Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect fall treat to indulge in! These cookies are soft, thick, and bursting with flavor. Topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting, they offer a delightful combination of sweetness and spice. Perfect for any autumn gathering, these cookies will surely impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies come together quickly.
• Delicious Flavor – The blend of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a rich taste that embodies the essence of fall.
• Versatile Treat – Whether for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just because, these cookies fit any occasion beautifully.
• Cream Cheese Frosting – The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the sweet cookies, enhancing their flavor.
• Family Favorite – Once you make these cookies, they’ll likely become a staple at your family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Refrigerator

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer – Speeds up the mixing process for both the cookie dough and the frosting.
• Baking sheet – Provides a stable surface for even baking of your cookies.
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking, ensuring easy removal of baked cookies.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s hot enough for baking when you’re ready.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the melted butter, pumpkin puree, white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Combine until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients:
Add in the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
Mix until a cookie dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for 25 minutes. Chilling helps create thicker cookies.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Dough Balls

After chilling:
Remove the dough from the fridge.
Roll it into balls about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons in size.
Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Aim for about 12–14 cookies.

Step 6: Bake

Bake your cookies for about 18 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies bake:
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter.
Beat with an electric mixer until well combined.
Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Chill until ready to frost.

Step 8: Cool Cookies

Once baked, remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 9: Frost Cookies

Spread about one tablespoon of cream cheese frosting on top of each cooled cookie. For extra flair, sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Dig into your delicious Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! Share them at gatherings or keep them all to yourself!

These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly tasty. They encapsulate all that is wonderful about autumn treats!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting can enhance your fall gatherings. These cookies are not just a treat on their own; pairing them with other flavors or drinks can elevate the experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The warmth and bitterness of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies.
• Tea: A spiced chai or pumpkin tea pairs beautifully, enhancing the cookie’s flavors.
• Hot Chocolate: For a rich treat, serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot chocolate.

On a Dessert Platter

• Assorted Cookies: Include other favorites like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin for variety.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Small cheesecake bites add a creamy contrast to the spiced cookies.
• Fruit: Fresh apple slices or pear halves provide a refreshing balance to the sweetness.

At Seasonal Gatherings

• Fall Parties: Display them on a festive table during Halloween or Thanksgiving celebrations.
• Picnics: Pack them in a basket for an outdoor gathering; they travel well and stay fresh.
• Gift Boxes: Wrap them up as sweet treats in gift boxes for friends and family.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect every time, follow these handy tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh pumpkin pie spice will give your cookies a more vibrant flavor profile.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision in measuring will ensure consistent texture and taste.
• Don’t Overbake: Aim for a soft center; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal.
• Cream Butter and Sugar Well: This step ensures light and fluffy cookies that melt in your mouth.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for longer.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

When serving Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, consider these delightful side dishes that complement their flavors perfectly.

1. Apple Cider Donuts: Soft and sweet, these donuts add extra fall flavor to your dessert spread.
2. Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel provides an indulgent touch that’s hard to resist.
3. Pecan Pie Bites: Mini pecan pies offer a crunchy texture contrast and rich taste alongside the soft cookies.
4. Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy nuts make for an excellent snack that pairs well with the cookies’ creaminess.
5. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: A warm soup can be served as a starter before enjoying dessert, enhancing the seasonal vibe.
6. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: For double pumpkin goodness, these bars match perfectly with your cookie sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 25 minutes to achieve the perfect thickness.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or cream cheese can result in a lumpy frosting. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature for a smooth blend.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can alter the texture of your cookies. Use precise measuring cups and spoons for better results.

• Overbaking the cookies: Baking too long will dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they’re just set at 18 minutes for a soft texture.

• Ignoring flavor adjustments: If you prefer more spice, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice. Tailoring the recipe to your taste enhances enjoyment.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it is well-cooked and strained to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust liquid levels if necessary based on your chosen blend’s absorbency.

Can I freeze the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can freeze the cream cheese frosting separately. Store it in an airtight container for up to two months, then thaw before use.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not just delightful but also adaptable! You can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Perfect for fall gatherings or simply as a cozy treat, give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite!