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pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting recipe
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5 from 2 votes

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe

These soft cream cheese pumpkin cookies are a quick and easy fall cookie recipe. The tangy cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the sweet pumpkin flavor and chewy texture.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 24 people
Calories: 286kcal
Author: The Carefree Kitchen

Ingredients

  • cups pumpkin puree
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/4 cup butter room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Place the pumpkin puree in a paper towel lined bowl to drain some of the excess moisture. Let the pumpkin sit for 20 minutes before using.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt. Mix well. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the room temperature butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Cream together using the paddle attachment until it is light and fluffy, or about 2 minutes. Add the egg yolks, vanilla, and pumpkin puree. Mix.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until the cookie dough is combined.
  • Use a small ice cream scoop or a spoon to scoop and roll all of the dough into 1" - 1¼" dough balls. Place about 2" apart on prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges.
  • Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Add the butter and beat with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, or about 2-3 minutes in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the room temperature cream cheese and beat again until light and fluffy, or about 2 minutes more. 
  • Next, add the powdered sugar and vanilla and mix on low until fully incorporated, then beat on high for about 30 seconds until it is light and fluffy again. 
  • Place the frosting in a piping bag with a large tip. Pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the cookies, then sprinkle the tops with a little extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Enjoy!

Notes

Storing instructions: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also store the cream cheese frosting by itself in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Make-ahead tips: you can store the portioned cookie dough in the freezer for up to 2 months. To bake the frozen cookie dough, just pull from the freezer onto baking sheets while the oven is preheating and bake as directed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 174mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 2311IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg