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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 cup pure pumpkin puree - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 3 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt - Gather all ingredients - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) - Line baking sheets with parchment paper When I make soft pumpkin cookies, I gather my ingredients first. This keeps me organized and focused. The mix of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and flavor. Using pure pumpkin puree gives the cookies a nice, soft texture. I recommend using fresh cream cheese for the frosting. It makes a big difference in taste. The frosting should be smooth and creamy. I also like to add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Before you start, preheat your oven. This way, it’s hot and ready. Lining the baking sheets with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup. You will love how easy it is to make these cookies. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your baking! To start, mix your dry ingredients in a bowl. This includes flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them until they blend well. Next, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy; this takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in one large egg, one cup of pumpkin puree, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend these together until everything is combined. Now, it’s time to form the cookies. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the dough. Drop rounded balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness by looking for set edges. The centers may still look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool. After baking, cool the cookies on the baking sheet for five minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies cool, prepare your cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together eight ounces of softened cream cheese and half a cup of softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in three cups of powdered sugar. Then add in one teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Blend until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Make sure your cookies are completely cool before frosting. Use a spatula or a piping bag to generously frost each cookie. The frosting adds a rich, creamy layer that perfectly complements the soft pumpkin cookie base. Enjoy the delightful taste and beautiful look of your freshly frosted cookies! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To get soft cookies, don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until you blend the dry and wet ingredients. This helps keep the cookies tender. Another trick is to slightly underbake them. When the edges set but the centers look soft, take them out. They will firm up as they cool. For the best cream cheese frosting, start with the cream cheese at room temperature. This makes mixing easy and smooth. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar. Taste it as you go to find your sweet spot. When it comes to serving, arrange your cookies on a festive platter. It adds cheer to any table. You can sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a nice touch. If you want to gift them, consider using cookie holders or wrappers. They make lovely gifts that everyone will enjoy. For the full recipe, check the previous section! {{image_2}} When making soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, feel free to explore fun variations. You can add new flavors and textures to make them your own. - Chocolate chips or chunks: This adds a rich sweetness. Use dark or milk chocolate for a delightful contrast to the pumpkin flavor. - Nuts like walnuts or pecans: Chopped nuts give a nice crunch. They also add a wonderful nutty taste that pairs well with pumpkin. - Dried cranberries for a tart twist: These add a burst of tartness. The chewy texture complements the soft cookies nicely. If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This change keeps the cookies soft and delicious. Most blends work well, but look for one that includes xanthan gum for better texture. For a dairy-free treat, replace traditional cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives. Many brands now offer great options that taste just as creamy. This way, you can enjoy the same flavors while keeping it dairy-free. Feel free to check out the Full Recipe for more details and tips! To keep your soft pumpkin cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps them stay soft and tasty. You can keep them at room temperature for up to one week. If you love these cookies as much as I do, they might not last that long! If you want to save some cookies for later, freeze them before frosting. This gives you a longer shelf life. To enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving. They will taste just as good as fresh! If you have leftover cream cheese frosting, store it in the fridge. This frosting is great on other treats too! Use it within one week for the best taste and texture. No, pumpkin pie filling and pumpkin puree are not the same. Pumpkin puree is just pureed pumpkin. It has no added sugars or spices. Pumpkin pie filling has spices and sugar mixed in. This can change the taste and texture of your cookies. If you use pie filling, reduce the sugar in your recipe. Look for these signs to know your cookies are ready: - The edges will look set. - The center will be soft but not wet. - A light golden color will appear on the edges. If you see these signs, it's time to take them out. If you don’t have cream cheese, try these options: - Greek yogurt for a tangy taste. - Mascarpone cheese for a rich, creamy flavor. - Buttercream made with butter and powdered sugar. These options can still give a delightful topping. To cut back on sugar, try these tips: - Use less brown sugar and granulated sugar. - Add mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce for sweetness. - Use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol. These swaps won't hurt the cookie's soft texture. Yes, you can double this recipe easily. Just multiply each ingredient by two. Use two baking sheets to bake all the cookies at once. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may change slightly. You will need about 35 minutes total. - Prep time takes around 20 minutes. - Baking takes about 12-15 minutes. This quick recipe gives you delicious cookies in no time! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. You now know how to make delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting. I shared the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out great. Feel free to try fun variations, like adding chocolate or going gluten-free. Store your cookies properly to keep them fresh. Remember, baking should be fun and creative, so enjoy each step of the process! Whether for yourself or as gifts, these cookies are sure to impress. Get baking!

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these soft pumpkin cookies topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress! With simple ingredients like pumpkin puree and spices, you’ll enjoy irresistibly soft bites that melt in your mouth. Dive into the full recipe now and treat yourself or your loved ones to a delightful autumn treat that everyone will adore!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 cup pure pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

      In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

        Add in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

            Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly underbaked (they will firm up as they cool).

                Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

                    Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until smooth.

                      Once the cookies are completely cool, use a spatula or piping bag to frost each cookie generously with the cream cheese frosting.

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: Approximately 24 cookies

                          - Presentation Tips: Arrange the frosted cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a touch of elegance. Consider using cookie holders or wrappers for a more giftable presentation!