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Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful pumpkin cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned; avoid pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (add brown sugar for deeper flavor)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (swap for melted butter for richer taste)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature for best results)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  5. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Baking
  1. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  2. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
  3. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on each cookie.
Serving
  1. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later.

Notes

Feel free to get creative! Add chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles for festive occasions. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.