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Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Soft Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful fall treat featuring a tender, spiced pumpkin-infused dough topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. These cookies combine cozy autumn flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with a moist texture, perfect for seasonal gatherings or a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream), for desired consistency

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until evenly mixed. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add Pumpkin Puree, Egg, and Vanilla: Beat in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours to enhance flavor and firmness.
  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  7. Scoop and Shape the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
  9. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese (Frosting): In a clean large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  11. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar (Frosting): Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth.
  12. Add Vanilla Extract and Milk (Frosting): Stir in the vanilla extract, then add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your preferred consistency.
  13. Frost the Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting evenly atop each cookie.
  14. Optional Decorations: If desired, garnish the frosted cookies with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a light dusting of cinnamon for extra flavor and presentation.
  15. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the frosted cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, consume within a few days.

Notes

  • Ensure pumpkin puree is plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
  • Do not overmix dough to keep cookies soft and tender.
  • Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving for best taste.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cookies, soft cookies, cream cheese frosting, fall desserts, pumpkin spice cookies

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/soft-pumpkin-cookies-recipe/