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Easy Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Chloe Richardson

Easy Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Capture the essence of autumn with these soft, cake-like pumpkin cookies. Perfectly spiced and topped with a velvety, tangy cream cheese frosting, these cookies offer a sophisticated profile that elevates the classic fall dessert. They are the ideal treat for gatherings or cozy afternoons at home, delivering a consistent, bakery-quality texture every time you bake them.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 195
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the 1/2 cup butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just set.
  8. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  10. Frost the cooled cookies before serving.

Notes

Ensure your pumpkin puree is 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. To achieve a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen unfrosted for up to one month.