Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to celebrate pumpkin season, then you’ve come to the right place! This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is a family favorite that brings smiles to kids and adults alike. With every bite, you’ll experience the warm, cozy flavors of fall wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your baking routine.

Baking these cookies not only fills your home with an irresistible aroma but also creates sweet memories as you share them with loved ones. Imagine nibbling on one of these soft delights while sipping your favorite warm drink—pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for bakers of any skill level.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the soft texture and delicious pumpkin flavor.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be refrigerated for later baking, making it easy to prepare ahead of time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for parties, picnics, or simply enjoying at home.
• Deliciously Festive: With the spices and pumpkin puree, they capture the essence of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is made with love and care using these pantry staples.

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ⅓ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

For the Rolling Sugar

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be customized to suit your taste! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in each cookie.
• Include Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Glaze Instead of Frosting: Drizzle a simple glaze over the cookies if you prefer something less rich than cream cheese frosting.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven ready ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until creamy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that light, soft texture we all love.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the pumpkin puree, room-temperature egg, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together at low speed until well combined. The pumpkin adds moisture and gives flavor while helping achieve that wonderful softness.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps distribute them evenly into the dough.

Step 5: Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients in a few additions. Beat on low speed after each addition and scrape down the sides of the bowl. This step is important to ensure everything is well combined without overmixing!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough for easier handling when rolling into balls.

Step 7: Prepare Sugar Mixture

While the dough chills, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will give your cookies a lovely sweet crust!

Step 8: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in the sugar-cinnamon mixture before placing them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Leave about an inch between each cookie since they will spread while baking.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Gently press each cookie down slightly using a spoon or your palm before baking them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. They should be slightly browned at the edges but still soft in the center.

Step 10: Cool & Prepare Frosting

Remove them from the oven and let cool completely on wire racks while you whip up your cream cheese frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar until incorporated.

Step 11: Frost & Enjoy!

Once cooled completely, spread that creamy frosting generously on top of each cookie. Optionally sprinkle with additional cinnamon for an extra touch! Now grab one (or two) and enjoy these delicious treats!

These Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are sure to be a hit this season—happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a wonderful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps them blend more easily for a smooth dough, resulting in soft and tender cookies.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, leading to thick, soft cookies.

• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Removing them from the oven when the edges are just slightly browned will keep them soft and chewy.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the recipe! Adding more cinnamon or even a pinch of cloves can enhance the warm flavors of fall in your cookies.

• Make ahead and freeze: These cookies freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or plastic bag. They’re perfect for pulling out whenever a pumpkin craving strikes.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Presenting your delicious pumpkin sugar cookies is just as important as making them! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Lightly sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top of the frosted cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

• Chopped Nuts: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of each cookie before serving for added crunch and flavor that complements the pumpkin nicely.

Side Dishes

• Apple Cider: A warm mug of apple cider pairs wonderfully with these cookies, enhancing their cozy vibes—perfect for autumn gatherings.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between warm cookies and cold ice cream, creating a delicious treat that everyone will love.

• Coffee or Tea: A nice cup of brewed coffee or herbal tea makes an excellent accompaniment, bringing out the spices in the cookies while providing a comforting drink option.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with these delightful Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! Enjoy sharing the warmth of autumn through baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, and they store beautifully, making them a delightful treat whenever you need one.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For the best results, reheat cookies in the oven at 350F for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, use a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices in the Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg combined. This will give your cookies that warm autumn flavor.

How do I ensure my Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies stay soft?

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just slightly browned. Also, proper storage is key—make sure they’re kept in an airtight container!

Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese frosting ahead and store it separately in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before spreading it on your cookies.

What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just ensure that it’s suitable for baking!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they bring warmth and joy to any gathering or quiet moment at home. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them yourself, these cookies are bound to become a favorite. Happy baking!