Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
These Pumpkin Cookies are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm fall spices. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they're the perfect autumn dessert for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and cozy sweater weather.
If you love pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread, you'll love these cookies.
The Origins of Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin desserts have deep roots in American cooking dating back to Colonial New England. Early settlers quickly adopted pumpkins as a staple ingredient because they were abundant, affordable, and easy to grow.
As pumpkin pie became a Thanksgiving tradition, bakers began incorporating pumpkin puree into cakes, breads, muffins, and cookies.
Today, pumpkin cookies are one of the most searched fall desserts every year.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
Soft cake-like texture
Real pumpkin flavor
Warm fall spices
Cream cheese frosting
Perfect for holiday gatherings
Ingredients
Pumpkin Cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cloves
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2
Whisk together:
Flour, Baking powder, Baking soda, Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves.
Step 3
Beat butter and sugars until fluffy.
Add:
Egg, Pumpkin puree, and Vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Step 4
Gradually add dry ingredients.
Mix until combined.
Step 5
Drop rounded spoonfuls onto baking sheets.
Bake for 12-14 minutes.
Step 6
Allow cookies to cool completely.
Step 7
Prepare frosting.
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
Frost cooled cookies.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Coffee
Hot Apple Cider
Chai Tea
Hot Chocolate
Storage
Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Cookies are soft, fluffy, and full of cozy fall flavor. Topped with cream cheese frosting, they're one of the best pumpkin desserts you'll bake all season.
More Fall Recipes You'll Love
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Bread
Molasses Cookies
Snickerdoodles
Gingerbread Cookies
Apple Pie Cookies
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Sweet Potato Pie