These Pumpkin Sugar Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, sweet, and oh-so-delicious! With a hint of pumpkin spice and creamy filling, they’ll make your taste buds dance!
Every bite feels like a cozy hug. I love sharing them at gatherings, and they disappear fast! Just try not to eat them all before the guests arrive! 😂
Making these cookies is super fun! The dough comes together quickly, and the cream cheese filling is like a tasty surprise. Enjoy them with a warm drink for the perfect treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for these cookies. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices. If fresh pumpkins are available, you can roast and puree them, but it takes more time.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness to both the cookie and frosting. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that it might be less creamy.
Butter: Unsalted butter works well here for better control over salt levels. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, a plant-based butter is a good substitute.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is ideal, but you can swap part of it with brown sugar for added depth. Just note that your cookies may be a bit chewier!
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend really brings out the pumpkin flavor. If you don’t have it, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger as a substitute. It works wonderfully!
How Do I Make Soft and Fluffy Pumpkin Cookies?
The secret to soft and fluffy cookies lies in how you mix the ingredients! Start by creaming the butter and cream cheese together until light and airy.
- Mix them well before adding sugar, as this incorporates air into the mixture.
- When adding flour, mix on low speed to avoid over-developing the gluten, which can make cookies tough.
- Take care not to overbake; your cookies should look slightly underbaked in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Following these tips will give you cookies that are delightfully soft and full of pumpkin flavor. Enjoy your baking! 🎃
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cream Cheese Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pumpkin cookie recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to reserve some cooling time for the cookies, plus an additional 10 minutes to whip up the frosting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to make the cleanup easier.
2. Cream the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream these ingredients together until the mix is light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft texture!
3. Add Pumpkin and Vanilla:
Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, beating until it’s all smooth and well combined. The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese makes everything super creamy!
4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until it’s all incorporated and the dough is thick.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough out and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets since they’ll spread a bit while baking.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Put the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll want them to look slightly set at the edges and just cracked on top, but still soft in the center.
8. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a light and fluffy frosting.
10. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie. These cookies look so inviting with their delicious topping!
11. Add the Final Touch:
For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosted cookies if you’d like. This adds a lovely aroma and extra fall flavor!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Your soft, pumpkin-spiced sugar cookies topped with rich cream cheese frosting are ready to enjoy! These treats are perfect for gatherings or just cozying up with a warm drink. Enjoy!
These cookies are sure to delight with their soft texture and wonderful pumpkin flavor! Happy baking! 🎃✨
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Simply roast and puree the pumpkin, making sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture. This will give you a fresh taste, but canned pumpkin is more convenient.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan on keeping them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each cookie individually and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the cookie dough for an extra crunch or sweetness. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly, as this may change the texture of the cookies.