Pumpkin Sugar Cookies – 7 Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

Nothing says fall comfort quite like Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. These soft, warmly spiced cookies are the perfect blend of cozy pumpkin flavor and creamy sweetness—making them an irresistible treat for chilly days and holiday gatherings. Whether you’re diving into fall baking for fun or searching for new recipes for Thanksgiving desserts, this easy recipe delivers both simplicity and flavor. Packed with seasonal spices and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s one of those good fall desserts that always disappears fast. Let’s bake something delicious that tastes just like autumn feels!

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Cozy Fall Favorite

The story behind these pumpkin sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting

Some recipes just feel like fall, and for me, it’s these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. I remember the exact afternoon they were born—golden leaves outside, music playing in the background, and the warm scent of cinnamon filling the air. I had a bit of leftover pumpkin puree in the fridge and an itch to bake something seasonal. The result? These soft, chewy cookies with a perfectly sweet-tangy frosting that stole the show.

Every time I make these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, I’m taken back to that moment. The dough is rich with vanilla and pumpkin pie spice, and the cookies come out soft every single time. The frosting? Just the right balance of creaminess and sweetness. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast, whether it’s on a Thanksgiving dessert table or a plate by the fireplace.

Why you’ll crave these pumpkin sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting all season

The real charm of these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is how adaptable they are. They’re the perfect middle ground between comforting and festive. Whether you’re baking with the kids, prepping desserts for a fall potluck, or just craving something cozy, these cookies deliver every time.

If you’re collecting easy pumpkin cream cheese dessert ideas for the season, this one belongs at the top of your list. The cookies are soft but hold their shape, and the frosting is made with just four ingredients—no fuss, all flavor. Pair them with your favorite hot drink or set them out with a platter of fall easy baking recipes for guests.

Craving more pumpkin things to bake? Try the Spiced Pumpkin Muffins or this popular Chewy Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Cookies.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find yourself coming back to these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting again and again.

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Gather your ingredients for pumpkin sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting

Making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is surprisingly simple, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. The cookies are soft and slightly cakey, with warm spices throughout. The cream cheese frosting? It’s smooth, rich, and spreadable—perfect for finishing them off.

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• Cinnamon (optional, for dusting)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

This ingredient list makes about 18–20 cookies, perfect for sharing (or keeping for yourself). Want more fall dessert treats that don’t skimp on flavor? These Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are another crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-step directions for perfect pumpkin sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and pumpkin puree. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop 1½ tbsp portions of dough onto your baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten each slightly with the back of a spoon.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are puffed.
9. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and smooth. Spread generously on each cookie once cooled. Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon on top for that bakery-style finish.

Pro tip: Want to make these into a sugar free fall recipe? Swap the white sugar and powdered sugar for your favorite low-carb sweeteners. You’ll still get the same soft texture and rich frosting.

These cookies store beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cookies in a sealed container—just frost after thawing.

For another bake-ahead option, try these Spider Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, ideal for holiday gifting or snacking.

Secrets to Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pro tips to bake the best pumpkin sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting

When it comes to making Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, a few small tweaks can make a big difference. First, don’t skip the cooling time. These cookies are super soft when they come out of the oven, and they firm up as they cool. If you try to frost them too soon, the icing will melt right off.

Another trick? Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for the frosting. This ensures everything blends smoothly without lumps. If you’re aiming for the perfect swirl, chill the frosting for 10 minutes before piping it on top.

If you’re baking for a party or preparing recipes for Thanksgiving desserts, you can double the batch and frost right before serving. This makes them easier to stack and store without smudging the topping.

Easy variations and how to store pumpkin sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are amazing as-is, but here are a few fun twists:

• Add mini chocolate chips for a sweet contrast
• Sprinkle chopped pecans on the frosting for crunch
• Use maple extract in the frosting instead of vanilla for a fall twist
• Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 baking flour substitute

If you’re watching sugar intake, you can turn this into a sugar free fall recipe by swapping the sugar for monk fruit sweetener or stevia-based blends. Use powdered erythritol for the frosting, and you’ll still get a creamy, sweet finish.

Storage is simple:

• Refrigerator: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve
• Room temp: Frosted cookies can sit out for a few hours during parties

Looking for another make-ahead dessert that fits beautifully on a fall dessert table? You’ll love this Pumpkin Muffins with Cheesecake Swirl, which keeps well and looks gorgeous sliced.

If you’ve got leftover frosting, try it on graham crackers, banana bread, or even pancakes. It’s versatile and way too good to waste.

FAQ About Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

A Fall Recipe You’ll Come Back to Every Year

When you’re craving the flavors of fall, there’s no better choice than Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. They’re soft, warmly spiced, and perfectly sweet with a creamy topping that’s as easy to love as it is to make. Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving dessert menu, gifting treats to friends, or just indulging in some cozy pumpkin fall baking, these cookies deliver every time.

They also pair beautifully with a mug of apple cider, a warm latte, or your favorite fall playlist playing in the background. Don’t be surprised if they become part of your baking traditions, year after year.

For more comforting, homemade fall bakes, explore these Pumpkin Cookies Recipes or this classic Pumpkin Bread Recipes—both guaranteed to satisfy your seasonal sweet tooth.

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