Indulge in Ultimate Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Perfect Fall Treat!
Prepare to be enchanted by these exceptionally soft, cakey, and moist Soft Pumpkin Cookies that truly melt in your mouth with every bite! Paired with our luscious Cream Cheese Frosting, these cookies transform into an irresistible fall delight, making them an absolute must-have for pumpkin season. Forget anything you thought you knew about pumpkin cookies; these are truly out of this world, offering a comforting embrace that captures the very essence of autumn baking.
Celebrating Autumn: A Season of Cozy Delights and Pumpkin Perfection
Autumn is a truly magical time of year, brimming with vibrant colors, crisp air, and the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice filling our homes. While some embrace the spooky side of Halloween, my heart has always leaned towards the warmth and comfort of the season. I cherish gathering with dear friends, sharing laughter, and creating beautiful memories. For me, the real magic of fall comes from baking cozy treats and enjoying the simple pleasures.
The dark side of Halloween, with its scary movies and chilling stories, has never been my cup of tea. I’m definitely a “fraidy cat” when it comes to gory scenes or anything that sends shivers down my spine. Haunted houses, seances, or ouija boards? No thank you! My comfort zone is definitely found far away from anything ghastly. This personal preference has only deepened my appreciation for the comforting aspects of fall – and that’s precisely where these Soft Pumpkin Cookies shine!
Instead of spooky thrills, I find joy in the comforting traditions of the season: vibrant fall foliage, crisp apple cider, and, of course, baking. There’s something inherently soothing about the process of mixing ingredients, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting from the oven, and the anticipation of a freshly baked treat. These pumpkin cookies perfectly embody that spirit of warmth and togetherness, making them a cornerstone of my autumn celebrations.
Why These Ultimate Soft Pumpkin Cookies Are So Comforting and Utterly Delicious
When the weather turns cool, and autumn officially arrives, my mind immediately drifts to the unparalleled comfort of a pillowy, soft pumpkin cookie. These Ultimate Soft Pumpkin Cookies, generously frosted with rich cream cheese frosting, are the epitome of fall comfort food. They offer a delightful escape from the mundane and are the perfect companion for a cozy evening.
What makes these pumpkin cookies truly special? It’s their unique texture – light, fluffy, and impossibly soft. Each bite practically melts in your mouth, leaving behind a subtle, warm pumpkin flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting. They aren’t dense or chewy; instead, they boast a tender, cake-like crumb that is simply divine. This recipe yields a generous batch, ensuring there are plenty to share with family and friends (or to keep all to yourself, we won’t judge!).
The classic combination of pumpkin and cream cheese is a match made in heaven, offering a warmth and comfort that’s hard to beat. The earthy, subtly sweet notes of pumpkin are beautifully complemented by the rich, slightly tart cream cheese frosting. For an extra touch of festive charm, sprinkle your frosted cookies with a dash of cinnamon or your favorite autumn sprinkles. Even my dog is a fan of these delightful pumpkin treats (in moderation, of course!). So, let’s gather our ingredients and bake some of these incredibly soft pumpkin cookies!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pumpkin Cookies
Crafting these melt-in-your-mouth soft pumpkin cookies requires a few pantry staples and, of course, the star ingredient: pumpkin puree. Using high-quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture. Pay attention to using softened butter and cream cheese for the frosting, as this makes a significant difference in achieving that smooth, whipped consistency.
For the Soft Pumpkin Cookies:
- Butter (softened)
- Granulated Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Salt
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Nutmeg
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Pumpkin Puree (15-ounce can)
- All-Purpose Flour
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Softened Butter
- Cream Cheese (8-oz package, softened)
- Powdered Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Ground Cinnamon (optional, for sprinkling)
Baking the Soft Pumpkin Cookies
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or using non-stick sheets.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which contributes to the cookies’ soft, cakey texture. Gradually add the granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Continue beating until all ingredients are well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
- Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the entire can of pumpkin puree. Mix on low speed until the pumpkin is fully incorporated into the batter, ensuring a smooth and consistent mixture.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until no streaks of flour remain.
