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Soft Pumpkin Cookies: The Best Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ah, autumn! The season of crisp leaves, cozy sweaters, and of course, everything pumpkin! If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food to embrace the spirit of fall, look no further—Soft Pumpkin Cookies are here to steal the show! Trust me when I say these cookies, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, are destined to become your new favorite treat. They’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious, making them the perfect pick-me-up for a busy day or a sweet surprise for loved ones.

So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake something delightful together!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Pumpkin Cookie Recipe

Between juggling work, family, and everything else life throws our way, finding the time to whip up something special can feel overwhelming. That’s where these pumpkin cookies come in! They’re easy to make, packed with warm spices, and surprisingly quick—perfect for throwing together on a lazy Sunday or a spontaneous weekday treat!

Not only do these cookies taste like a hug in cookie form, but the cream cheese frosting adds a silky richness that will make your taste buds dance. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about baking with pumpkin—it’s like giving a warm nod to the fall season!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to embark on your baking journey:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps to Pumpkin Perfection

1. Prep and Mix

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—your new best friend in the kitchen!

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well-combined, and take a moment to inhale that delightful pumpkin aroma; it’s basically fall in a bowl!

2. Dry Ingredients Unite

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to your pumpkin blend. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix! We want soft, fluffy cookies, not dense little hockey pucks.

3. Bake ‘Em Up

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell like a festive wonderland, I guarantee it!

4. Cream Cheese Frosting Magic

While the cookies cool, let’s whip up that magical frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until they’re creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing to combine. You can add more sugar if you like it extra sweet—no judgment here!

5. Frost and Enjoy

Once your cookies are completely cool, generously frost each one with your cream cheese delight. Feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for that extra touch of fall magic!

Cooking Tips

• Storage: These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long! You might want to hide a few for yourself… just saying!
• Pumpkin Puree: If you’d like to use fresh pumpkin but don’t know how, check out this simple guide to prepare it.
• Variable Frosting: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting (who even are you?), a simple sugar glaze works wonders, too!

Personal Anecdotes

I remember the first time I made these soft pumpkin cookies with my sister Patricia. We had a mini bake-off that unexpectedly turned into the best sister bonding session ever. We ended up with flour everywhere, which added an "artistic" touch to the kitchen! Now, these cookies are a staple in our house during the fall, bringing back cozy memories like pumpkin-flavored coffee on a brisk day.

FAQs

Can I substitute the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use coconut sugar or maple syrup if you want a healthier alternative. Just adjust the amounts as needed.

How can I store leftovers?
These cookies are best stored in an airtight container on the counter for about 5 to 7 days. If you want to freeze them, just pop them in the freezer un-frosted for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting, of course!

Can I add chocolate chips?
Why, yes you can! Chocolate and pumpkin are a match made in heaven. Just fold in about a cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking for a delightful twist!

As you bask in the cozy vibes of fall, these Soft Pumpkin Cookies promise not only to please your palate but to warm your heart. They’re quick, easy, and undoubtedly delicious, promising to be the perfect addition to your baking repertoire. So, gather your loved ones, bake a batch, and create sweet memories to cherish for years to come. Happy baking!

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Soft Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect recipe for a cozy fall treat. Quick, easy, and topped with cream cheese frosting—try them today!