Soft Pumpkin Cookies

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat for any fall gathering. Their fluffy texture combined with creamy frosting makes them an irresistible dessert. Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dinners, or just a cozy night at home, these cookies bring the warmth of autumn to your table. With their easy preparation and comforting pumpkin flavor, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a mouthwatering taste that defines fall.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these cookies plain or dressed up with sprinkles for extra fun during festive occasions.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: These cookies stay soft and chewy, making them a delightful contrast to the creamy frosting.
• Ideal for Sharing: With 36 servings, these cookies are great for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make baking your Soft Pumpkin Cookies easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine all ingredients evenly without spilling.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for a smooth texture.
• Baking sheet: Using a good quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

Ingredients

These pillowy Soft Pumpkin Cookies are topped with decadent cream cheese frosting creating an irresistible fall dessert. Reminiscent of Pumpkin Lofthouse Cookies, they can be made with or without sprinkles.

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 15oz can pumpkin puree (1/2 of a 15 oz can is approximately 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

For the Frosting

• 4 oz softened cream cheese (make sure to sit it out in advance to come to a softened consistency)
• 3 tbsp softened butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch salt (optional)

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1. The softened butter
2. Sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in:
– The large egg
– Pure vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Mix in Pumpkin

Add the pumpkin puree into the mixture. Blend thoroughly until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
– Flour
– Baking powder
– Baking soda
– Salt
– Ground cinnamon
– Pumpkin pie spice

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 10: Make Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
– Cream cheese
– Softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until creamy. Add vanilla extract and pinch of salt if desired.

Step 11: Frost Cookies

Once cookies have cooled completely, spread cream cheese frosting on top. Optionally, add sprinkles for decoration!

Enjoy your delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Their fluffy texture and sweet cream cheese frosting make them a delightful treat. Here are some creative ways to serve these delicious cookies.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon snack. The rich flavors complement each other perfectly.

At Fall Gatherings

• Serve these cookies at fall-themed parties or Thanksgiving gatherings. Their festive appearance and flavor will be a hit among guests.

As a Dessert Platter

• Include Soft Pumpkin Cookies on a dessert platter alongside other seasonal treats like pecan pie and apple crisp for an impressive dessert spread.

With Ice Cream

• Top a warm Soft Pumpkin Cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The warmth of the cookie with cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast.

Gift Them to Friends

• Package several Soft Pumpkin Cookies in a decorative box as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Everyone loves homemade treats!

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How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies

To achieve the ultimate Soft Pumpkin Cookies, consider these helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and egg to room temperature ensures better mixing and texture.

• Do not overmix the batter: Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated to maintain the cookies’ soft, fluffy texture.

• Scoop evenly: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough for uniform cookies that bake evenly.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance flavor and help prevent spreading during baking.

• Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should look set but still soft in the center when done.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing any meal or snack time. Here’s a list of complementary options:

1. Spiced Chai Latte: A warm spiced chai latte enhances the flavors of pumpkin, making it an ideal beverage pairing.

2. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: The creamy soup balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a satisfying meal combo.

3. Maple-Glazed Carrots: Sweet maple-glazed carrots offer a delightful contrast to the soft texture of pumpkin cookies.

4. Cranberry Salad: A tangy cranberry salad adds freshness and acidity that pairs beautifully with the richness of pumpkin.

5. Cheese Board: Include brie, cheddar, and nuts on a cheese board alongside your cookies for a savory-sweet experience.

6. Apple Crisp: The warm, cinnamon-spiced apple crisp complements the flavors of pumpkin while providing delightful textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Soft Pumpkin Cookies can be delightful, but a few common mistakes might prevent you from achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

• Incorrect measurements: Always use precise measurements for ingredients, especially flour and pumpkin puree. Too much flour can lead to dense cookies.
• Not softening butter: Ensure your unsalted butter is softened before mixing. Cold butter won’t incorporate well, affecting the cookie’s softness.
• Skipping chilling time: If you find your dough too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This helps improve the texture and makes handling easier.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on baking time. Overbaked cookies can turn dry; they should be just set in the center when you remove them from the oven.
• Ignoring the frosting: Don’t forget the cream cheese frosting! It adds moisture and flavor that complements the pumpkin cookies beautifully.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Soft Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies

• Freeze cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before freezing to maintain texture.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered pan over low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft Pumpkin Cookies that may help you on your baking journey.

How do I make my Soft Pumpkin Cookies even more flavorful?

Adding extra spices like nutmeg or ginger can enhance the flavor profile of your Soft Pumpkin Cookies.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but it may alter the texture slightly. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for better results.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as alternatives if you’re looking for a different flavor in your frosting.

Are Soft Pumpkin Cookies suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well, allowing you to enjoy them later without losing their soft texture.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are not only pillowy and delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain or with cream cheese frosting, they are sure to bring comfort and joy. Feel free to customize with nuts or chocolate chips for added delight!