Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are the perfect fall dessert recipe. The cookies are soft and fluffy, filled with pumpkin pie spice. Topped with a rich and smooth cream cheese frosting, they're to die for. The combination makes the most delicious pumpkin cookies I can't stop eating!

My Take On Pumpkin Cookies

Nothing screams fall quite like pumpkin spice, and these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate pumpkin dessert. 

These cream cheese pumpkin cookies actually have to be some of the best cookies I've ever had. The sweet, soft pumpkin cookies are filled with fresh pumpkin pie spice and topped with an irresistible tangy cream cheese frosting. 

In addition to tasting incredible, making these cookies is a breeze too. Everything comes together in minutes, and most of that time is spent letting the cookies bake in the oven.

These delicious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are my go-to dessert for fall gatherings since everyone is obsessed with them. Honestly, they're so darn good you'll be finding excuses to make them all year round!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick and easy. 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 them. 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!

The texture. 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

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

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.

3. Add the dry ingredients: Fold in the flour, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Continue mixing until the batter just comes together.

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.

5. Bake: Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until they reach your desired texture. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack while you make the frosting.

6. Make the 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.

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

My Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Use an ice cream scoop to make evenly shaped cookies.
• Use softened cream cheese and softened butter to make the frosting easier to mix.
• Make sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as this will have a different consistency and added spices.
• Make cinnamon cream cheese frosting by adding ½ tablespoon of cinnamon powder to the frosting.
• Swap brown sugar for powdered sugar to make brown sugar frosting.
• Add chocolate chips to make chocolate chip pumpkin cookies.

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.

More Pumpkin Recipes To Try

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