Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

As the crisp autumn breeze begins to sweep through the trees, I find myself craving something warm and comforting—like these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. The moment I take a bite, I am enveloped by the soft, chewy texture and the delightful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and real pumpkin that dances on my palate. These cookies capture all the cozy essence of fall, making them perfect for family gatherings, coffee dates, or simply indulging on a quiet afternoon.

What started as an experiment with leftover pumpkin puree transformed into a cherished recipe in my kitchen. The rich, creamy frosting adds just the right amount of tanginess, complementing the natural sweetness of the cookies. Best of all, they’re easy to whip up, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without the fuss. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s create the perfect autumn treat that’ll have your friends and family asking for seconds!

Why love Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

Autumn comfort: These cookies embody the warmth and coziness of fall, making them a must-have treat for the season.
Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time—perfect for busy days!
Deliciously unique: The blend of pumpkin and spices creates a flavor experience that’s unlike traditional sugar cookies.
Perfectly frosted: The tangy cream cheese frosting elevates these cookies, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
Crowd-pleasing: They’re always a hit at gatherings, guaranteed to disappear quickly among friends and family.
For a delightful serving suggestion, pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy a moment of bliss!

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Ingredients

• Discover the key ingredients for these delightful cookies!

For the Cookie Dough

Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture, flavor, and a vibrant orange hue—make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps create a tender texture; you can reduce to ⅔ cup if you're looking for less sweetness.
Brown Sugar – Imparts depth of flavor with subtle molasses notes that complement the pumpkin beautifully.
Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and a soft texture that makes these cookies a delight.
Egg Yolk – Adds structure without the dough becoming too cakey; for a vegan option, substitute with 1 tablespoon applesauce.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor for a warm, inviting aroma.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the dough for these delightful pumpkin sugar cookies.
Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly while maintaining their soft texture.
Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavor profile.
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves – Introduces warmth and classic fall aromas that perfectly complement the pumpkin.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese – Provides a rich, tangy element essential for the frosting that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and creates that fluffy texture we all love.
A Pinch of Salt – Enhances the sweetness balance, making the frosting even more delightful.

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop that lovely golden color.
Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for a tender cookie texture.
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The egg yolk gives the cookies structure and richness.
Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated. You’ll want to ensure the pumpkin is evenly distributed for that delightful flavor in every bite.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a separate bowl. Gradually combine this dry mixture with your wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space in between since they will spread while baking. Each spoonful should be about 1.5 inches in size.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft, giving you that signature chewy texture. Keep an eye on them—ovens vary!
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them firm up without becoming too dry.
Prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic happens, adding sweetness and tang.
Frost the cooled cookies with the cream cheese frosting once they’ve completely cooled. Each cookie should be generously topped for optimal indulgence!

Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for an extra fall-inspired touch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for meal prep, making your baking tasks easier during busy weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking, which helps enhance the flavors even more. Just shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake from chilled, adding an extra minute or two if needed. Additionally, the unfrosted cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just frost them before serving for that fresh, delightful taste!

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these cookies; there are so many delicious ways to customize them!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-sensitive twist. They’ll remain soft and delightful, just without the gluten!
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of cream cheese for the frosting. This offers a vegan alternative while still keeping the decadent taste.
Extra Spiced: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice to enhance the seasonal spices. This will give your cookies an even richer flavor profile, perfect for fall festivities.
Chocolate-Chip: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips in the dough for a delightful sweet surprise. The combination of pumpkin, spice, and a bit of chocolate creates an indulgent treat.
Maple Glaze: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a maple syrup glaze by mixing powdered sugar with maple syrup. This adds a lovely maple flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for an added texture and nutty flavor. The warmth of the nuts complements the cookies perfectly.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Before baking, sprinkle the dough balls with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, crunchy exterior. This will elevate the visual appeal and flavor!
Pumpkin Spice Frosting: Whip in a bit of pumpkin spice to your cream cheese frosting for an extra burst of fall flavor. This will make every bite taste even more festive and cozy!

What to Serve with Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

The perfect autumn dessert deserves a delightful spread to accompany it, creating a warm and inviting ambiance for any gathering.

Warm Apple Cider: A classic fall beverage that pairs wonderfully with the spices in the cookies, enhancing the cozy vibes. The sweet and slightly tangy notes of apple elevate the entire experience.
Chai Tea Latte: The creamy, spiced blend of chai tea complements pumpkin flavors beautifully, creating a match made in heaven. This combo is perfect for sipping while enjoying cookies fresh from the oven.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a delightful contrast to the soft cookie texture, adding a creamy element that melts into the warm pumpkin goodness.
Spiced Nut Mix: Crunchy, roasted nuts sprinkled with warm spices provide a great textural contrast to the soft cookies, while also adding a savory note that balances the sweetness.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: This popular fall drink echoes the flavors of the cookies, making it a thematic and seasonal pairing that warms the soul, perfect for gatherings or cozy mornings.
Cream Cheese Mints: A minty treat that cleanses the palate in between cookie bites, these bright flavor bites add variety to your dessert spread and are especially fun for gatherings.

Each of these pairings will not only complement the flavors of your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting but also create a memorable experience filled with the essence of fall!

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Pure Pumpkin Only: Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree to ensure your cookies have the right flavor and moisture; pumpkin pie filling can alter both.
Don’t Overmix: After adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can create a tough texture, taking away from the delightful softness of your pumpkin sugar cookies.
Check for Doneness: Bake until the edges are set but the centers look slightly soft; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. This ensures that perfect chewy bite!
Frost After Cooling: Make sure your cookies are completely cool before frosting. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting, keeping it beautifully intact.
Storage Tips: To keep cookies fresh, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. For the best taste, freeze un-frosted cookies and frost before serving.

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Store unfrosted Pumpkin Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you've frosted the cookies, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure they are covered to prevent drying out and absorbing odors.
Freezer: Freeze un-frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This way, you can enjoy the delicious warmth of your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies any time!

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin puree is best for these cookies?
Absolutely! Always opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of your cookies. Look for label specifications that ensure you're getting pure pumpkin without any unnecessary additives.

How should I store my Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?
After baking, store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep the cookies fresh longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 5 days once frosted. Just ensure they're covered well to prevent drying out and absorbing any fridge odors.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze cookies, first flash freeze them by placing unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and feel free to frost them when you're ready!

Why did my pumpkin cookies turn out cakey instead of chewy?
Very! There could be a few reasons for this. First, ensure you're using the correct proportions of ingredients and avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a cakey texture. Additionally, make sure you're using just the egg yolk (not the whole egg) to maintain that chewy consistency. If you follow the steps closely, you'll achieve the delightful soft texture that defines these cookies.

Can I adapt this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and replace the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). For gluten-free options, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Enjoy these pumpkin sugar cookies while keeping your dietary needs in mind!