Get ready to satisfy your fall cravings with my easy recipe for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing! These cookies blend warm spices and creamy icing, creating a sweet treat perfect for any day. Whether you’re planning a gathering or just a cozy night in, these cookies will steal the show. Let’s dive into the ingredients and start whipping up this delicious recipe together!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
For these cookies, the dry ingredients create a wonderful base. Each one plays a key role. The flour gives structure, while baking soda and baking powder help the cookies rise. The spices add warmth and flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The wet ingredients bring moisture and richness. Softened butter and sugar mix to form a creamy blend. Pumpkin puree adds a lovely texture and flavor. It makes the cookies soft and chewy.
Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
The cream cheese icing adds a sweet and tangy topping. It complements the spices in the cookies. The icing brings a smooth finish to each bite. You can find the full recipe details after this section to ensure your cookies taste amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. This includes flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these well ensures your cookies rise and taste great.
Mixing the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is combined and smooth. Pumpkin puree gives the cookies a soft texture.
Combining and Baking
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients you set aside. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the cookies soft.
- Now, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The edges will turn lightly golden, and the centers may look soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Enjoy the process! The smell of pumpkin cookies baking is a treat in itself. For the full recipe, check the previous section.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the right texture in your pumpkin sugar cookies, follow these key tips:
- Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing makes cookies tough. Mix until just combined.
- Baking time is key. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The edges should be golden. The centers will look soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Icing Techniques
Perfecting the cream cheese icing is simple if you keep a few things in mind:
- Get the right consistency. Start by beating the cream cheese and powdered sugar together. Add milk slowly until it’s creamy.
- Use the best tools. A flat spatula works well for spreading icing. A piping bag can create fun designs.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation makes your cookies shine at any event:
- Arrange them nicely. Use a festive platter for an appealing look. Add crushed nuts on top for extra flair.
- Pair with beverages. These cookies go great with hot coffee or spiced tea. For toppings, try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel.
For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on making these delightful cookies!
Variations
Gluten-Free Option
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that has xanthan gum added. This helps to mimic the texture of regular flour. You can use this blend in the same amount as all-purpose flour. Just mix it well with the dry ingredients. The result will be just as tasty!
Flavor Additions
You can add a twist to your cookies by mixing in chocolate chips or nuts. Dark chocolate chips give a nice contrast to the pumpkin flavor. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture. You can also experiment with spices like allspice or cloves. This adds depth to the flavor. Just be sure to keep the amounts balanced to not overpower the pumpkin.
Dietary Considerations
If you’re looking for vegan options, you can swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter. Instead of an egg, use a flax egg. Simply mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. For a low-sugar version, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Adjust the amounts based on the product you choose. These options keep the cookies delicious without compromising on taste!
For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your pumpkin sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method helps maintain their soft texture. Your cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days. After that, they may become dry and hard.
Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, freeze uniced cookies. First, let them cool completely. Then, stack them in layers with parchment paper in between. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw properly, place the cookies in the fridge overnight. This helps keep their flavor intact.
Icing Storage
If you have leftover cream cheese icing, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It can last for about a week. To reuse icing, simply re-whip it to restore its creamy texture. You can also add a little milk if it appears too thick.
FAQs
How do I make pumpkin sugar cookies from scratch?
To make pumpkin sugar cookies, you need simple steps. Start by mixing your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add an egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Combine the dry mix with the wet ingredients. Form dough balls and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. For more details, check the Full Recipe.
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned pumpkin. It saves time and adds great flavor. Make sure to choose plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The filling has added sugar and spices that change the cookie’s taste. Canned pumpkin gives your cookies moisture and a rich, pumpkin flavor.
What are some common problems when making sugar cookies?
Common problems include cookies spreading too much or not rising. Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Also, if your butter is too warm, cookies may spread out. Make sure to chill the dough for a bit if this happens. Baking at the right temperature is key to getting soft centers and slight crisp edges.
How should I adjust bake time for larger cookies?
For larger cookies, increase the bake time. Start with an extra 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. When the edges are golden, and the centers look set, they’re done. Using a thicker cookie scoop can help you make uniform sizes.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh cookies whenever you want!
In this post, we explored how to make delicious pumpkin sugar cookies. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect texture. Variations for dietary needs and storage tips help you keep these treats fresh. Remember, little detail makes a big difference, like not overmixing and using the right tools for icing. Enjoy baking and share your cookies with friends and family. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will love these festive delights. Happy baking!
![- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground ginger - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt For these cookies, the dry ingredients create a wonderful base. Each one plays a key role. The flour gives structure, while baking soda and baking powder help the cookies rise. The spices add warmth and flavor. - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The wet ingredients bring moisture and richness. Softened butter and sugar mix to form a creamy blend. Pumpkin puree adds a lovely texture and flavor. It makes the cookies soft and chewy. - ½ cup powdered sugar - 4 oz cream cheese, softened - 2 tablespoons milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing) The cream cheese icing adds a sweet and tangy topping. It complements the spices in the cookies. The icing brings a smooth finish to each bite. You can find the full recipe details after this section to ensure your cookies taste amazing! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. This includes flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these well ensures your cookies rise and taste great. - In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes. - Next, add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is combined and smooth. Pumpkin puree gives the cookies a soft texture. - Gradually mix in the dry ingredients you set aside. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the cookies soft. - Now, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. - Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The edges will turn lightly golden, and the centers may look soft. They will firm up as they cool. Enjoy the process! The smell of pumpkin cookies baking is a treat in itself. For the full recipe, check the previous section. To get the right texture in your pumpkin sugar cookies, follow these key tips: - Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing makes cookies tough. Mix until just combined. - Baking time is key. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The edges should be golden. The centers will look soft. They will firm up as they cool. Perfecting the cream cheese icing is simple if you keep a few things in mind: - Get the right consistency. Start by beating the cream cheese and powdered sugar together. Add milk slowly until it’s creamy. - Use the best tools. A flat spatula works well for spreading icing. A piping bag can create fun designs. Presentation makes your cookies shine at any event: - Arrange them nicely. Use a festive platter for an appealing look. Add crushed nuts on top for extra flair. - Pair with beverages. These cookies go great with hot coffee or spiced tea. For toppings, try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on making these delightful cookies! {{image_2}} To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that has xanthan gum added. This helps to mimic the texture of regular flour. You can use this blend in the same amount as all-purpose flour. Just mix it well with the dry ingredients. The result will be just as tasty! You can add a twist to your cookies by mixing in chocolate chips or nuts. Dark chocolate chips give a nice contrast to the pumpkin flavor. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture. You can also experiment with spices like allspice or cloves. This adds depth to the flavor. Just be sure to keep the amounts balanced to not overpower the pumpkin. If you're looking for vegan options, you can swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter. Instead of an egg, use a flax egg. Simply mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. For a low-sugar version, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Adjust the amounts based on the product you choose. These options keep the cookies delicious without compromising on taste! For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To keep your pumpkin sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method helps maintain their soft texture. Your cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days. After that, they may become dry and hard. For longer storage, freeze uniced cookies. First, let them cool completely. Then, stack them in layers with parchment paper in between. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw properly, place the cookies in the fridge overnight. This helps keep their flavor intact. If you have leftover cream cheese icing, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It can last for about a week. To reuse icing, simply re-whip it to restore its creamy texture. You can also add a little milk if it appears too thick. To make pumpkin sugar cookies, you need simple steps. Start by mixing your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add an egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Combine the dry mix with the wet ingredients. Form dough balls and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use canned pumpkin. It saves time and adds great flavor. Make sure to choose plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The filling has added sugar and spices that change the cookie's taste. Canned pumpkin gives your cookies moisture and a rich, pumpkin flavor. Common problems include cookies spreading too much or not rising. Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Also, if your butter is too warm, cookies may spread out. Make sure to chill the dough for a bit if this happens. Baking at the right temperature is key to getting soft centers and slight crisp edges. For larger cookies, increase the bake time. Start with an extra 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. When the edges are golden, and the centers look set, they’re done. Using a thicker cookie scoop can help you make uniform sizes. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage. When you're ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh cookies whenever you want! In this post, we explored how to make delicious pumpkin sugar cookies. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect texture. Variations for dietary needs and storage tips help you keep these treats fresh. Remember, little detail makes a big difference, like not overmixing and using the right tools for icing. Enjoy baking and share your cookies with friends and family. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will love these festive delights. Happy baking!](https://savorystride.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/663017b9-9cb6-4ea4-8818-f7f1530375e5-250x250.webp)