Pumpkin Cookies – Best Soft & Frosted Recipe for Fall

There’s something magical about the cozy scent of pumpkin and spices filling your kitchen on a crisp fall day. These Pumpkin Cookies deliver all that warmth in soft, pillowy bites topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or craving a seasonal treat, these cookies are the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and indulgence. No chilling required, quick to prepare, and absolutely irresistible — this is the pumpkin cookie recipe you’ll come back to every year.

Why These Pumpkin Cookies Are a Must-Bake

These pumpkin cookies aren’t just easy and delicious — they’re a celebration of fall flavors. Made with canned pumpkin purée and a custom blend of pumpkin pie spices, each cookie is ultra-soft and bursting with seasonal goodness. They’re a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or just curled up with a warm drink. Plus, the tangy cream cheese frosting adds a decadent finish that pairs beautifully with the spiced cookie base.

• Quick and No-Chill Dough: Bake immediately without waiting.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Thanks to the high moisture in pumpkin purée.
• Perfectly Spiced: Homemade pumpkin pie spice blend makes all the difference.
• Versatile for Events: Dress them up with toppings or keep them simple — they’re always a hit.

Essential Ingredients for Pillowy Pumpkin Cookies

• Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and rich pumpkin flavor. Use canned for best consistency.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warmth and depth. A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Unsalted Butter: Creams with sugars for soft structure. Use at room temperature.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with structure.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies their soft, tender bite.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents for that fluffy texture.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the spice profile with a sweet aroma.

For the Frosting:
• Cream Cheese: Provides tang and creaminess. Softened but still cool.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth texture.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the tang of the cream cheese.

Ingredient Swaps & Dietary-Friendly Options

Can’t find something or want a healthier twist on these pumpkin cookies?

• Homemade Pumpkin Puree: Can be used, but blot excess moisture for a thicker texture.
• Gluten-Free Flour: A 1:1 gluten-free baking flour will work — texture may vary slightly.
• Dairy-Free: Swap butter and cream cheese for vegan alternatives. Check consistency before frosting.
• Low Sugar: Replace some sugar with a low-calorie sweetener, but it may affect moisture levels.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla. Scrape down the bowl to ensure it’s well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet and mix just until incorporated. Dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Scoop and Bake: Use a medium cookie scoop to place rounded tablespoons of dough on the sheet. Leave 2 inches between cookies.
7. Bake: Bake for 13–15 minutes until the edges are set and centers are fluffy. Cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and sifted confectioners’ sugar. Beat again until thick and creamy.
9. Frost Cookies: Once cooled, frost generously with a spatula. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cookies

• Use Thick Pumpkin Puree: Avoid watery puree — blot with paper towels if needed. Libby’s brand is highly recommended for consistency.
• Cool Before Frosting: Always wait until cookies are completely cool, or the frosting will melt and slide.
• Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix until just combined to keep cookies tender.
• Sticky Dough Is Normal: Moisture from pumpkin means stickier dough — that’s expected.

Delicious Pairings & Easy Variations

These pumpkin cookies are delicious on their own but can be dressed up or paired for even more fall flavor.

• Add-Ins: Mix in mini white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for texture.
• Spiced Drizzle: Top with a cinnamon glaze instead of cream cheese for a lighter option.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Make mini versions and sandwich the frosting between two cookies.
• Pair With: Warm apple cider, a pumpkin spice latte, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Storage Tip: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Pumpkin Cookies for Every Occasion

What makes these pumpkin cookies especially unique is their versatility. They fit perfectly into any fall gathering, from Halloween parties to Thanksgiving dessert tables. The soft, spiced cookie and creamy frosting combination feels both nostalgic and indulgent — a true comfort food experience.

If you’re hosting, consider doubling the batch — these cookies tend to disappear fast! You can also freeze the dough for later use and frost after baking.

Conclusion: The Perfect Fall Treat

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are everything you want in a fall dessert — soft, warmly spiced, easy to make, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting into fall recipes, this cookie will deliver crowd-pleasing results every time. From cozy nights in to festive gatherings, they bring comfort and seasonal flavor to every bite. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a yearly tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Better Than Sex Cake: This ultra-decadent pumpkin dessert blends moist pumpkin cake with sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping, offering rich fall flavors in every bite — perfect for fans of pumpkin cookies looking for a bolder treat.
• Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling: These crescent roll treats are filled with a creamy pumpkin-spiced center and are perfect for quick fall desserts, mirroring the creamy-spiced appeal of pumpkin cookies.
• Soft Molasses Cookies: Chewy and spiced, these molasses cookies are a cozy, old-fashioned cousin to pumpkin cookies. With warm spices and a soft texture, they’re ideal for autumn baking fans.

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