Description
Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are tender, soft, and chewy cookies infused with pumpkin and warm fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. They are topped with a creamy, luscious frosting made from cream cheese or butter and powdered sugar. These festive cookies offer the perfect balance of soft texture and sweet, spiced flavor, ideal for cozy fall gatherings and seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese or unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Additions and Garnishes
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Cinnamon powder or decorative sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until well incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm the dough for easier handling and better cookie shape during baking.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop or spoon dough balls onto the sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges start to turn golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese or butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, creamy, and fluffy. Adjust consistency with a little milk or more powdered sugar if needed.
- Frost the Cookies: Using a knife or piping bag, generously spread or pipe the frosting onto each cooled cookie. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon powder, decorative sugar, or chopped nuts for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading and keep cookies soft but structured.
- Measure flour properly using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.
- Remove cookies from oven as soon as edges begin to brown to maintain tenderness.
- Adjust frosting thickness by adding milk or powdered sugar for desired spreadability.
- Use freshly ground spices for best flavor impact.
- For gluten-free cookies, use a suitable gluten-free flour blend.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter and egg with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese for frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pumpkin cookies, soft sugar cookies, frosted pumpkin cookies, fall cookies, spiced cookies, seasonal cookies
