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+ servings

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Deliciously soft and chewy pumpkin cookies topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree canned or homemade
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Make the Cookies
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cookies rise.
  4. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
  6. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.
Assemble the Cookies
  1. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie using a spatula or a piping bag for a decorative touch.
  2. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough for extra flavor and texture.

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