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Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Hug in Every Bite

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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  • Author: SERAPHINA
  • Prep Time: 25
  • Cook Time: 13
  • Total Time: 70
  • Yield: Approximately 30-36 cookies 1x
  • Category: desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Experience the comforting embrace of autumn with these incredibly soft and tender pumpkin cookies, topped with a lusciously smooth cream cheese frosting. These ‘hug in a bite’ cookies boast a delicate pumpkin flavor complemented by warm spices, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Perfect for sharing or savoring during cozy moments, they bring the warmth of home and cherished memories to any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (optional, for thinning)


Instructions

For the Cookies:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until well combined.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined and smooth. A hand mixer or stand mixer is recommended.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
5. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting over the top of each cookie.


Notes

Ensure your pumpkin puree is not pumpkin pie filling, as this contains added sugar and spices that can alter the cookie’s texture and taste.
For even softer cookies, do not overbake. They should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven.
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg