Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
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There is something utterly magical about Soft Pumpkin Cookies that makes them a cherished treat any time of year, especially when the air turns crisp and the scents of cinnamon and nutmeg fill the kitchen. These cookies are wonderfully tender, bursting with warm autumnal spices, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that feels like a comforting hug in every bite. The perfect balance of moist pumpkin puree and just the right amount of sweetness makes these Soft Pumpkin Cookies an irresistible delight worth baking again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these humble yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating cookies that are soft, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. Each ingredient has a special role, from the creamy butter that ensures richness to the fragrant spices that give the cookies their signature autumn warmth.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation that provides structure but keeps the cookies tender when measured just right.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently, contributing to their soft texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds that classic, warmly sweet note essential in pumpkin treats.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle earthiness that deepens the spice profile.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny but mighty spice that gives a hint of warmth and complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup + 1/2 cup, softened): Divided—use some in the dough for richness and some in the frosting for creaminess.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the pumpkin.
- Pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star ingredient that brings moistness, vibrant color, and mild sweetness.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to the soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 2 teaspoons): Added to both dough and frosting for a fragrant, sweet finish.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Essential for a tangy, creamy frosting that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Gives the frosting its silky sweetness and smooth texture.
- Milk or heavy cream (2-4 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for easy spreading or piping.
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. This step is key to evenly distributing the warm spices and leavening so every bite has consistent flavor and that perfect rise.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This aerates the dough, making the final cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
Blend in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated, then add the egg and vanilla extract to bring moisture and a lovely aroma. Be sure to scrape the bowl sides to combine everything smoothly.
Step 4: Gradually Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add the dry mixture gradually to the wet ingredients, stirring on low speed just until combined. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so gentle folding is the trick.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or up to 24 hours if you want to prepare ahead. This resting time lets the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle when scooping.
Step 6: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—these help cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking without extra butter.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. This helps every cookie bake to soft, pillowy perfection.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye for the edges to turn a light golden brown while the centers set but remain tender. This careful timing is what keeps the Soft Pumpkin Cookies chewy and moist inside.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets them firm up just enough to hold the frosting later without crumbling.
Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This creates the rich and tangy base for the frosting that perfectly complements the spice-filled cookies.
Step 11: Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud! This slow addition ensures a silky, lump-free frosting.
Step 12: Flavor and Thin the Frosting
Mix in the vanilla extract, then add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect spreadable consistency—creamy but not runny.
Step 13: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over each one. This rich topping balances the spice and pumpkin flavors beautifully.
Step 14: Optional Decorations
Add your personal touch with festive sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a light dusting of cinnamon. These little details make the cookies shine for parties or cozy family gatherings.
Step 15: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Soft Pumpkin Cookies immediately for the freshest experience, or store them properly to enjoy later—they’re just as wonderful the next day!
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans on top of the frosting adds texture and enhances the autumn flavors. Fresh whipped cream on the side is an indulgent touch that pairs wonderfully with these cookies.
Side Dishes
These cookies go hand-in-hand with a hot cup of chai tea, spiced latte, or even a glass of cold milk. For a heartier treat, serve them alongside a bowl of warm apple cider or a creamy pumpkin soup for a full fall-themed delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Soft Pumpkin Cookies on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves scattered around for a cozy vibe. For celebrations, try stacking them into a cookie tower tied with a ribbon, or sandwich frosting between two cookies for a decadent cookie sandwich twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Soft Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh—this helps them stay moist and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
To freeze, place unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze the frosting separately. Thaw both overnight in the fridge and assemble before serving.
Reheating
If you desire a warm cookie, gently warm unfrosted cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid heating the frosting to prevent melting. A warmed cookie with a cool frosting bite is an irresistible contrast.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree rather than pie filling because the latter is already sweetened and spiced, which can throw off the balance of flavors and texture in your Soft Pumpkin Cookies.
How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?
Do not overbake and be gentle when mixing the dough. Also, chilling the dough before baking helps maintain moisture, resulting in ultrasoft cookies.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! You can frost these cookies with a simple vanilla glaze or even a brown butter frosting, but cream cheese frosting is the traditional favorite that complements the spices best.
Are these cookies good for freezing after frosting?
Freezing frosted cookies can cause the frosting to change texture and look. It’s better to freeze the unfrosted cookies and frost them after thawing.
What can I add to customize the flavor?
Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or mixing in chocolate chips with the dry ingredients can add delightful texture and flavor variations to your Soft Pumpkin Cookies.
Final Thoughts
If you need a cookie that feels like a cozy afternoon spent wrapped in a soft blanket with a warm drink, these Soft Pumpkin Cookies are exactly the recipe to try. Their tender crumb, beautifully spiced pumpkin flavor, and creamy frosting will win hearts every time you share them. Take the plunge into making these at home—your taste buds will thank you!
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Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are a perfect fall treat featuring a tender, spiced pumpkin-flavored cookie base topped with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, they are irresistibly moist and flavorful, making them ideal for seasonal celebrations or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, for desired consistency
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Pumpkin Puree, Egg, and Vanilla: Beat in the pumpkin puree until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld and dough to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Scoop and Shape the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese (Frosting): In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar (Frosting): Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Vanilla Extract and Milk (Frosting): Beat in the vanilla extract. Then, add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting evenly over each cookie.
- Optional Decorations: If desired, decorate the frosted cookies with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a light dusting of cinnamon for added texture and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious pumpkin cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.
Notes
- For best results, chill the cookie dough before baking to improve texture and flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream for milk in the frosting for a richer texture.
- Make sure the cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- These cookies can be frozen un-frosted for up to 3 months; thaw and frost when ready to serve.
- Adjust spice quantities to taste, adding a pinch of ginger or allspice for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie with frosting (about 40g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pumpkin cookies, soft pumpkin cookies, cream cheese frosting, fall desserts, spiced cookies, pumpkin dessert
