the recipe can be easily doubled. Just make sure to mix the dough in batches to avoid overworking it.
Q10: Can I freeze the cookies with the frosting?
- It’s best to freeze the cookies without frosting. Add the frosting after they’ve thawed to keep it fresh and creamy.
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to become a staple in your fall baking lineup. With their soft texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting, they capture the essence of the season in every bite. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones!