Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing: A Perfect Fall & Thanksgiving Sweet Treat 🎃🧁✨
1. Introduction
If you’re on the hunt for delicious **Pumpkin Cookies** that embody the cozy flavors of fall, you’ve come to the right place. These **soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing** are the ultimate **easy fall sweet treats** perfect for any occasion, especially during holiday seasons like Thanksgiving. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with luscious cream cheese frosting makes them an irresistible addition to **Thanksgiving platter ideas** or a charming dessert for festive dinners. This recipe is simple to follow and yields **sweet simple desserts** that will delight family and friends alike. Let’s explore how to create these scrumptious **Thanksgiving recipes dessert cookies** that are sure to become a holiday favorite!
2. Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- Easy Peanut Butter Cookies or other cookies for inspiration
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
**Preparation of the Pumpkin Cookie Dough**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until the dough is smooth and well combined.
**Shaping and Baking Pumpkin Cookies**
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, shape the dough into evenly sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
**Preparing Cream Cheese Icing**
Visit this link to learn how to make the perfect cream cheese frosting for your cookies. Once cooled, spread generously over each cookie, adding a delightful cream cheese layer that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
4. Storage Tips for Pumpkin Cookies & Cream Cheese Frosting
Keep the cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To maintain their softness, let the cookies come to room temperature before serving. Avoid stacking the cookies directly on top of each other without parchment paper to prevent frosting smudges. For an extra touch, you can wrap individual cookies and freeze them for up to a month.
5. Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced cider, making them ideal for **easy dessert Thanksgiving** menus. For added festivity, serve with a dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkling of chopped pecans. Their vibrant fall colors and rich flavor make them a hit on any **Thanksgiving platter idea** or holiday dessert table. Consider presenting them alongside other **fall dessert recipes easy pumpkin**, like [pumpkin bread](https://crispsmeal.com/snickerdoodle-pumpkin-bread/), for a comprehensive seasonal spread.
6. Variations & Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies
- Exchange the cream cheese icing for whipped cream or caramel drizzle for a different twist.
- Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the cookie dough for extra texture.
- Use homemade pumpkin puree for a richer flavor.
- Ensure the butter and pumpkin are at room temperature for easier mixing.
7. FAQs About Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
What makes these pumpkin cookies so soft?
The key to their soft texture is the balanced combination of pumpkin puree, butter, and precise baking time. The pumpkin adds moisture, keeping the cookies tender and moist.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can portion out the dough and freeze it in an airtight container. When ready to bake, thaw slightly and bake as directed.
Is the cream cheese icing necessary?
While it’s traditional and adds a creamy richness, you can skip the icing or substitute with vanilla glaze if you prefer a lighter dessert.
8. Additional Tips for Ultimate Fall & Thanksgiving Desserts
Pair your **pumpkin cookies** with a variety of **Thanksgiving platter ideas** for a well-rounded dessert spread. Use seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavor, and consider garnishing with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an extra decorative touch. Incorporate recipes from our collection of [best sugar cookies](https://crispsmeal.com/best-sugar-cookies-recipe/) or explore these [no-bake cookies](https://crispsmeal.com/no-bake-cookies-recipe/) for quick options.
If you’d like to upgrade your baking game, check out the CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set for easy baking and cleanup, or the KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer for effortless mixing of your cookie dough and frosting.
9. Conclusion
Enjoy baking these **soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing** as part of your **easy fall sweet treats** or **Thanksgiving recipes dessert cookies** lineup. Their inviting aroma and delightful taste make them a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving platter or festive gathering. With a simple recipe and endless customization options, these **fall easy dessert recipes** are sure to impress everyone at your holiday table. Happy baking and enjoy your delicious pumpkin masterpiece!
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Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing are a delightful fall treat perfect for Thanksgiving and festive occasions. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies feature cozy pumpkin flavors complemented by luscious cream cheese frosting, making them an irresistible addition to any holiday dessert spread.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until the dough is smooth and well combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, shape the dough into balls and place about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
- Spread cream cheese icing over cooled cookies. (See this link for frosting recipe.)
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week for longer freshness.
- Allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving for best softness.
- Wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American