Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to celebrate pumpkin season, you’ve come to the right place! This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. These cookies are soft, flavorful, and simply irresistible. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert or for family gatherings that call for something special. Trust me, both kids and adults will fall in love with these sweet little treats!

What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of warm spices and creamy frosting, which takes the classic sugar cookie to a whole new level. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or sharing them with friends, these pumpkin sugar cookies bring joy to every occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly with simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
• Family-friendly appeal: With a mix of delicious pumpkin flavor and sweet frosting, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone.
• Make-ahead convenience: Dough can be prepared in advance and chilled, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Versatile treat: Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or just because! These cookies fit any occasion.
• Delicious flavor: The blend of spices creates a warm and inviting taste that captures the essence of autumn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need for this delightful recipe. These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen! Gather them up and let’s start baking!

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
• 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 rolling)
• ½ tsp cinnamon (for rolling)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

Variations

This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is quite flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich twist on this classic cookie.
• Nuts galore: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Spice it up: Feel free to increase the amount of ginger or add cloves if you enjoy bolder flavors.
• Frosting alternatives: Swap cream cheese frosting for vanilla buttercream or even a simple glaze if you’re looking to change things up!

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cream Butter

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. This step is crucial because creaming the butter with sugar helps incorporate air into the mixture, which gives your cookies that delightful softness.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until combined at low speed. Setting this aside allows all those lovely flavors to meld together while we prepare our dry ingredients!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures that each spice is evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture in a few additions. Beat gently after each addition on low speed and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once everything is well combined, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up so your cookies don’t spread too much while baking.

Step 5: Prepare Sugary Coating

While your dough chills, prepare the rolling mixture by combining granulated sugar with cinnamon. Set this aside; it adds a lovely sweetness as well as an enticing aroma when baked.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, scoop about two tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in your cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper—be sure to leave some space between them (about one inch).

Step 7: Bake Them Up!

Gently press each ball down slightly using either a spoon or your palm. Bake these beauties in your preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes until they are very lightly browned around the edges. They will continue cooking slightly once out of the oven!

Step 8: Cool Down & Frosting Time

Once baked, remove your pumpkin sugar cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks while you prepare the cream cheese frosting.

Step 9: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully incorporated; this will give you that luscious texture perfect for spreading.

Step 10: Frost & Enjoy!

Now comes one of my favorite parts—frosting! Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cooled cookie. For an extra touch of autumn flair, sprinkle them with additional cinnamon before serving!

These soft pumpkin sugar cookies are sure to fill your home with warmth and delight! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Making these cookies can be a delightful experience, and a few tips can turn your already good cookies into something truly extraordinary!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your butter, egg, and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother dough and richer flavor.

• Don’t skip the chilling step – Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

• Check for doneness carefully – The cookies should be lightly browned at the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so keep an eye on them as they approach the 10-minute mark.

• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of clove or allspice can enhance the fall flavors even more!

• Store properly – These cookies stay freshest when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them without frosting and thawing when ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

These soft pumpkin sugar cookies not only taste amazing but also look delightful on any table setting. Here are some fun ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting – A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the frosted cookies adds an extra touch of sweetness and fall flavor.

• Chopped Nuts – Finely chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and complement the soft texture of the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider – This warm beverage pairs perfectly with pumpkin cookies, offering a cozy and inviting combination that’s perfect for fall gatherings.

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that balances the spices beautifully.

• Creamy Pumpkin Soup – A savory option that brings out the flavors of pumpkin in a different way. The warm soup creates a delightful contrast with the sweet cookies.

• Fresh Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or berries adds brightness and lightness to balance out the richness of the cookies.

Enjoy making your Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe! They are sure to be a hit at any gathering or cozy night in.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time and enjoy fresh cookies whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for longer freshness (up to two weeks).

Freezing

• Freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Warm slightly in the oven at 350F for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices in the Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute pumpkin pie spice for all the spices listed in the recipe. About 2 teaspoons should do the trick!

What makes these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies so soft?

The combination of pumpkin puree and butter creates a delightful moistness that keeps these cookies soft and chewy.

How long do Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies last?

These cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature, or you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks.

Can I add chocolate chips to the Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Yes! Adding chocolate chips gives an extra layer of flavor. Just fold in about a cup of your favorite chocolate chips before chilling the dough.

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

Definitely! Kids love these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies because they are sweet, soft, and fun to eat. They also make a great activity to bake together!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies as I am! They are not only delicious but also bring a warm, cozy feeling perfect for fall gatherings or just a sweet treat at home. Enjoy making them, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or any variations you try! Happy baking!