Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even browning.
- Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Make sure there are no large clumps of spices so the flavor is evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients: Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Step 5: Combine into Dough: Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the white streaks of flour disappear. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Step 6: Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops spring back slightly when touched. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: Prepare the Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and airy.
- Step 8: Frost and Serve: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top of each cookie. You can use a butter knife or a piping bag for a more decorative look.