These Pumpkin Spice Cookies are the perfect fall treat, offering soft, cakey textures and warm, spiced flavors with every bite. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cookies are an irresistible combination of sweet pumpkin and rich creaminess. With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice, they capture all the cozy flavors of the season. Ideal for pumpkin lovers and perfect for sharing, these cookies will quickly become a fall favorite.
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll love these cookies for their soft, cake-like texture and the perfect balance of spiced pumpkin flavor and sweet cream cheese frosting. They’re easy to make and filled with all the fall spices that make pumpkin treats so comforting. Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy contrast that elevates the flavor of the cookies. Whether you're baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress.
Perfect Occasion:
These cookies are perfect for fall celebrations, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or simply as a treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They make a great addition to dessert tables or as a gift for friends and family. Their comforting flavors and soft texture make them an ideal sweet snack during the cooler months.
Decoration Tips:
For a more decorative presentation, sprinkle a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosting. You could also add a few finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra texture and visual appeal. To make them extra festive, try using decorative fall-themed sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Ingredients for the Cookies (Makes 12):
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
Ingredients for the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract until well combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until a dough forms. - Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into balls, about 2 tablespoons per cookie. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. The dough may be sticky, so wetting your hands can help. Flatten each ball slightly, as the cookies will puff up during baking. - Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they are lightly golden and cooked through. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before frosting. - Prepare the Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy. - Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled completely, frost each cookie with a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting. Optionally, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for decoration. - Store the Cookies:
Store the frosted cookies in the fridge to keep them fresh. Enjoy!
Enjoy!