These pumpkin cookies are soft, sweet, and bursting with flavor! Topped with smooth maple cream cheese frosting, they are autumn in a bite.
Who can resist warm pumpkin treats? I love serving them with a cozy cup of tea or coffee. Just don’t blame me if you eat too many! 😂
Making these cookies is super fun! Just mix the ingredients, bake, and slather on that creamy frosting. They’re perfect for sharing—or hiding away just for you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Always use canned pumpkin puree, not the spiced pie filling. If you prefer fresh, you can roast and puree a small pumpkin instead! It gives a richer flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice for baking, allowing you to control the salt level. However, you can substitute with softened coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Spices: The warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves really elevate these cookies. If you’re missing one, pumpkin pie spice is a handy substitute! Use about 2 teaspoons in total.
Cream Cheese: For frosting, regular cream cheese gives the best flavor. If you need a lower-fat option, reduced-fat cream cheese works, but the frosting will be a bit less creamy.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
The key to soft and chewy pumpkin cookies lies in a few simple techniques:
- Don’t overmix the dough! Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the texture soft.
- Bake just until the edges are set—about 10-12 minutes. They might look underbaked, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a bit before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their soft texture.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly soft and delicious pumpkin cookies every time! Enjoy baking! 🍪
Maple Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Cookies:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple Drizzle (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (to thicken slightly, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 10-12 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to allow your cookies to cool for about 30 minutes or so before frosting them. In total, expect to spend about an hour from start to finish, including cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your cookies will bake perfectly. While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. Add in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and well blended.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This step ensures that all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix as this could make the cookies tough.
5. Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto each prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each dollop because the cookies will spread a little as they bake.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, the tops look dry, and the centers still feel soft to the touch. Avoid overbaking for the best results!
7. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use a hand mixer to beat until creamy and smooth. Then add in the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing until you achieve a fluffy frosting consistency.
9. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies have completely cooled, take a generous amount of the maple cream cheese frosting and spread it over the top of each cookie.
10. (Optional) Add Maple Drizzle:
If you want some extra flair, mix together the maple syrup and powdered sugar (if using) in a small bowl and drizzle it over the frosted cookies for an additional touch of sweetness and decoration.
11. Let It Set:
Allow the frosting to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Your cookies will be ready to enjoy or can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Enjoy your soft and flavorful pumpkin cookies topped with divine maple cream cheese frosting! These treats are perfect for sharing or for yourself with a cozy cup of tea!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin by roasting a small pumpkin, scooping out the flesh, and blending it until smooth. Just make sure to measure out 1 cup after pureeing.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum for the best texture. The cookies should still turn out delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them without frosting for up to 3 months. Just thaw and frost when ready to serve!
Can I Change the Frosting Flavor?
Definitely! You can experiment with different flavored extracts, like almond or maple, or add cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Just adjust the powdered sugar accordingly to maintain the right consistency.
