The Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. These cookies are soft, fluffy, and bursting with pumpkin flavor, making them perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress both kids and adults alike with their unique taste and creamy frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices makes every bite a seasonal delight.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or just an everyday dessert.
• Frosting Fun: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich touch that elevates the cookie experience.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun baking project for kids that results in delicious cookies they’ll love.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to easily combine your ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort in beating mixtures until perfectly creamy.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors in your cookies.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ⅓ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on low speed until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in several additions. Beat at low speed after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

While dough is chilling, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Remove dough from refrigerator. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Leave about an inch between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Flatten each ball slightly using your palm or a spoon. Bake in preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until edges are just lightly browned.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Once baked, remove pumpkin sugar cookies from oven and let them cool completely on wire racks.

Step 10: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until smooth.

Step 11: Frost Cookies

Spread cream cheese frosting generously on top of each cooled pumpkin cookie. Optionally sprinkle with additional cinnamon before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Soft pumpkin sugar cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying them at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea to enhance their flavor.
• Hot Chocolate: The rich taste of hot chocolate complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Fruit Medley: Include slices of fresh apples, pears, or berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Cheese Selection: Soft cheeses like cream cheese or mascarpone can add a creamy texture that balances the sweetness.

For Festive Occasions

• Holiday Cookie Tray: Add these cookies to your holiday cookie tray alongside other seasonal treats for a colorful display.
• Gift Packaging: Wrap them in festive bags or boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

To achieve the best results with your soft pumpkin sugar cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies light and fluffy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate cooking temperatures for perfect baking.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These soft pumpkin sugar cookies can be enjoyed as part of a larger spread. Here are some delightful side dishes that pair well with them.

1. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm drink infused with cinnamon and cloves enhances the fall flavor theme.
2. Roasted Pumpkin Soup: This creamy soup makes for a comforting starter that matches well with pumpkin desserts.
3. Caramel Dipped Apples: Crunchy apples dipped in caramel provide a sweet contrast that’s hard to resist.
4. Ginger Snap Cookies: Their spiciness complements the soft pumpkin sugar cookies perfectly for cookie lovers.
5. Chocolate Chip Muffins: These moist muffins add another layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin treats.
6. Autumn Salad: A salad featuring mixed greens, walnuts, and cranberries offers a fresh balance to sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Make sure your butter is at room temperature and your egg is also warmed before mixing.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dense. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for soft cookies. It helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Overbaking the cookies: Overbaking leads to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them, and remove them from the oven when they are just slightly browned at the edges.
• Ignoring frosting consistency: A runny or too thick frosting can ruin your cookies’ appearance. Aim for a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding the Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe:

How do I make my Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe even softer?

To achieve extra softness, ensure you don’t overmix the dough and always chill it before baking.

Can I substitute pumpkin puree?

Yes! You can use sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree as alternatives for pumpkin in this recipe.

How long do these cookies last?

Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies will last up to one week in the refrigerator or up to three months if frozen properly.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe by adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips according to your preference.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are perfect for any gathering, bringing joy during pumpkin season. With their delightful flavor and soft texture, they are a hit among both kids and adults. You can customize them with different spices or toppings, making them versatile treats everyone will love!

Print

Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

Print Recipe

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Description

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with our Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe. These delightfully soft and fluffy cookies are infused with rich pumpkin puree and warm spices, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Topped with a creamy frosting, they are not only visually appealing but also a hit among both kids and adults.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ⅓ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• ½ tsp cinnamon (for coating)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• ¼ tsp salt (for frosting)
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
3. Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla; mix until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients; refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
6. Prepare cinnamon-sugar mixture; roll chilled dough into balls and coat in cinnamon sugar.
7. Flatten slightly on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes.
8. Let cool completely before frosting with cream cheese mixture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: For extra softness, don’t overmix the dough and always chill it before baking. Feel free to substitute pumpkin puree with sweet potato or butternut squash puree. Customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips for additional flavor.