Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These pumpkin spice sugar cookies are soft, tender, and filled with warm autumn flavor. Made with real pumpkin puree and cozy pumpkin pie spice, they bake up thick and chewy. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a seasonal treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To prepare the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Spread or pipe the frosting onto the completely cooled cookies. Sprinkle with a light dusting of cinnamon if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal per cookie