Name: Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp baking powder; A pinch of salt; 1 Tbsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground cloves; ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup pumpkin purée; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature); 2 Tbsp butter; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 Tbsp milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract; Ground cinnamon for sprinkling (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to cozy up your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of autumn, the Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is just what you need. These soft, flavorful cookies perfectly balance the rich spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the smooth tanginess of a luscious cream cheese frosting, creating a bite that feels like fall wrapped in sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a comforting treat, this recipe delivers tender, spiced cookies topped with creamy frosting that will make your taste buds sing and your heart feel at home.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but pack a powerful punch when combined. Each one plays a crucial role in building the structure, flavor, and that irresistible cozy color of your pumpkin spice cookies with cream cheese frosting.

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your cookies structure and tenderness.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right without getting cakey.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for the perfect lift.
A pinch of salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the spices.
½ cup brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness and moisture.
½ cup granulated sugar: For a clean, sweet bite and slight crunch.
1 tablespoon cinnamon: The star spice that warms every mouthful.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet complexity.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a hint of bold spice to complement the cinnamon.
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: The perfect blend that ties together your cookie’s signature flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out all the flavors with a sweet aroma.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Gives richness and a tender crumb.
1 cup pumpkin purée: Infuses natural moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin goodness.
4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature): For the silky, tangy frosting that elevates these cookies to something truly special.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the frosting.
1 tablespoon milk: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor with a subtle sweetness.
½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a luscious finish.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly right from the start, giving them that perfect golden-brown edge and tender center.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes. This step is magic—fluffy butter and sugar create a tender texture and boost sweetness. Then, mix in your pumpkin purée and vanilla extract until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all those beautiful warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice. Be careful not to overmix; you want a cookie dough that’s soft but holds together with just the right density.

Step 4: Shape Cookies and Bake

Roll your dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each, then flatten them slightly on your baking sheet. This gives the cookies their classic shape and ensures they bake evenly. Pop them in the oven for around 15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers stay soft and chewy.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies bake and cool, whip up the frosting by creaming together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until the texture is creamy, spreadable, and just sweet enough to complement your spiced cookie base.

Step 6: Frost and Enjoy

Once your cookies have completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top. For a finishing touch, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon over the frosting—this adds extra warmth and a lovely hint of spice. Chill in the fridge and get ready to savor the deliciousness!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Topping your pumpkin spice cookies with a light sprinkle of extra cinnamon or finely crushed pecans adds a wonderful crunch and accentuates the autumn flavors. For a festive touch, try adding edible gold dust or tiny cinnamon sticks alongside on the serving plate—it’s sure to wow friends and family.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea, spiced coffee, or a glass of cold milk for a perfect balance. The beverages complement the cookie’s spices and creamy frosting beautifully, making your snack or dessert moment extra cozy and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not create an autumn-themed platter with these cookies arranged next to mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and dried leaves for a stunning fall centerpiece? Or sandwich two cookies together with frosting in between for luscious pumpkin spice cookie sandwiches that are irresistible for gatherings or gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your pumpkin spice cookies with cream cheese frosting recipe yields treats that keep well in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain the freshness of the cream cheese frosting and keeps the cookies soft and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze both the baked but unfrosted cookies and the frosting separately. Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting. Frosting can be frozen in a sealed container and whipped again before spreading to restore its creamy texture.

Reheating

Since the frosting is best served chilled, we recommend letting frozen and thawed cookies come to room temperature and enjoying them without reheating. If you’d prefer warmed cookies, heat them gently for about 10 seconds in the microwave with the frosting removed, then reapply frosting fresh for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin purée for this Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and gives the same moist texture and fantastic flavor as fresh. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.

What if I don’t have all the spices for the pumpkin pie spice blend?

No worries! You can mix your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves like in this recipe. Even just cinnamon alone will add warmth; the extra spices just deepen the flavor.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with something else?

If you want a different twist, try a simple vanilla glaze or buttercream frosting. However, the cream cheese frosting is ideal for balancing the spices and bringing that creamy tang that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.

How thick should I spread the frosting on these cookies?

Spread the frosting generously but not too thick to overpower the cookies—you want a nice balance where the spice-flavored cookie shines through with an indulgent, smooth frosting layer.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps like vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, you can definitely make a version suited to vegan or dairy-free diets. Just be mindful of how these changes might affect texture and taste slightly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about baking and sharing the Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each bite evokes the essence of fall with its perfect blend of spices and creamy frosting that feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy day at home, I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it one of your favorites too. Get your oven ready and enjoy every delicious moment!