Description
Soft and tender pumpkin sugar cookies infused with warm spices and coated in cinnamon sugar, topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting and festive fall sprinkles, perfect for autumn gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
Frosting
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Decorations
- Fall sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat together the salted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the pumpkin butter and the egg, mixing until fully combined. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, beating until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, then gently roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly. Place the coated dough balls about 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 minutes, then rotate the pan for even baking and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes until the edges begin to set. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet to firm up.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cookies cool, use an electric mixer to beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, generously frost each cookie with the cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle fall-themed sprinkles on top to add a festive touch.
- Storage: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container. They will keep fresh for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can help prevent excessive spreading.
- The cinnamon sugar coating adds an extra layer of flavor and texture; don’t skip it!
- Frost the cookies only once completely cooled to avoid melting the frosting.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to prolong freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin sugar cookies, soft pumpkin cookies, cream cheese frosting cookies, fall cookies, autumn desserts, cinnamon sugar cookies
