Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are the perfect fall dessert recipe. The cookies are extra soft and fluffy, filled with a balance of pumpkin pie spice and brown sugar flavors in every bite. Topped with a rich and smooth cream cheese frosting, the combination makes the most delicious pumpkin cookies I can't stop eating!

Why I Love This Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Nothing says fall quite like pumpkin spice, and these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are one of my favorite fall treats to make. The cookies are soft, cakey, and spiced with warm pumpkin pie flavors, while the tangy cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness perfectly.

What makes me love this recipe even more is how simple it is. The dough comes together in minutes, and while the cookies bake, you can whip up the rich cream cheese frosting. By the time they’ve cooled, you’ve got bakery-worthy cookies ready to serve.

These pumpkin spice cookies with cream cheese frosting are also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I make them every year for fall gatherings, and without fail, they’re the first dessert to disappear. Honestly, they’re so good you’ll find yourself baking them long after pumpkin season has ended.

Why This Pumpkin Cookies Recipe Works

• It's quick and easy to make. Did I mention how easy these pumpkin cookies are to make? All you have to do is cream the butter and sugar, fold in the rest of the ingredients, then let them bake in the oven while you whip up the frosting. It's effortless!
• Everyone loves these cookies. Every time I make these soft pumpkin cookies, they're always a hit. In fact, I usually end up making a double batch since it's impossible to eat just one! I've brought these to a number of fall gatherings, and they've been a huge hit with all the kids and adults.
• The texture combo is like no other. These pumpkin cookies are so soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy with a melt-in-your-mouth finish from the rich cream cheese frosting. You'll never find another pumpkin dessert like it!

Ingredients

Not only are these pumpkin cookies easy to make, but they're made with a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Check out what you'll need to make the pumpkin cookies:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• ⅓ cup butter
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 small egg

And here's what you'll need to make the cream cheese frosting:

• 6oz. cream cheese
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

By the way, if you love desserts with cream cheese frosting, you can use some of the frosting ingredients to make this banana cake with cream cheese frosting or this chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting next!

How To Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Work

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

Add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a large bowl. Beat them together with a hand-held mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the egg and canned pumpkin puree and continue beating until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Fold in the flour, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Continue mixing until the batter just comes together.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave 2 inches of space in between each one. You may have to bake the cookies in batches depending on the size of your baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

 Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until they reach your desired texture. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack while you make the frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together. Mix the frosting until it's smooth, and no lumps remain. If the frosting is too thick, add one tablespoon of milk to thin it out.

Step 7: Frost the Cookies

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over all of the cooled cookies. Finally, serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips To Make The Best Pumpkin Cookies

• Scoop for even cookies. Use an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop to portion the dough. This ensures all of your pumpkin cookies bake evenly, so you get a uniform batch that looks bakery-perfect.
• Soften the cream cheese and butter. Always start with softened cream cheese and butter when making the frosting. This helps them whip together smoothly and creates the light, fluffy texture that makes cream cheese frosting irresistible.
• Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices, which will throw off the flavor and texture. Stick with 100% pumpkin puree to make soft, chewy pumpkin spice cookies with consistent results.
• Try a cinnamon cream cheese frosting. For a cozy fall twist, add ½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon to the frosting. It gives the cookies even more pumpkin spice flavor and pairs perfectly with the tangy cream cheese.
• Experiment with frosting variations. Swap powdered sugar for brown sugar to make a rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting. The molasses notes give it a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Add mix-ins for variety. Stir chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped pecans into the dough for different versions of these soft pumpkin cookies. Chocolate chips make them extra indulgent, while nuts add crunch.

How To Store Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• At room temperature: You can keep these cream cheese pumpkin cookies at room temperature for about 2 hours.
• In the fridge: Store any leftover pumpkin cookies in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for about 1 week. If you're planning on having leftovers, store the frosting separately in an airtight container and frost right before serving for the best texture.
• In the freezer: Transfer leftover cookies to a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to 6 months. Let frozen cookies thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then frost and serve.

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting FAQS

How do I keep pumpkin cookies soft?

The secret to soft pumpkin cookies is all in the baking technique. Because pumpkin adds extra moisture, you’ll want to bake the cookies just until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll finish cooking on the baking sheet as they cool, giving you that soft, cakey texture instead of dry, crumbly cookies. Also, avoid overmixing the dough—stir just until the ingredients are combined to prevent toughness.

Can I make pumpkin cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cookies up to 2 days in advance and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the cream cheese frosting just before serving for the freshest flavor and best texture.

Do I have to refrigerate pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting?

Yes. Because the frosting is made with cream cheese, the cookies should be stored in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days when kept chilled in an airtight container.

What other frostings work with pumpkin cookies?

If you don’t want cream cheese frosting, try a brown sugar frosting, cinnamon glaze, or simple vanilla buttercream. Each gives the cookies a different flavor profile while still complementing the pumpkin spice base.

Pumpkin Recipes To Try Next

• No bake pumpkin cheesecake
• Pumpkin dump cake
• Pumpkin cheesecake bars
• Pumpkin cream cheese dip
• Pumpkin cream cheese bread
• Pumpkin custard pie