Name: Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-496654H58M59S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, plus more for rolling; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling; Pinch of kosher salt

Jump to Recipe·4 from 2 reviews

I absolutely adore baking this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe whenever the fall season rolls around. There’s something so comforting about the warm spices mingling with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and that luscious cream cheese frosting that finishes it all perfectly. These cookies are my go-to treat when I want to share a cozy, homemade dessert that feels both festive and familiar. I’m excited to share with you why this recipe has such a special place in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

From the very first bite, I fell in love with the flavor profile of these cookies. The blend of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a tender, moist cookie that’s perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Then, topping each cookie with a smooth cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast that elevates the entire experience. It’s that combination of fall flavors with a creamy finish that absolutely wins me over every time I bake this recipe.

What also makes this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a favorite of mine is how straightforward it is to prepare. I love recipes that feel special but don’t require a dozen complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Plus, these cookies are fantastic for so many occasions—whether it’s a casual family gathering, a holiday party, or just a weeknight indulgence. They stand out because they offer that perfect cozy taste with an easy approach, which is all I need to keep me baking them season after season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a baking tray lined with white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. There are eight small, round dough balls evenly spaced in two columns and four rows on the tray. To the left, a small white bowl with a smooth white powder is set. On the right side, a large glass bowl contains thick, light brown dough with a spoon resting inside. A woman's hand is partly visible near the mixing bowl. The background includes a blue and white striped cloth and an orange pumpkin placed atop the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, classic ingredients that come together to create a wonderfully textured and flavorful cookie. Each item plays its part, whether it’s the pumpkin giving moisture and color, the spices adding warmth, or the cream cheese frosting bringing that silky richness.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies, making sure they hold their soft but sturdy shape.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, keeping them tender without being cakey.
Pumpkin pie spice: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that adds classic autumn warmth.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors to make them pop.
Butter (softened): Adds richness and creates a tender crumb in the cookies.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives a slight crunch when rolled before baking.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show that keeps these cookies moist and beautifully autumnal.
Large egg: Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor and complements the pumpkin perfectly.
Cream cheese (softened): Creates the smooth, tangy frosting that tops each cookie.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and makes it silky smooth for spreading.
Ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on top for a finishing touch of spice and visual appeal.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This dry mix is what gives the cookies their signature texture and flavor, so take a moment to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 3: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until nicely blended. The mixture should look creamy and smooth at this point.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should hold together but remain tender.

Step 5: Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll each portion in granulated sugar for a pretty, crackly coating. Place each rolled dough ball on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 6: Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Don’t worry if the centers look a bit soft—that’s perfect. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before moving on.

Step 7: While cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a small spatula or a butter knife to frost the top of each cookie. Finish them off by sprinkling a little extra cinnamon on top for that charming, festive touch.

Servings and Timing

This Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe makes about 40 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying over several days. The prep time is roughly 20 minutes, with about 10 minutes of baking time per batch. Including cooling and frosting, you’ll want to allow around 1 hour from start to finish to enjoy these treats at their best.

How to Serve This Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a metal cooling rack holding 18 round cookies arranged in 3 rows and 6 columns. Each cookie is golden-brown with a smooth layer of creamy white frosting on top, spread evenly but with a slightly soft texture. The rack is placed on a wooden surface, and in the upper right corner, there are two small orange pumpkins and a wrinkled gray cloth. The whole scene is bright and warm with a cozy, homemade feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these cookies at family gatherings or holiday celebrations because they instantly bring a warm, festive vibe to the table. They are best enjoyed at room temperature so the frosting stays creamy but the cookies have the perfect soft bite. For a lovely presentation, I like arranging them on a rustic wooden board, garnished with a few cinnamon sticks and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy these cookies is paired with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich chai latte, which complement the pumpkin and cinnamon perfectly. For adult gatherings, a smooth cream sherry or a light, fruity wine works surprisingly well alongside the sweet, creamy flavors. Offering these cookies alongside a pumpkin or cinnamon-scented tea also creates a cozy vibe that your guests will love.

These cookies are so versatile that they’re wonderful for casual snacks during a chilly afternoon or dressed up for holiday cookie exchanges and parties. Since they’re individually sized, you can easily portion them out, and their creamy frosting adds a touch of elegance no matter how you serve them.

Variations

If you want to switch things up, I’ve found this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if you have dietary restrictions—just note the texture may be slightly different but still delicious. For a vegan-friendly option, try swapping the butter for dairy-free margarine, using a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and making a frosting with vegan cream cheese alternatives.

Flavor-wise, I sometimes add a bit of orange zest to either the cookie dough or frosting for a burst of citrus brightness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin. Another fun twist is to sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting instead of cinnamon for added crunch and nuttiness.

For something a bit different, you can bake the cookie dough as bars instead of individual cookies, then frost and slice them into squares. This is a great option when you need to make a large batch quickly. Whatever variation you choose, these pumpkin sugar cookies remain a fall favorite in my recipe box.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them at room temperature, just limit that to a day or two to be safe.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these cookies! I like to freeze them unfrosted on a baking sheet first, then transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw completely and then frost with cream cheese frosting fresh, so it stays nice and creamy.

Reheating

If you want to warm your cookies, I suggest removing the frosting and heating the cookies gently in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warming the unfrosted cookie in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. Then, add the frosting again if homemade, so you get that perfect creamy texture. Avoid microwaving frosted cookies directly for too long, as the frosting can become oily or separate.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually what I use most often. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute dairy butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) in place of the egg, and make vegan cream cheese frosting with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavors remain delightful.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough a day ahead and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking. You can also bake the cookies in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer as described.

What’s the best way to roll the cookie dough in sugar?

I like to use a small bowl filled with granulated sugar and roll each dough ball gently until coated. This adds a nice sparkle and slight crunch to the cookie’s surface after baking, which I love.

Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?

You can, but honestly, I think it’s what makes these cookies so unforgettable! If you prefer a lighter treat, you could dust them with powdered sugar or enjoy them plain, but the frosting really brings everything together.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a try — it’s one of my absolute favorites to make and share. There’s something magical about the fall spices, creamy frosting, and soft pumpkin-infused cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring joy and comfort to your kitchen.