Oh, sweet friends, there’s a special kind of magic that happens when autumn arrives, isn’t there? The air grows crisp, the leaves turn vibrant, and suddenly, our kitchens just beg for the comforting scent of spices. And what better way to welcome that cozy feeling than with a batch of perfectly soft and chewy pumpkin cookies? These aren’t just any cookies; they’re little pillows of spiced pumpkin goodness, each one promising a taste of home and a gentle hug for your soul.
I remember childhood afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg always swirling as she baked her seasonal treats. It was there I first fell in love with the simple joy of creating something delicious from scratch. Years of experimenting later, I’ve found that some recipes just stick with you, becoming cherished traditions. This recipe for pumpkin cookies is one of those timeless treasures.
This recipe is truly a baker’s delight, offering both ease and immense satisfaction. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a little sweet escape, or for sharing with loved ones around a crackling fire. My top tip? Don’t rush the mixing; letting the flavors meld creates an unparalleled depth in every bite.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting these delightful cookies requires just a few pantry staples, proving that even the simplest ingredients can transform into pure magic. The rich, earthy notes of pure pumpkin puree are beautifully complemented by a symphony of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, while creamy butter and brown sugar lend that irresistible chewiness to our lovely pumpkin cookies. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements ready for you in the recipe card just below!
How to Make pumpkin cookies
Baking these delightful pumpkin cookies is a journey of warmth and comforting aromas, truly a joy from start to finish. You’ll begin by combining your dry and wet ingredients separately, then bringing them together to form a beautifully spiced dough. After a quick chill, these beauties bake up in no time, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent. The grand finale involves whipping up a luscious cream cheese frosting to crown each soft cookie, making them utterly irresistible!
Soft & Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough will be soft.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, and the centers are still soft. Depending on your oven and cookie size, this may take slightly longer or shorter. You will likely bake in two batches.
- Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Baking these pumpkin cookies is such a rewarding experience, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few little secrets that make them absolutely perfect every time.
My Secret Trick: I always make sure my butter and cream cheese are truly at room temperature for both the cookies and the frosting. This makes for a wonderfully smooth, lump-free batter and frosting that pipes beautifully. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
For that signature soft and chewy texture, be careful not to overmix your cookie dough once the flour is added. Just mix until everything is combined, and then stop! Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to a tougher cookie, and we want soft, pillowy pumpkin cookies!
Don’t skip the chilling step for the cookie dough. Even a short 30-minute chill helps the flavors meld beautifully and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring those lovely thick centers.
When it comes to the cream cheese frosting, sift your powdered sugar! This simple step eliminates any pesky lumps, giving you the smoothest, most delightful frosting for your pumpkin cookies. It’s a small extra step, but oh so worth it for that velvety finish.
Fun Variations for pumpkin cookies
One of the greatest joys of baking is getting creative and making a recipe truly your own! These pumpkin cookies are a fantastic canvas for playful twists. My sister always asks me to add chocolate chips, and honestly, who can resist a little melty goodness?
Spice It Up
For an extra layer of warmth, try adding a pinch of freshly grated ginger or a tiny bit of cardamom to the spice mix. It deepens the flavor wonderfully and gives these pumpkin cookies a sophisticated edge that reminds me of special holiday gatherings.
Nutty Delight
If you love a little crunch, gently fold in about half a cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough. The toasted nuts add a delightful texture and a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.
Glaze, Not Frosting
Sometimes, a lighter touch is just what you need! Instead of the cream cheese frosting, consider a simple vanilla bean glaze. Just whisk powdered sugar with a little milk and a hint of vanilla extract until it’s drizzling consistency. It’s quick, easy, and still incredibly delicious on these soft treats.
What to Serve With pumpkin cookies
These delightful pumpkin cookies are a treat all on their own, but they truly shine when paired with a thoughtful accompaniment that enhances their warm, comforting flavors. I love serving them with a steaming mug of hot chai tea; the spices in both complement each other beautifully, creating a cozy moment perfect for a crisp autumn afternoon.
For a classic pairing, a cold glass of milk is always a winner – it’s a simple pleasure that brings me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen. If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside these soft pumpkin cookies makes for a dreamy dessert, especially if they’re still slightly warm. Another lovely idea, which my mom always enjoys, is a rich, dark roasted coffee. The slight bitterness of the coffee cuts through the sweetness of the frosting perfectly, making each bite even more satisfying.
How to Store pumpkin cookies
Keeping your freshly baked pumpkin cookies soft and delicious is key to enjoying them for days to come! Proper storage ensures that every bite retains that wonderful texture and flavor we all adore.
For short-term storage, place your frosted pumpkin cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration to stay fresh and safe. I always like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent the frosting from sticking.
Freezer Friendly Tips
If you’ve made a big batch or want to savor these treats for longer, these pumpkin cookies freeze beautifully! Place the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature, then frost them fresh! This is my go-to for having homemade treats ready whenever a craving strikes!
Nutritional Benefits
While we mostly bake for joy and flavor, it’s lovely to know that these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies also offer a few delightful nutritional notes. Pumpkin puree, a star ingredient, is a wonderful source of Vitamin A, known for supporting vision and immune health, and it also provides a good dose of fiber. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, allowing us to indulge in a dessert that feels wholesome too.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. This can actually enhance the flavors of your pumpkin cookies even more, making them extra delicious!
Faq 2
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No problem! You can easily make your own by combining ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This blend will give your pumpkin cookies that classic warm and inviting flavor you’re looking for.
Faq 3
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies often spread too much if the butter was too warm or if the dough wasn’t chilled sufficiently. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and always chill your pumpkin cookies dough before baking!
Faq 4
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, it’s best to use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor and texture of your pumpkin cookies. Always double-check the can label!
Conclusion
There’s truly nothing quite like the simple pleasure of baking a batch of homemade desserts, especially when they bring so much warmth and comfort into your home. These soft and chewy pumpkin cookies with their dreamy cream cheese frosting are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to create cherished memories, to share a piece of your heart with those you love, and to savor the sweet moments in life. So, gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite tunes, and let’s fill our kitchens with the irresistible aroma of these truly magical treats! Happy baking, sweet friends!