- Using a tablespoon or a small cookie dough scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared non-stick baking sheet. Leave a little space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes for small cookies, or until the tops are set and lightly golden. The cookies should still feel soft to the touch. Avoid overbaking to maintain their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important that the cookies are fully cooled before you apply the cream cheese frosting.
- Enjoy these delightful pumpkin cookies with or without frosting – though the frosting is highly recommended for the ultimate experience!
Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat all the ingredients with an electric mixer until the frosting is soft, whipped, and completely smooth. Once the cookies are cooled, generously frost each one and, if desired, sprinkle with a touch of ground cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Expert Cookie Tips for Success
- For an even bolder, more pronounced pumpkin flavor, feel free to increase the amounts of ground cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookie dough. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a more complex spice profile, enhancing the overall fall experience.
- This versatile recipe can yield different cookie sizes. If you prefer larger, more indulgent “Jumbo” cookies, use a ¼ cup scoop for each. This will make approximately 26 large cookies, and they will require a slightly longer baking time of 13-15 minutes.
- For smaller, more bite-sized treats, use a standard tablespoon to drop the dough. This will yield around 60 small cookies, which typically bake in 8-10 minutes. Adjust baking time based on your oven and desired doneness.
- Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the frosting. This is key to achieving a smooth, lump-free, and easily spreadable consistency. Cold ingredients will result in a stiff, clumpy frosting.
- Do not overmix the cookie dough once the flour is added. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to tougher cookies. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.
Storing Your Delicious Ultimate Pumpkin Cookies
Proper storage is essential to keep your pumpkin cookies fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store them, depending on whether they are frosted or unfrosted:
- Pumpkin Cookies without Frosting: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They remain wonderfully soft and flavorful, making them perfect for grab-and-go snacks.
- Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: Due to the cream cheese in the frosting, these cookies must be stored in an airtight container in a single layer in the refrigerator. To prevent them from sticking together, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking. Always allow the cookies to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enjoy their optimal soft texture and creamy frosting. For an extra special treat, you can even microwave them for a few seconds for deliciously warm and gooey cookies!
- Freezing Pumpkin Cookies: Both frosted and unfrosted cookies can be frozen. For unfrosted cookies, flash freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. For frosted cookies, flash freeze until the frosting is firm, then wrap individually in plastic wrap before placing in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
We hope you have a safe and joyful fall season filled with happy memories, and we encourage you to bake a batch of these incredible Soft Pumpkin Cookies to share with loved ones. Happy baking!
Discover More Pumpkin Delights!
If you can’t get enough of pumpkin, explore some of our other favorite recipes that celebrate this beloved fall ingredient:
- Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake: A truly magical dessert with distinct layers.
- 7 Pumpkin Cookie Recipes for Pumpkin Cookie Lovers!: A collection to satisfy every craving.
- Sheet Pan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Easy to make and perfect for a crowd.
- “CopyCat” Starbucks Pumpkin Pound Cake: Recreate your favorite coffee shop treat at home.
- Cinnamon Pumpkin Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting: A cozy breakfast or brunch indulgence.
- Pumpkin Lasagna Dessert: Layers of creamy, pumpkiny goodness.
- Happy Mother’s Day! Let’s Bake: More baking inspiration for special occasions.
- Soft Almond Cookies with Almond Buttercream: A delightful alternative for almond lovers.
Ultimate Soft Pumpkin Cookies {Melt-in-your-Mouth}
By Kim Lange
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 cups butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 15- ounce can pumpkin puree
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup butter
- 1 package cream cheese 8-oz, softened
- 1 lb powdered sugar about 3 3/4 cups
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ground cinnamon sprinkled on top optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 2 cups butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Beat until combined, scraping bowl occasionally.
- Add eggs and vanilla and beat until combined then add and beat in pumpkin.
- Add the flour slowly until combined.
- Drop dough by the tablespoon or small cookie dough scoop onto non-stick baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until tops are set.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool.
- Enjoy!
Frosting
- Beat all of the ingredients until soft and whipped. Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Notes
Makes 26 large cookies, using 1/4 scoop for Jumbo cookies, bake 13 – 15 mins
Makes 60 small cookies, using a tablespoon, bake 8 – 10 minutes.
Recipe adapted from BHG