These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall baking treat! Soft, chewy, and warmly spiced, they bring all the cozy autumn vibes straight to your kitchen. The pumpkin puree keeps the cookies moist and tender, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the spices. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering, Thanksgiving dessert table, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these cookies are guaranteed to be a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Moist: Pumpkin puree creates the perfect tender cookie texture.
- Spiced to Perfection: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for warm fall flavor.
- Easy to Make: Just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Festive & Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for holiday parties, bake sales, or gifting.
- Pairs with Everything: Delicious with coffee, tea, or apple cider.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – for richness and a soft crumb
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – sweetens and helps structure
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – adds moisture and depth
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree – gives flavor and keeps cookies moist
- 1 egg yolk – binds ingredients and adds tenderness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances flavor
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the cookie base
- 1/2 tsp baking powder – adds lightness
- 1/4 tsp salt – balances sweetness
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – classic pumpkin spice warmth
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg – for cozy depth
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves – adds richness
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – base for frosting
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened – creamy texture in frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar – sweetens and thickens frosting
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – flavors frosting
- Pinch of salt – balances frosting sweetness
How to Make It
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine: Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop dough with a tablespoon or cookie scoop and place on prepared sheets, spacing evenly.
- Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set. Let cool on sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Frost & Serve: Once cookies are completely cool, frost generously and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough—this keeps the cookies soft.
- If you like thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar. For thinner frosting, add a splash of milk.
- Chill dough for 15 minutes if it feels too sticky before baking.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based milk.
- Extra Spice: Add pumpkin pie spice in place of individual spices.
- Decorate: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or festive fall sprinkles after frosting.
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin sugar cookies are perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables, Halloween parties, or cozy weekends at home. Pair with coffee, spiced chai, or warm apple cider for the ultimate fall treat. They also make a sweet edible gift when wrapped in festive boxes or bags.
Storage, Freezing, & Reheating Instructions
- Room Temperature: Unfrosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Frosted cookies should be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and freeze unfrosted cookies, then frost before serving for fresh flavor.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced. Stick to plain pumpkin puree for best results.
How do I keep my cookies soft?
Do not overbake. Remove from the oven as soon as the edges are set and the tops are no longer wet.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily if you’re baking for a crowd.
Closing Thoughts
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a fall must-bake! Soft, spiced, and topped with creamy frosting, they’re perfect for cozy afternoons, festive gatherings, and holiday tables. If you make them, be sure to leave a review, share your photos, and save this recipe to your Pinterest boards so you’ll always have it ready for pumpkin season. 🍂