There’s something magical about baking in the fall — the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice drifting through the kitchen instantly makes the house feel warmer. These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are one of my family’s all-time favorites. They’re soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, and the tangy-sweet frosting takes them from simple to irresistible.
These cookies are like little bites of pumpkin cake, topped with a creamy swirl that makes you want “just one more.” Whether you’re baking for your family, bringing a tray to a fall gathering, or simply treating yourself with a cup of coffee, these cookies will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen too.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cookies
These cookies are everything fall baking should be — soft, spiced, and topped with the perfect frosting.
Soft & fluffy: Light, cake-like cookies that melt in your mouth.
Perfectly frosted: A creamy cream cheese topping adds just the right tangy sweetness.
Fall favorite: Easy to bake and always a hit at family gatherings or with friends.
In Our Home… 🍪
Pumpkin cookies became a family favorite in our house the very first time I baked them. My kids hovered around the oven, waiting for that cozy pumpkin spice aroma to fill the kitchen.
When I frosted the first batch, they disappeared almost instantly — warm, fluffy, and sweet with just the right touch of tang from the frosting.
Now, every fall, these cookies mark the start of baking season in our home. My son loves his with extra frosting, and my daughter sneaks one before I’ve even finished the batch.
I love making them to share with friends and neighbors. For us, they aren’t just cookies — they’re part of what makes autumn feel so special. 🍂
Ingredient Spotlight:
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookies. It gives structure while keeping them soft and tender.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The leavening duo that helps the cookies puff up and stay light instead of dense.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: The heart of the flavor! A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that makes every bite taste like fall.
Salt: A little salt brings balance, enhancing all the sweet and spiced flavors.
Butter: Adds richness and that classic cookie flavor while keeping the texture soft.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: A mix of the two adds sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar also gives a subtle caramel note.
Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient! It adds natural sweetness, flavor, and moisture for that perfectly soft texture.
Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the cookies structure.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out all the cozy pumpkin spice flavors.
Cream Cheese & Butter (for Frosting): The creamy, tangy duo that turns these cookies into something extra special.
How to make Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Preheat & prepare: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter & sugars: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
Add pumpkin & flavorings: Mix in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Scrape down the bowl to combine fully.
Combine wet & dry: Add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir just until blended. The dough will be soft and sticky.
Scoop & bake: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake 13–15 minutes, until set around the edges and puffed in the center.
Cool completely: Let cookies rest on the pan for 2–3 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool fully.
Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar; beat until just combined and creamy.
Frost & serve: Spread frosting on cooled cookies with an offset spatula. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or pumpkin spice before serving.
👩🍳 Baker’s Tips
Too sticky? Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes to make scooping easier.
Make ahead: Unfrosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Frost right before serving.
Frosting twist: Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice directly to the frosting for extra flavor.
For sharing: These cookies look beautiful stacked on a fall platter with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
✅ Frosting Variations You Should Try
While cream cheese frosting is the classic choice, you can mix things up with these ideas:
Maple Glaze: A simple icing made with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk.
Brown Butter Frosting: Nutty, rich, and a little extra decadent.
Vanilla Buttercream: For a sweeter, classic cookie topping.
Caramel Drizzle: Salted caramel sauce lightly drizzled over the top.
Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream: A light, airy option for those who don’t want something too rich.
⭐️ My personal favorite is cream cheese frosting mixed with some pumpkins spice for extra flavor!
🎃 Did You Know?
Pumpkin cookies are often described as “mini pumpkin cakes” because of their soft, fluffy texture.
The earliest pumpkin cookie recipes in the U.S. date back to the late 1800s, when home cooks started baking with canned pumpkin.
Pumpkin puree not only adds flavor — it naturally keeps cookies moist without needing extra fat.
These cookies are lighter than traditional drop cookies, making them perfect for frosting.
Pumpkin cookies pair especially well with warm drinks like coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider.
🍂 Bake a Little Happiness
There’s just something about baking pumpkin cookies that feels like a hug from the inside out. The smell of pumpkin and spice drifting through the kitchen, the frosting swirls, the way everyone seems to gather around waiting for that first taste — it’s pure comfort.
I hope you’ll take a little time to bake these cookies, not just for the flavor, but for the feeling they bring. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon treat or a fun baking day with your kids, these cookies have a way of turning simple moments into sweet memories. So grab your mixing bowl, turn on some music, and let the warmth of fall fill your home — one soft, spiced cookie at a time.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
These easy pumpkin cookies are spiced, tender, and frosted with creamy goodness — the perfect fall treat for family and friends.
For Cookie Batter
For Frosting
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); line baking sheets with parchment.
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt; set aside.
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Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
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Stir in dry ingredients just until combined; dough will be soft and sticky.
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Scoop rounded tablespoons onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
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Bake 13–15 minutes, until edges are set and tops are puffed.
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Cool on pan for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until creamy.
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Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or pumpkin spice.
