Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

There is something truly magical about Soft Pumpkin Cookies that just screams cozy autumn afternoons and warm kitchen memories. These delightfully tender cookies are packed with the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin intertwined with the perfect blend of warm spices, giving each bite a comforting hug of sweetness and spice. What makes these Soft Pumpkin Cookies stand out is their melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting that elevates them from ordinary to absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to friends, or just sneaking a few yourself, these cookies are sure to become a cherished seasonal favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With such a simple yet thoughtful list of ingredients, these Soft Pumpkin Cookies achieve a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a crucial role—from the spices that bring warmth, to the pumpkin puree that keeps the cookies moist and tender.

• All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness without puffing too much.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the dough with a sweet, warming spice essential to pumpkin treats.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds an earthy depth that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Ground cloves: A little goes a long way to deepen the cookie’s spice profile.
• Salt: Elevates all the sweet and spicy flavors, balancing the overall taste.
• Unsalted butter (two kinds): Gives richness and tenderness to both the cookie and the frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while allowing the pumpkin flavor to shine through.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that makes these cookies unmistakably autumnal and soft.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Lends a subtle, fragrant sweetness to both dough and frosting.
• Cream cheese: Creates a dreamy, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the spice.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to luscious perfection without grit.
• Milk or heavy cream: Adjusts frosting consistency for that perfect spreadable texture.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. This step evenly distributes the leaveners and spices so every cookie gets a burst of flavor and the right rise.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is key for airiness and ensuring your cookies aren’t dense but instead delightfully tender.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin Puree, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until the dough is smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides so everything blends beautifully.

Step 4: Slowly Add the Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low, gradually fold in the dry ingredients. Stop mixing as soon as you see the flour disappear – overmixing can toughen your Soft Pumpkin Cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to scoop and shaping the final texture of the cookies.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of the chilled dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just start turning a light golden brown and the centers are set. This timing gives you that classic softness while fully cooked.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to rest on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling properly ensures they hold their shape and don’t crumble when frosted.

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In your mixer bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.

Step 11: Add Vanilla and Adjust Consistency

Mix in vanilla extract, then add milk or heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until your frosting is spreadable but firm enough to hold its shape.

Step 12: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, generously frost each with the cream cheese mixture, turning each cookie into a little piece of autumn bliss.

Step 13: Optional Decorations

If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle chopped nuts, cinnamon dust, or autumn-themed sprinkles on top to make these Soft Pumpkin Cookies even more delightful to the eye and palate.

Step 14: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container. These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but keep wonderfully for a few days refrigerated.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of cinnamon powder or a few toasted pecan pieces sprinkled over the cream cheese frosting adds a lovely hint of texture and visual appeal. Decorative sprinkles can make these cookies perfect for a festive celebration or gift giving.

Side Dishes

Pair your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with warm beverages like a spiced chai latte, hot apple cider, or a rich cup of coffee. The spices in the drink and cookie complement each other, creating a cozy flavor experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Soft Pumpkin Cookies on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks for a charming seasonal display. Alternatively, stack them with parchment paper layers and tie with twine for adorable edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your frosted Soft Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from spoiling and maintains the cookies’ soft texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container or bag once firm. When ready, thaw, then frost for freshly made taste. The dough can also be frozen before baking for convenience.

Reheating

If you prefer your Soft Pumpkin Cookies warm, gently microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or heat in a low oven for a few minutes. Just avoid overheating as the frosting may melt.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling has added spices and sugars which can throw off the flavor balance and texture of the cookies.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

For a similar tangy richness, try mascarpone cheese or a thick Greek yogurt-based frosting, though the texture and taste will vary slightly from classic cream cheese.

Are these Soft Pumpkin Cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend with similar results, but watch for potential texture differences.

How long will these cookies stay soft?

Stored properly in an airtight container, the cookies remain delightfully soft for up to 3 days, especially with the creamy frosting sealing in moisture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chilling the dough for up to 24 hours not only makes it easier to handle but also deepens the flavor, resulting in even tastier Soft Pumpkin Cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking Soft Pumpkin Cookies from scratch—the way your kitchen fills with warm spices, the tender crumb of each bite, and that creamy frosting finishing touch. These cookies are a true celebration of autumn flavors wrapped up in a soft, sweet package that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your mixing bowl, embrace the joy of baking, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these fall-time favorites!

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