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- 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt When making soft pumpkin cookies, I start with pumpkin puree. This ingredient gives the cookies a rich flavor and a moist texture. Use canned puree for convenience or make your own by roasting fresh pumpkin. Next, I use unsalted butter. It needs to be softened. This helps in mixing the butter with sugars. Brown sugar adds a deep sweetness, while granulated sugar gives a light crunch. Together, they create a lovely balance. I also add an egg. It binds the dough and helps the cookies rise. Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet note that complements the pumpkin. For the dry mix, I choose all-purpose flour and leavening agents. Baking powder and baking soda work together to help the cookies rise. Spices like ground cinnamon and nutmeg give these cookies their warm, cozy flavor. A pinch of salt enhances all of the other flavors. - 4 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt Now, for the cream cheese frosting, I start with softened cream cheese. This gives the frosting a rich, tangy flavor. I mix in more softened unsalted butter. This adds creaminess and helps the frosting spread easily. Next, I add powdered sugar for sweetness and a smooth texture. The vanilla extract gives it a lovely aroma. Finally, a tiny pinch of salt balances the sweetness. You can find the full recipe for these delightful cookies in the Full Recipe section. Enjoy making these soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add in 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is combined. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This step ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies soft. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, and the tops look slightly cracked. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies cool, you can make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, combine 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter. Beat them together until smooth. Then, add in 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is creamy and fluffy. Once the cookies are cool, it’s time to frost them. Use a spatula or piping bag to generously apply the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. For a lovely presentation, arrange the frosted cookies on a decorative plate. You can even sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon on top for that extra touch. Enjoy your soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To get the best soft pumpkin cookies, you must not overmix the dough. Mixing too much adds air and can make cookies tough. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until you see no dry flour. This keeps them soft and chewy. Also, adjust the bake time to ensure the right softness. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The edges should be set, but the top should look a bit cracked. If you want softer cookies, try taking them out a minute early. To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can add a slice of bread to the container. The bread keeps the cookies soft. If you want to freeze your cookies, do it before frosting. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. For the frosting, store it in a separate container. It can last in the fridge for about a week. Want to mix it up? You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough. These add great texture and flavor. You can also try different spices, like ginger or allspice, for a unique taste. A splash of maple extract can give a sweet twist that pairs nicely with pumpkin. Consider experimenting to find your favorite blend. For the cream cheese frosting, you can swap vanilla for almond extract for a different flavor. Enjoy the fun of creating your own version of these delightful cookies! {{image_2}} You can switch up the frosting for your pumpkin cookies. Cream cheese frosting pairs well with the spices. It adds a creamy, tangy taste. If you want something sweeter, try buttercream frosting. It is fluffy and rich. You could also use flavored cream cheese. Options like cinnamon or maple enhance the pumpkin flavor. Just mix in a bit of your favorite flavor with the cream cheese for a fun twist. If you need a gluten-free option, it's easy. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many brands work well in cookies. Just make sure to check if your blend has xanthan gum. This ingredient helps with texture. Follow the same measurements as you would with regular flour. Your cookies will still be soft and delicious. For those who avoid eggs, there are great substitutes. You can use applesauce or mashed banana instead. A quarter cup will replace one egg. This keeps your cookies moist and adds flavor. If you want to cut down on sugar, reduce both sugars by a third. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia. Just remember to adjust the amount based on the brand. Enjoy your cookies without worrying about your diet! You can find the Full Recipe for these delightful cookies in the ingredients section. To keep your unfrosted cookies fresh, use an airtight container. A plastic or glass container works well. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These cookies can last for about one week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. For frosted cookies, it’s best to refrigerate them. Use a covered container to keep them from drying out. Frosted cookies can last in the fridge for about five days. When storing, place parchment paper between layers to avoid smearing the frosting. This method helps keep them soft and tasty. To freeze these cookies, first, ensure they are completely cool. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They will stay fresh for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For best results, enjoy them at room temperature. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. Soft pumpkin cookies get their texture from pumpkin puree and butter. The puree adds moisture, while the butter makes the cookies rich and tender. This combination helps create that soft, cake-like bite you crave. Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree. Just make sure it is smooth and thick. Homemade puree may vary in moisture. If it’s too wet, your cookies might spread too much. These cookies stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can reduce the sugar, but it may change the taste and texture. Less sugar makes cookies less sweet and can make them drier. Try cutting the sugar by a quarter cup for a balanced flavor. Pumpkin cookies pair well with warm drinks, like chai or spiced coffee. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty dessert. For a simple touch, sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions and tips. Soft pumpkin cookies are easy to make with simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, spices, and butter. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing the dough, baking the cookies, and making cream cheese frosting. You learned tips for texture and storage, plus fun variations. These cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy treat. Enjoy baking, experimenting with flavors, and sharing with others. The joy of making these cookies is as sweet as tasting them!

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Delight in the flavors of fall with these Soft Pumpkin Delight Cookies! Made with pumpkin puree and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, these soft cookies are perfect for your autumn gatherings. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe to create 24 delicious cookies that will impress your friends and family. Click through to discover this irresistible treat and elevate your baking game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

      Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well incorporated.

        In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

            Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked.

                Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

                    Once the cookies are cool, generously frost the top of each cookie with the cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

                        - Presentation Tips: Arrange the frosted cookies on a decorative plate and sprinkle with a light dusting of cinnamon for an extra touch, or place them in a festive cookie jar for serving. Enjoy!